Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Similar legal support programs in Minnesota suggest first-year earnings around $44,500—notably higher than the $34,400 national median for this field. That earning potential, combined with an estimated debt load of roughly $15,000, creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34, which represents a manageable financial burden compared to many associate's programs.
The relatively modest estimated debt stands out, running well below both the Minnesota median ($26,200) and national median ($25,200) for paralegal programs. At this debt level, graduates could reasonably expect to pay down their loans within a few years even on entry-level legal support salaries. What's less clear is how Lake Superior College's specific program performs within Minnesota's competitive landscape—other community colleges in the state like Inver Hills and North Hennepin report first-year earnings approaching $50,000, while private institutions cluster lower.
For families weighing this investment, the estimated numbers point to reasonable affordability, but remember these figures come from peer programs rather than Lake Superior College's actual graduate outcomes. The limited graduate sample that necessitates this estimation could reflect either a small cohort or recent program changes. Before enrolling, verify the program's current placement rates and whether graduates consistently secure paralegal positions rather than general administrative roles, which typically pay less.
Where Lake Superior College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,786 | $44,456* | — | $14,947* | — | |
| $6,007 | $49,694* | $46,860 | $24,521* | 0.49 | |
| $5,050 | $48,960* | $42,281 | $18,625* | 0.38 | |
| $13,420 | $39,952* | $36,486 | $31,441* | 0.79 | |
| $10,899 | $34,421* | $37,112 | $27,876* | 0.81 | |
| 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 Lake Superior College, approximately 19% 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 median of 4 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.