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
Earnings Distribution
How Edmonds College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Washington (15 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,669 | $39,455 | — | $15,531 | 0.39 | |
| $5,103 | $27,530 | — | — | — | |
| 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 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.