Legal Studies at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
50 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
50
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,558/yr (-0% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (26% exposed)
Job Market Large (44,000 openings/yr)
ROI 13.4x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #9 of 37 Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Your outcomes from UW-Tacoma's General Legal Studies program are largely shaped by its location and the practical focus of the curriculum. The robust legal market across the Puget Sound region, from Tacoma to Seattle, consistently seeks qualified individuals for legal support and compliance roles. This degree isn't solely a pre-law pathway; it's designed to equip you for direct entry into careers like paralegal, legal assistant, or within corporate legal departments. The university's strong regional reputation helps open doors with local firms, government agencies, and businesses. You'll gain a broad legal foundation, making you versatile across various legal settings. To truly maximize your prospects, prioritize securing multiple internships throughout your studies to build practical experience and a professional network before graduation.

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 $699K $687K $640K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.4x 12.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.1x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 52% 50% 44%
DegreeOutlook Score 51 50 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,268
Out-of-state: $168,684 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,068
22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,512
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,073
87% growth from Year 1

About University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

With 83% of applicants admitted, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus prioritizes broad access, with a smaller student body of 3,989 in Tacoma, WA. With 40% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus →

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

Other Majors at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Legal Studies at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?
A score of 50/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Legal Studies field.
What makes University of Washington-Tacoma Campus's Legal Studies program stand out?
Ranked #9 of 37 programs nationally, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →