Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $40,059 track close to the $39,560 national median for Legal Studies programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The 3.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.
AI risk is moderate — 26% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $22,000 debt-to-$40,059 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #24 out of 37 programs, Hamline University's financial outcomes for Legal Studies trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $40,059 to $65,092 over five years (62% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.