Analysis
Crestpoint University's graduates start strong—earning $40,585 in their first year, well above the national median of $34,421—but that advantage erodes quickly. By year four, earnings drop to $36,283, a concerning 11% decline that's unusual for most career fields. This backward trajectory suggests graduates may be landing entry-level paralegal positions initially but struggling to advance, potentially due to competition from bachelor's degree holders or limited skill development in the associate's program.
The debt load of $25,250 mirrors both national and state medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 that's manageable in year one but less comfortable as earnings slip. Arizona has limited options for this degree—just 11 programs statewide—and Crestpoint sits at the state's median, meaning half of Arizona's legal support programs deliver better outcomes. Phoenix College's graduates, for instance, earn $45,838, demonstrating that stronger placements are achievable nearby.
For parents, this means questioning why earnings decline rather than grow. If your child is committed to legal support work, they should investigate whether Crestpoint provides pathways to specialized certifications or connections to law firms that value experience over credentials. Without clear advancement opportunities, this program may position graduates for a career plateau rather than growth.
Where Crestpoint University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Crestpoint University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crestpoint University | $40,585 | $36,283 | -11% |
| Portland Community College | $42,463 | $52,633 | +24% |
| South Coast College | $44,536 | $48,586 | +9% |
| Phoenix College | $45,838 | $44,956 | -2% |
| Bryan University | $26,288 | $34,430 | +31% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,995 | $40,585 | $36,283 | $25,250 | 0.62 | |
| $2,358 | $45,838 | $44,956 | $15,000 | 0.33 | |
| $12,185 | $26,288 | $34,430 | $26,380 | 1.00 | |
| 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 Crestpoint University, approximately 40% 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 67 graduates with reported earnings and 135 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.