Legal Studies at University of the District of Columbia

Washington, DC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
56 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
56
Optimistic
56
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $43,778/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (26% exposed)
Job Market Large (44,000 openings/yr)
ROI 23.5x earnings multiple (11.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 37 Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

The University of the District of Columbia’s General Legal Studies program leverages its prime location in Washington, D.C., a global epicenter for legal and policy work. This isn't just a generic pre-law track; it’s designed to equip you with practical skills for immediate entry into the robust D.C. legal market. The city's concentration of federal agencies, international organizations, major law firms, and advocacy groups creates consistent, high demand for skilled legal support professionals like paralegals and legal assistants. Your education benefits from proximity to these employers and the practical, job-focused curriculum needed for direct entry. To maximize your prospects, prioritize securing internships with D.C.-based legal departments or firms during your studies to build crucial connections and experience.

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 $584K $579K $544K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 23.7x 23.5x 22.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 11.2x 11.1x 10.5x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 56 56 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$24,608
Out-of-state: $52,016 (11.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,772
-139% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$37,650
10.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,910
41% growth from Year 1

About University of the District of Columbia

a compact campus enrolling 3,080 students in Washington, DC. Pell Grant recipients make up 43% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of the District of Columbia →

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

Legal Studies at Other Schools

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of the District of Columbia's Legal Studies program score?
This program scores 56/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Legal Studies graduates.
Why does University of the District of Columbia rank so high for Legal Studies?
The #2 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 →