Analysis
Greenville Technical College's paralegal program stands out in South Carolina's crowded field—ranking in the 80th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $39,026, roughly $9,500 above the state median. At $18,500 in typical debt, graduates finish with about 30% less borrowing than both state and national averages for this field. That creates a manageable debt load you could theoretically pay off in under six months of gross earnings, though the slight earnings dip to $37,947 by year four suggests graduates may transition between legal settings or take on different roles as their careers progress.
The value proposition here hinges on keeping costs low and entering South Carolina's legal support workforce quickly. This program outperforms most in-state alternatives, including Midlands Technical College (the next-best option at $37,615) and substantially beats the state median. Nationally, Greenville Tech lands at the 71st percentile—solid but not spectacular. For a student planning to work in South Carolina's legal market, the combination of above-average local earnings and below-average debt makes this a practical choice. Just recognize that salary growth appears limited in this field, so the $39,000 starting point is roughly what you're working with long-term. If your student is debt-averse and willing to work in the Greenville area, this program delivers what it promises without creating financial stress.
Where Greenville Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Greenville Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville Technical College | $39,026 | $37,947 | -3% |
| Midlands Technical College | $37,615 | $38,998 | +4% |
| South University-Columbia | $31,126 | $36,422 | +17% |
| Miller-Motte College-Charleston | $27,479 | $33,880 | +23% |
| Miller-Motte College-Conway | $27,479 | $33,880 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,639 | $39,026 | $37,947 | $18,500 | 0.47 | |
| $4,788 | $37,615 | $38,998 | $21,320 | 0.57 | |
| $18,238 | $31,126 | $36,422 | $30,306 | 0.97 | |
| $5,512 | $27,997 | — | $10,647 | 0.38 | |
| — | $27,479 | $33,880 | $30,263 | 1.10 | |
| — | $27,479 | $33,880 | $30,263 | 1.10 | |
| 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 Greenville Technical College, approximately 33% 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 33 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.