Legal Career Resources

Is Law School Worth It? Analyzing Earnings vs. Debt from Law School Graduates
Download PDF
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

Law school graduates from certain institutions face a significant challenge in repaying student debt, as revealed by a recent study from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce. Four years post-graduation, many lawyers find their earnings heavily impacted by student loan repayments, with particularly stark contrasts between top-tier and low-tier law schools.

The Earnings Divide: Top vs. Bottom Law Schools

The study highlights a considerable disparity in post-graduation earnings among different law schools. At the higher end, graduates from 26 law schools reported median earnings of at least $100,000 annually, even after accounting for student debt. In stark contrast, graduates from 33 law schools earned less than $55,000 annually after four years, net of student debt.

Want to know if you’re earning what you deserve? Find out with LawCrossing’s salary surveys.

  
What
Where


Top Performers: Law Schools with High Earnings

Graduates from the following institutions achieved the highest net earnings four years after graduation:

  • Columbia University: $253,800
  • The University of Pennsylvania: $238,000
  • The University of Chicago: $230,700
  • Cornell University: $227,100
  • Stanford University: $227,100 (slightly lower than Cornell before debt)
  • Harvard University: $220,900
  • Northwestern University: $206,700

Struggling Schools: Law Schools with Lowest Earnings

On the opposite end of the spectrum, graduates from the following schools reported median earnings below $40,000:

  • The Appalachian School of Law: $35,600
  • Faulkner University: $35,200
  • The Thomas M. Cooley Law School: $33,200
  • Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School: $32,100
  • The Inter-American University of Puerto Rico School of Law: $29,000
  • Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico: $22,000

Whether you’re a recent law school grad or an experienced attorney, BCG Attorney Search has the job for you.

Get JD Journal in Your Mail

Subscribe to our FREE daily news alerts and get the latest updates on the most happening events in the legal, business, and celebrity world. You also get your daily dose of humor and entertainment!!




The Debt Burden

The study indicates that law school graduates’ median debt burden is $118,500. This considerable debt level exacerbates the financial challenges faced by graduates from lower-ranked institutions.

Conclusion

The findings from Georgetown University’s study underscore the importance of carefully considering the return on investment when choosing a law school. While top-tier institutions offer significant financial rewards, graduates from many lower-ranked schools struggle with substantial debt and relatively low earnings.

Don’t be a silent ninja! Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.



 

RELEVANT JOBS

Staff Attorney - Municipal

USA-CA-Agoura Hills

Staff Attorney, Responsibilities: Provide legal support and guidance  Advise clients on...

Apply now

Senior Family Law Attorney

USA-CA-Cupertino

Senior Family Attorney, Responsibilities: Draft and complete declarations of disclosure as req...

Apply now

Commercial Bankruptcy Associate

USA-NC-Winston Salem

Our Bankruptcy Team is searching for an associate with at least three years of bankruptcy experience...

Apply now

Commercial Bankruptcy Associate

USA-NC-Raleigh

Our Bankruptcy Team is searching for an associate with at least three years of bankruptcy experience...

Apply now

BCG FEATURED JOB

Locations:

Keyword:



Search Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with ...

Apply Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-Carlsbad

Carlsbad office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with 4-...

Apply Now

Education Law and Public Entity Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law and public ent...

Apply Now

SEARCH IN ARCHIVE

To Top