Is Penn State Law Worth It?
A comprehensive ROI analysis of Penn State Law, including cost of attendance, salary outcomes, employment rates, and career placement data.
Key Financial Metrics
Total Cost
$170,372
Median Starting Salary
$108,148
Payback Period
12-15 years
Employment Outcomes
85%
Employment Rate
11%
BigLaw Rate
18%
Public Interest
3%
Clerkship Rate
Full ROI Analysis
Penn State Law provides a mixed return on investment that depends significantly on individual circumstances. With a median starting salary of $108,148 and an employment rate of 85%, graduates can build successful careers, though the path to recouping educational costs takes longer than at higher-ranked institutions.
The BigLaw placement rate of 11% means that top students can access high-paying positions, but the majority of graduates enter mid-size firms, government, and public interest roles. Penn State Law's strength lies in its University Park connections and Pennsylvania legal community, where alumni loyalty and local reputation carry meaningful weight.
At $170,372 total cost, the ROI equation improves considerably with scholarship funding. Prospective students should carefully evaluate their scholarship offers and consider the school's bar passage rates and employment statistics before committing. Students with ties to Pennsylvania and a clear practice area in mind will get the most value from a Penn State Law degree.
Best For
- University Park-area legal practice
- Pennsylvania government roles
- Small to mid-size firm practice
- Public interest and legal aid
Key Considerations
- Total cost of $170,372 with moderate salary expectations
- BigLaw access limited to top of class
- Career outcomes strongest in University Park and Pennsylvania
- Scholarship negotiation critical for favorable ROI