Temple University Beasley School of Law is among the most competitive schools nationwide, and unmatched regionally, on the measure of salary-to-debt ratio according to a June 2025 article in US News & World Report. Graduates report a 2023 median private sector starting salary of $150,000 and an average 2024 graduate debt of $79,125, yielding a 1.90-to-1 salary-to-debt ratio that highlights Temple Law’s ability to provide a nationally respected education while enabling graduates to earn high salaries at a reasonable cost.
“Providing access to an affordable, high quality legal education has always been one of the Law School’s strengths,” said Johanne Johnston, Assistant Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid. “We know that cost and affordability are factors students consider when choosing a law school, and it’s affirming to see our strengths in those areas reflected in these rankings.”
Behind those numbers, collected by the Office of Career Services, graduates are finding success across a wide range of law firm sizes and industries. Of the 102 graduates entering law firms from the class of 2023, about 53% joined firms with more than 100 attorneys, while 47% chose firms with fewer than 100. At the highest end, 36.3% joined firms with more than 500 attorneys, where starting salaries typically reach or exceed $200,000. Nearly a third opted for firms with fewer than 50 attorneys, where compensation varies widely.
“For prospective students, considering the cost of a legal education is more important than ever given the recent changes to the federal student loan programs,” Johnston said. “We hope that our focus on affordability, and the strong results our students achieve in employment outcomes, will continue to appeal to prospective students.”
The 13 graduates entering Business & Industry took roles in areas such as Big Four accounting, banking and finance, consulting, and pharmaceuticals—fields that likewise offer a broad salary spectrum.
“Students most commonly secure these positions through working with the Office of Career Services, Student Services, faculty, and by networking with Temple Law alumni,” said Associate Dean of Career Services Jim Walsh. “Experiences and connections made during their time at Temple Law play outsized roles in these outcomes.”
Internships and practicums were especially important for students at the largest firms, while Temple Law’s renowned tax faculty helped students break into competitive corporate and accounting roles.
Evening Division students also excel, building on prior professional success to secure outstanding roles while earning their J.D. “Many of our evening students are exceptionally successful prior to coming to law school and continue to flourish while here, obtaining amazing roles on the basis of their Temple Law J.D. as well as the experience they built before and during law school,” Walsh noted.
Beyond salary numbers, Temple Law stands out for affordable tuition and low graduate debt. “If you scroll through the complete salary-to-debt ranking on U.S. News, there are only a handful of law schools with lower average student debt than Temple Law,” Walsh said. “And there are even fewer of those schools based in major metropolitan areas.”
This financial advantage allows graduates to follow their passions. “Private sector median salary aside, the exceptionally low average debt of Temple Law graduates enables our students to comfortably pursue careers in the public sector, working for public interest organizations or the government, where they can prioritize service to others,” Walsh added.