Est. Earnings (1yr)
$40,429
Est. from national median (41 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$28,796
Est. from national median (11 programs)

Analysis

Is a certificate worth $28,796 when comparable programs typically require less than $20,000 in debt? That's the central question for Crestpoint's Legal Support Services program. While similar programs nationally carry a median debt of $20,834, the estimated borrowing here runs nearly $8,000 higher. In Arizona specifically, peer programs show a median debt of just $18,358—meaning students here may be taking on 57% more debt for credentials that lead to similar outcomes.

The earnings picture offers some reassurance: first-year salaries around $40,429 align with what graduates from comparable legal support programs earn both nationally and in Arizona. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71, graduates should be able to manage repayment, though they'll likely face tighter budgets than peers who completed similar programs elsewhere. Phoenix College, for instance, reports first-year earnings of $38,910 with typical debt under $19,000—a notably lighter financial burden for comparable preparation.

The math suggests Crestpoint can deliver career-ready training for paralegal and legal assistant roles, but the premium on borrowing needs justification. Before committing, compare what this certificate offers beyond what's available at community colleges and lower-cost alternatives in the Phoenix area, where the legal support field doesn't typically reward credential source with higher starting pay.

Where Crestpoint University Stands

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Legal Support Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (10 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Crestpoint UniversityPhoenix$7,995$40,429*$28,796*
Phoenix CollegePhoenix$2,358$38,910*$58,400$18,358*0.47
National Median$40,429*$20,834*0.52
* Estimated from similar programs

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 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.

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 41 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.