Analysis
California's legal support programs show considerable variation in outcomes, and while Butte College's specific graduate data isn't available, comparable programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $42,000—matching the state median and notably above the national benchmark of $34,000. This positions legal support services graduates in a stronger market than many other states. The estimated debt load of roughly $15,000 appears manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, particularly compared to the national median debt of $25,000 for similar programs.
The practical reality is that your child would likely enter a field where California graduates generally fare well, though there's uncertainty about how Butte specifically stacks up against programs like MTI College (where graduates earn $48,000) versus Mt San Antonio College (where they earn $30,000). For context, one-third of Butte students receive Pell grants, indicating the program serves a population for whom moderate debt and mid-40s earnings could represent meaningful economic mobility. The key question is whether Butte's curriculum and placement connections match those of higher-earning programs in the state, information you'll need to investigate directly with their career services office and recent graduates.
Where Butte College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in California (63 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,336 | $41,695* | — | $14,947* | — | |
| — | $47,535* | $48,502 | $13,758* | 0.29 | |
| $13,409 | $44,536* | $48,586 | —* | — | |
| — | $38,854* | $39,533 | $21,312* | 0.55 | |
| $1,364 | $29,569* | $34,315 | $14,353* | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $34,421* | — | $25,166* | 0.73 |
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 Butte 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 median of 4 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.