Best Legal Studies Degrees

A ranking of the best legal studies degrees. Ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

Updated on February 9, 2023

Are you interested in the law and justice system? Love a good courtroom drama? We've ranked the Best Legal Studies degrees just for you!

Whether you love to watch marathons of Law & Order or you simply love the idea of studying law and criminal justice, a degree in legal studies may be perfect for you. If you love research, fact-finding, and bringing the truth to light, you're already off to a great start.

Individuals who pursue careers in legal studies must be highly organized, great communicators, and avid learners. Paralegals and legal assistants work hard to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting important documents.

What kind of Legal Studies degree should you get?

With the rise of degree offerings in legal studies, it can be difficult to decide which program is best for you. Should you attend online or on-campus? Should you choose a concentration? Now that you've made the decision to earn a degree in legal studies, plenty of other decisions will follow. Luckily, we're here to help!

If you're considering an online education, we've got you covered. In fact, College Choice has ranked the Best Online Legal Studies Degrees for your convenience.

Accredited Online College Programs

Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.

How much money do people make with a degree in Legal Studies?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants is around $50,000 per year. Not a bad salary to fight for justice! And your salary will only increase with the more education and experience you have. Plus, you can pursue a number of different careers with a degree in legal studies and your salary will ultimately depend on your chosen path.

The BLS projects a growth of 15 percent in legal jobs from now till 2026. In fact, formally trained paralegals who possess strong computer and database management skills will have the best job prospects moving forward.

What can you do with a degree in Legal Studies?

Earning a degree in legal studies will open up many doors for graduates. Many folks who pursue a legal studies degree as an undergraduate will go on to complete a law degree. However, many others will go on to become legislative assistants, compliance officers, law enforcement officers, paralegals, and even real estate agents! You may also wish to become a social worker, probation officer, or a lawyer. All of these careers can be achieved by starting with a legal studies degree!

What are the best degrees in Legal Studies?

We've compiled a list of the top 20 best degrees in legal studies with you and your needs in mind. Here's how we did it:

First, we located the best programs in the country by taking an objective look at the best schools in the country as measured by reputation, student satisfaction, program quality, and return on investment. Then we looked at the bottom line – how much does it cost?

We combined these factors to reach our College Choice Score, which determined where each school fits into the big scheme of things. The end result is a list of schools that not only represent the best legal studies education you can get and a good return on investment but also one that will fit your budget. Check out our picks below!

Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.

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