The article presents an econometric analysis of the interrelationships between law school tuition levels, law school quality, law faculty salaries, and the starting salaries of graduates. It then analyzes recent data and concludes that, while tuition increases have outpaced starting salaries, law school attendance is still a good investment.…

The paper details likely incomes and living costs of law graduates as related to educational costs and debts. Concern is expressed about the deterrent effect of potential high debt on minorities and an approach to financial aid which would take minority status into account is urged. (Author/DB)

Surveys of graduating students (n=336 and 917, respectively) at four lower-cost and five higher-cost law schools examined effects of various levels of student debt burden on career plans. High debt amounts were slightly related to taking a job in large private law firms. Debt burdens of one in five or six students was judged to be too high. (DB)