Analysis
A bachelor's degree in legal support services costing over $32,000 in debt for work that peer programs nationally suggest pays around $36,900 in the first year creates a tight financial situation. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 means nearly a full year's salary would go toward debt repayment—manageable, but leaving little margin for error in a field where four-year degrees aren't always the standard credential.
The challenge with Anna Maria's program is that we're working with estimates on both sides of the equation. With only 36 similar bachelor's programs reported nationally and limited data from Anna Maria specifically, we know legal support work at this credential level is relatively uncommon. Many paralegals and legal assistants enter the field through associate degrees or certificates that cost far less. When similar programs nationally carry a median debt of $27,875—about $5,000 less than Anna Maria's estimated load—the value proposition becomes questionable.
For a family evaluating this path, the key question is whether the bachelor's degree opens meaningfully better opportunities than cheaper alternatives. If your child needs the four-year credential for specific career goals or geographic mobility, understand they'll likely face several years of careful budgeting after graduation. If they're simply interested in legal support work, exploring associate-level programs with lower debt loads deserves serious consideration before committing to this investment.
Where Anna Maria College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Legal Support Services bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Anna Maria CollegePaxton | $43,064 | $36,900* | — | $32,701* | — |
 Roger Williams UniversityBristol | $42,666 | $51,445* | $43,076 | $19,619* | 0.38 |
 SUNY College of Technology at CantonCanton | $8,689 | $48,269* | $41,745 | $30,708* | 0.64 |
 Stevenson UniversityOwings Mills | $39,708 | $46,661* | $47,122 | $27,000* | 0.58 |
 Peirce CollegePhiladelphia | $15,060 | $46,406* | $45,401 | $47,341* | 1.02 |
 University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati | $13,570 | $45,549* | $54,323 | $25,258* | 0.55 |
| National Median | — | $36,900* | — | $27,875* | 0.76 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with legal support services graduates
Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Interpreters and Translators
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Legal Support Workers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Anna Maria College, approximately 34% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 36 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.