Median Earnings (1yr)
$28,803
16th percentile
Median Debt
$8,506
66% below national median

Analysis

The earnings trajectory here tells an unusual story: graduates start below both national averages and most Nevada programs, earning just $28,803 initially compared to the $34,421 national median. But four years out, they're earning $45,975—a 60% jump that significantly outpaces typical career progression in this field. That kind of growth is rare for associate's degrees and suggests graduates may be gaining skills or credentials on the job that open better opportunities.

The $8,506 debt burden is remarkably low, creating genuine financial flexibility even during that modest first year. You're looking at debt equal to just 30% of first-year earnings, and by year four, the debt becomes almost negligible against income. This is among the lowest debt loads nationally for legal support programs (5th percentile), which typically saddle graduates with over $25,000 in loans.

The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably from these medians. Still, the pattern makes sense—Las Vegas's legal market may offer limited entry-level paralegal roles but solid advancement opportunities once you prove yourself. If your child can weather a lean first year or two financially, this program's combination of minimal debt and strong earnings growth creates real value, especially compared to pricier alternatives that start only slightly higher.

Where College of Southern Nevada Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How College of Southern Nevada graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
College of Southern Nevada$28,803$45,975+60%
Portland Community College$42,463$52,633+24%
South Coast College$44,536$48,586+9%
MTI College$47,535$48,502+2%
Inver Hills Community College$49,694$46,860-6%

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Legal Support Services associates's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
College of Southern NevadaLas Vegas$4,110$28,803$45,975$8,5060.30
Inver Hills Community CollegeInver Grove Heights$6,007$49,694$46,860$24,5210.49
Des Moines Area Community CollegeAnkeny$5,550$49,137$12,2500.25
North Hennepin Community CollegeBrooklyn Park$5,050$48,960$42,281$18,6250.38
MTI CollegeSacramento$47,535$48,502$13,7580.29
Palm Beach State CollegeLake Worth$3,050$46,622$44,916$9,0000.19
National Median$34,421$25,1660.73

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with legal support services graduates

Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners

Use verbatim methods and equipment to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information. Includes stenocaptioners who operate computerized stenographic captioning equipment to provide captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts for hearing-impaired viewers.

$67,310/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

$61,010/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Interpreters and Translators

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

$59,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.

$47,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.

Legal Support Workers, All Other

All legal support workers not listed separately.

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 College of Southern Nevada, approximately 30% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 17 graduates with reported earnings and 20 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.