Legal Support Services at Hutchinson Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
hutchcc.eduAnalysis
This certificate's estimated numbers tell a relatively straightforward story: roughly $19,500 in debt leading to first-year earnings around $40,400. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 means the typical graduate would owe about half their first year's salary—manageable territory for a credential that can be completed quickly.
What's worth noting is how peer programs in Kansas perform. Similar legal support certificates at Johnson County Community College and Rasmussen University show reported earnings of $44,921 and $40,492 respectively, suggesting Kansas employers do pay for these skills. The state median for this credential sits at $42,706, slightly above what comparable programs nationally produce. That's a decent sign for Kansas-based legal support work, though without actual outcomes from Hutchinson specifically, it's hard to know whether this program connects students to the better-paying opportunities or the lower end of the range.
The debt estimate comes from similar community college certificates at Hutchinson rather than legal support programs specifically, adding another layer of uncertainty. If your child can complete this quickly and enter the workforce with debt near that $19,500 mark, the math works—but confirm the actual program cost and typical completion time before committing. Look closely at where Hutchinson's legal support graduates actually find employment and whether those placements justify choosing this program over the alternatives with proven track records.
Where Hutchinson Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kansas
Legal Support Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kansas (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,420 | $40,429* | — | $19,500* | — | |
| $2,328 | $44,921* | $40,657 | $19,367* | 0.43 | |
| $15,340 | $40,492* | — | $28,796* | 0.71 | |
| National Median | — | $40,429* | — | $20,834* | 0.52 |
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 Hutchinson Community College, approximately 24% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 41 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.