Legal Support Services at Florida Gulf Coast University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Florida Gulf Coast University's legal support program outperforms most Florida alternatives while keeping debt manageable. Graduates earn $44,645 four years out, placing them in the 60th percentile among Florida programs—ahead of both University of West Florida and South University-West Palm Beach. Only St. Petersburg College produces stronger earnings in the state. The $22,777 in typical debt sits well below Florida's median of $29,008, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 that graduates can reasonably handle.
The 12% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests genuine career progression rather than a dead-end credential. Starting at nearly $40,000 and climbing past $44,000 demonstrates that these graduates aren't stuck in entry-level roles. Combined with below-state-average borrowing, this program delivers solid preparation for paralegal and legal assistant positions without the financial strain common in many undergraduate programs.
For families considering Florida schools, this represents good value—particularly compared to pricier alternatives that produce similar or weaker outcomes. The one caveat: St. Petersburg College's graduates earn about $1,000 more annually, though FGCU's four-year university environment may offer advantages in campus experience and breadth of education that matter to some students.
Where Florida Gulf Coast University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services bachelors's programs nationally
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 Florida Gulf Coast University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Florida Gulf Coast University graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 64th percentile of all legal support services bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Legal Support Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Gulf Coast University | $39,824 | $44,645 | $22,777 | 0.57 |
| St Petersburg College | $43,499 | $42,067 | $35,238 | 0.81 |
| South University-West Palm Beach | $36,900 | $38,332 | $48,729 | 1.32 |
| University of West Florida | $36,524 | $41,313 | $19,250 | 0.53 |
| National Median | $36,900 | — | $27,875 | 0.76 |
Other Legal Support Services Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Petersburg College St. Petersburg | $2,682 | $43,499 | $35,238 |
| South University-West Palm Beach Royal Palm Beach | $18,238 | $36,900 | $48,729 |
| University of West Florida Pensacola | $6,360 | $36,524 | $19,250 |
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 Florida Gulf Coast University, approximately 29% 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 63 graduates with reported earnings and 69 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.