Analysis
IBMC's legal support services program shows first-year earnings of $37,542—about 10% above the national median for this field and right at Colorado's state average. That's decent positioning for a paralegal-track credential. The catch? Estimated debt of nearly $28,000, which is notably higher than both Colorado's typical $20,750 for this program and the national median. With 81% of students receiving Pell grants, that debt load matters considerably for families already stretching financially.
The stagnant earnings tell a more concerning story. Graduates see essentially zero growth between year one and year four ($37,542 to $37,621), suggesting this field may have limited advancement opportunity without additional credentials. Based on peer programs nationwide, the 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable but not impressive—graduates would need to dedicate roughly 9 months of gross income to clear this debt. For comparison, Colorado programs in this field typically produce lower debt burdens, meaning IBMC students may be paying more for similar labor market outcomes.
The practical calculation: decent starting pay offset by above-market debt and flat earnings trajectory. If your child is already working in legal offices and needs this credential to advance, the immediate $37K salary might justify the investment. But for someone starting fresh, programs with lower debt loads—even at slightly lower initial earnings—could leave graduates in better financial position within a few years.
Where IBMC College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How IBMC 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| IBMC College | $37,542 | $37,621 | +0% |
| Portland Community College | $42,463 | $52,633 | +24% |
| South Coast College | $44,536 | $48,586 | +9% |
| MTI College | $47,535 | $48,502 | +2% |
| Inver Hills Community College | $49,694 | $46,860 | -6% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Legal Support Services associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $15,320 | $37,542 | $37,621 | $27,876* | — | |
| $6,007 | $49,694 | $46,860 | $24,521* | 0.49 | |
| $5,550 | $49,137 | — | $12,250* | 0.25 | |
| $5,050 | $48,960 | $42,281 | $18,625* | 0.38 | |
| — | $47,535 | $48,502 | $13,758* | 0.29 | |
| $3,050 | $46,622 | $44,916 | $9,000* | 0.19 | |
| 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 IBMC College, approximately 81% 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.