Legal Studies at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,886/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (26% exposed)
Job Market Large (44,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.8x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 37 Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Your Berkeley General Legal Studies degree provides a strong academic foundation in legal theory and critical analysis, highly valued across the competitive Bay Area job market. While initial roles may be in legal support or paralegal functions, your rigorous training and the prestigious UC Berkeley network are powerful assets. This program isn't just about technical skills; it's about developing sophisticated problem-solving abilities that prepare you for diverse paths, whether advancing into specialized legal operations within tech companies, government agencies, or pursuing law school. The local economy’s demand for talent, particularly in corporate law, IP, and regulatory compliance, means a Berkeley credential carries significant weight. To truly leverage this, prioritize securing internships with Bay Area law firms or corporate legal departments throughout your studies.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Legal Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $714K $702K $652K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.0x 11.8x 11.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.9x 3.8x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 53 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,400
Out-of-state: $182,508 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,916
-1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,000
3.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$78,127
78% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Berkeley

University of California-Berkeley's 12% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving a student body of 33,073 in Berkeley, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Berkeley →

Top Career Paths

Legal support workers, all other $68,760/yr
Paralegals and legal assistants $61,010/yr
View all 2 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of California-Berkeley's Legal Studies program score?
This program scores 53/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Legal Studies graduates.
Why does University of California-Berkeley rank so high for Legal Studies?
The #5 ranking out of 37 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →