Grantee Research

Are Law Degrees as Valuable to Minorities?

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

9-2017

Keywords

earnings premium, value of a law degree, race

Abstract

We estimate the increase in earnings from a law degree relative to a bachelor’s degree for graduates of different race/ethnic groups. Law earnings premiums are higher for whites than for minorities (excluding individuals raised outside the U.S.). The median annual law earnings premium is approximately $41,000 for whites, $34,000 for Asians, $33,000 for blacks, and $28,000 for Hispanics. Law earnings premiums for whites, blacks and Hispanics have trended upward and appear to be gradually converging. Approximately 90 percent of law graduates are white compared to approximately 82 percent of bachelor’s degree holders.

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Related research:

Frank McIntyre & Michael Simkovic, Timing Law School (2016), https://arc.accesslex.org/grantee/26/

Frank McIntyre & Michael Simkovic, Value of a Law Degree by College Major (2016), https://arc.accesslex.org/grantee/24/

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