Analysis
A bachelor's degree in legal support services from Baker College comes with an estimated debt burden of $32,700—substantially higher than what comparable programs in Michigan typically require. Legal support bachelor's programs statewide carry a median debt of $24,625, meaning Baker's students may be borrowing roughly $8,000 more for similar preparation. That extra debt matters when first-year earnings hover around $36,900, which puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.89—manageable but not comfortable.
The earnings picture based on peer programs nationwide suggests modest but stable financial outcomes. At roughly $37,000 initially, graduates enter a field where income growth typically comes through experience and specialization rather than dramatic early jumps. Michigan's legal support programs show similar patterns, with schools like Grand Valley producing slightly higher earners but still within a narrow band. The real challenge here isn't the earning potential—it's whether borrowing nearly a full year's salary makes sense when other Michigan programs appear to deliver comparable preparation at lower cost.
For parents weighing this investment, the central question is whether Baker's specific program offers advantages that justify the higher debt load. If your child has strong reasons to attend Baker—location, flexibility, or program structure—the numbers aren't prohibitive. But if comparable options exist nearby at lower cost, those deserve serious consideration given the estimated financial outcomes suggest fairly standardized returns across Michigan's legal support bachelor's programs.
Where Baker College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan
Legal Support Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,810 | $36,900* | — | $32,701* | — | |
| $14,628 | $40,778* | $47,792 | $21,500* | 0.53 | |
| $15,510 | $34,010* | — | —* | — | |
| 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 Baker College, approximately 38% 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.