Analysis
For a student seeking entry into legal support work, this certificate promises modest but immediate returns. Based on national data from similar programs, graduates typically earn around $40,400 in their first year—reasonable compensation for a short-term credential, though hardly a windfall. The estimated debt load of $19,500 translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5, meaning graduates would likely owe less than half their annual salary.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With 62% of Delgado students receiving Pell grants, many families considering this program are already stretching their budgets. Unlike healthcare certificates where paralegals and court reporters often see steady demand and clear advancement paths, legal support roles can vary wildly by employer and region. New Orleans's legal market may offer different opportunities than what these national estimates suggest—either better or worse.
The practical question: can your child afford $19,500 in debt for a job that might pay $40,000, when actual outcomes at this specific program remain unknown? If they're already working in a law office and need credentials to advance, this could make sense. If they're starting from scratch and exploring options, programs with actual reported outcomes—even in related fields—would let you make a more informed bet.
Where Delgado Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Legal Support Services certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Delgado Community CollegeNew Orleans | $4,678 | $40,429* | — | $19,500* | — |
 Tacoma Community CollegeTacoma | $4,920 | $50,681* | — | $17,629* | 0.35 |
 Loyola University ChicagoChicago | $51,716 | $48,819* | — | $35,000* | 0.72 |
 North Hennepin Community CollegeBrooklyn Park | $5,050 | $48,599* | $52,694 | —* | — |
 Edmonds CollegeLynnwood | $4,669 | $45,880* | — | $23,471* | 0.51 |
 College of Lake CountyGrayslake | $4,494 | $45,094* | — | —* | — |
| National Median | — | $40,429* | — | $20,834* | 0.52 |
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 Delgado Community College, approximately 62% 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.