Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,455
73rd percentile (60th in WA)
Median Debt
$15,531
38% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.39
Manageable
Sample Size
19
Limited data

Analysis

Edmonds College graduates in Legal Support Services start at $39,455—solidly above both the Washington state median ($33,492) and the national benchmark ($34,421). At 60th percentile among Washington programs, this puts graduates roughly $6,000 ahead of the typical state outcome. The debt load of $15,531 is also notably manageable, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.39, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than five months of gross earnings.

The caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. However, the fundamentals look sound—legal support roles typically offer stable employment, and the modest debt burden reduces risk even if individual outcomes vary. The earnings advantage over state peers suggests this program is doing something right in either curriculum or employer connections.

For parents weighing community college options in the Seattle area, this represents a low-risk entry point into legal services. The combination of below-average debt and above-average starting pay creates breathing room for graduates to either advance in their careers or pursue further education without being financially constrained. Just remember that the small cohort size means you should verify current placement rates directly with the program.

Where Edmonds College Stands

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

Edmonds CollegeOther legal support services programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Edmonds College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Edmonds College graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 73th percentile of all legal support services associates programs nationally.

Compare to Similar Programs in Washington

Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Washington (15 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Edmonds College$39,455—$15,5310.39
South Puget Sound Community College$27,530———
National Median$34,421—$25,1660.73

Other Legal Support Services Programs in Washington

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
South Puget Sound Community College
Olympia
$5,103$27,530—

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 Edmonds College, approximately 15% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.