Best Schools for Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies

Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies graduates earn a median of $65,906 within four years of graduating, ranking #147 out of 283 tracked majors — 5% above the median across all fields. There are 5 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 109 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Drexel University graduates earn $87,416 while Winona State University graduates earn $48,808 — a $38,608 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap. Across all fields, though, which major you pick separates earnings more than which college does.

Schools

$65,906

Avg. 2yr Earnings

#147

of 283 Majors

109

Graduates

Public vs Private: Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies

Public (3 schools)

$55,152

avg. 2yr earnings

Private (2 schools)

$87,416

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $32,264 more in early earnings on average for Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies by State

Top Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Schools by Graduate Earnings

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private

$87,416

4yr Earnings

16 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 77.5%

James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public

Winona State University

Winona, MN · Public

$48,808

4yr Earnings

17 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 68.5%

Amherst College

Amherst, MA · Private

$37,208

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 9.8%

Pennsylvania Western University

California, PA · Public

$37,208

2yr Earnings

25 grads · small sample

1yr: $51,279 (25)

Grads: 25

Acceptance: 93.7%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $36,018 Apparel and Textiles $35,971 Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences $35,911 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $35,835 Funeral Service and Mortuary Science $35,803 Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) $35,685

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies?

Drexel University ranks #1 for Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies with median graduate earnings of $87,416 within four years of graduating. There are 5 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.

How much do Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies graduates earn?

Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies graduates earn an average of $65,906 within four years of graduating. This is near the median across all majors. Earnings range from $48,808 to $87,416 depending on the school.

How hard is it to get into a top Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies program?

The average acceptance rate across Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies programs is 65.2%. The most selective program is at Amherst College with a 9.8% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.

Is a public or private school better for Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies?

Private Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies programs average $87,416 in early earnings vs $55,152 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders, from the field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release — Scorecard publishes the two separately.

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