Compliance Law: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for professionals seeking expertise in regulatory governance, this program provides a rigorous academic foundation in the legal and ethical frameworks that shape organizational conduct. It equips students with the analytical tools needed to navigate complex compliance environments across industries, ensuring alignment with evolving legal standards and corporate accountability.
- Regulatory Compliance: Explores the mechanisms and legal requirements for adhering to federal, state, and international regulations across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and environmental management.
- Corporate Ethics and Governance: Examines ethical decision-making frameworks, corporate responsibility, and the role of leadership in fostering integrity within organizational cultures.
- Internal Monitoring and Auditing: Focuses on designing and implementing systems to detect, assess, and report potential violations, ensuring proactive risk mitigation.
- Legal and Policy Analysis: Develops advanced skills in interpreting statutes, regulations, and policy documents to inform compliance strategies and operational decisions.
- Enforcement and Risk Management: Investigates the consequences of non-compliance, including legal penalties and reputational damage, and strategies for minimizing organizational exposure.
Compliance Law Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Compliance Law Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Compliance Law degrees, including Lawyers and Law Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 770,550 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyers 23-1011 | $151,160 | $72,780 - $239,200 | 747,750 | $72.67 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1112 | $126,650 | $58,330 - $239,200 | 22,800 | N/A |
Compliance Law Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $79,245 in Mississippi to $172,710 in Delaware—a 118% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, Massachusetts, and Colorado. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 770,550 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Compliance Law by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Compliance Law programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Compliance Law is found at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) (12 graduates), and University of North Georgia (UNG) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 16 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
12 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| University of North Georgia (UNG) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Dahlonega, Georgia | Public | ung.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Compliance Law programs
How much can I earn with a Compliance Law degree?
Salaries for Compliance Law graduates vary by role and location. Lawyers earn a median of $151,160 annually, while Law Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $126,650. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $172,710 compared to $79,245 in Mississippi. Approximately 770,550 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Compliance Law programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Compliance Law degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) (12 graduates), University of North Georgia (UNG) (4 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Compliance Law degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Lawyers, Law Teachers, Postsecondary, . Related occupations employ approximately 770,550 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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