Legal Support Services at Holmes Community College

Holmes Community College graduates in Legal Support Services start at $35,160—slightly above the national median and right at Mississippi's median for this field. The affordable debt load of $13,794 is notably lower than the typical $25,166 nationally, giving graduates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. However, the concerning part is what happens next: earnings drop to $30,418 by year four, a 13% decline that's unusual for career progression.

This earnings trajectory deserves scrutiny. While the initial salary roughly matches state and national norms, the backward slide suggests either challenges in the local Mississippi legal market or difficulty advancing beyond entry-level paralegal positions. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data, but the pattern warrants attention. At least graduates aren't carrying crushing debt while navigating this landscape—the low borrowing amount provides some breathing room that many legal support programs don't offer.

For families considering this program, the affordable price tag is the standout advantage. Your child won't be buried in debt, which matters when early-career earnings are modest and potentially declining. But plan for the possibility that this credential leads to a job ceiling rather than a career ladder, and consider whether additional education or relocation might be necessary for earnings growth.