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Choosing the right career path involves weighing potential income against education costs. While lucrative in the long run, law school comes with substantial student debt. To assist aspiring lawyers, a nationwide study by Florida-based Anidjar & Levine reveals that the top 10 law schools in America have the highest alumni earnings, aiding in informed decision-making.
1. Cornell Law School, Ithaca, NY
- Two Years Post-Graduation: $172,867
- Four Years Post-Graduation: $249,283
- Median Debt: $162,830
Cornell Law School alumni lead the pack, with the highest earnings both two and four years after graduation. Graduates quickly outpace their student debt, showcasing a rapid return on investment.
2. Yale Law School, New Haven, CT
- Two Years Post-Graduation: $132,032
- Four Years Post-Graduation: $204,668
- Median Debt: $143,437
Yale University claims the second spot, with alumni salaries over $200,000 after four years. Graduates enjoy healthy income growth between the two and four-year milestones.
3. Duke University School of Law, Durham, NC
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- Two Years Post-Graduation: $168,098
- Four Years Post-Graduation: $202,454
- Median Debt: $138,376
Duke University School of Law ranks third, with a four-year salary over $200,000. Graduates also enjoy financial advantages with a lower overall education cost.
4. NYU School of Law, New York, NY
- Two Years Post-Graduation: $137,921
- Four Years Post-Graduation: $183,529
- Median Debt: $172,122
NYU School of Law alumni can anticipate annual earnings exceeding $100,000 within two years, with potential growth to over $50,000 per year by the four-year mark.
5. Georgetown Law School, Washington, D.C.
- Two Years Post-Graduation: $118,650
- Four Years Post-Graduation: $142,966
- Median Debt: $172,012
Georgetown Law School secures the fifth position, with a two-year salary exceeding $100,000. However, potential graduates should consider the median debt when evaluating the pros and cons.
6. Santa Clara University School of Law, Santa Clara, CA
- Two Years Post-Graduation: $86,424
- Four Years Post-Graduation: $128,612
- Median Debt: $181,198
Santa Clara University offers substantial salary growth from two to four years post-graduation, but their two-year salary is the lowest on the list.
7. University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law, Gainesville, FL
- Two Years Post-Graduation: $96,183
- Four Years Post-Graduation: $125,265
- Median Debt: $77,724
With the lowest median debt among top schools, University of Florida Levin College of Law graduates earn nearly $20,000 more than their education cost by the two-year mark.
8. Boston University School of Law, Boston, MA
- Two Years Post-Graduation: $96,829
- Four Years Post-Graduation: $118,134
- Median Debt: $112,443
Boston University School of Law graduates can expect a two-year salary of nearly $100,000, with eventual income surpassing their education cost.
9. Seton Hall School of Law, Newark, NJ
- Two Years Post-Graduation: $101,406
- Four Years Post-Graduation: $115,233
- Median Debt: $123,479
Seton Hall University School of Law alumni earn the ninth-highest wages four years after graduation, with substantial growth potential and the sixth-highest two-year salary.
10. Loyola University School of Law, Chicago, IL
- Two Years Post-Graduation: $97,071
- Four Years Post-Graduation: $110,658
- Median Debt: $114,856
Loyola University School of Law rounds off the list, offering nearly $100,000 in annual salary within two years, with further growth anticipated.
Conclusion:
Understanding the costs and potential earnings is crucial for those aspiring to a legal career. These top law schools offer insights into the financial prospects of pursuing a legal education and help prospective students make informed choices for their future.
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