Analysis
A bachelor's degree in Legal Support Services carries significant uncertainty at Calumet College of Saint Joseph. With estimated debt around $32,700 and first-year earnings of roughly $36,900 based on national peer programs, the financial picture appears manageable at first glance—about 89 cents of debt per dollar earned. However, Indiana's context tells a more complicated story. Other legal support programs in the state suggest higher earnings potential (around $42,700 at the state median), while this program's debt sits well below the state median of $49,000. That gap raises questions about whether Calumet's graduates actually achieve the higher Indiana earnings typical of the field, or whether they're tracking closer to national outcomes despite being in a relatively strong state market.
The comparison to Indiana's top programs is particularly instructive. IU-Indianapolis and Purdue Global both report actual first-year earnings above $41,000—roughly $4,000-$7,000 more than the national baseline this estimate draws from. If Calumet's outcomes mirror those stronger Indiana programs, the investment looks reasonable for students entering paralegal or legal administrative roles. But if graduates are instead hitting closer to the national median while competing in Indiana's legal job market, that could mean an extended debt payoff period. Given that nearly half of Calumet's students receive Pell grants, families should get concrete placement data directly from the school before committing, particularly regarding where graduates actually work and what they earn in their first positions.
Where Calumet College of Saint Joseph Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Legal Support Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $22,650 | $36,900* | — | $32,701* | — | |
| $10,449 | $44,070* | — | —* | — | |
| $10,110 | $41,375* | $37,589 | $49,036* | 1.19 | |
| 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 Calumet College of Saint Joseph, approximately 48% 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.