Median Earnings (1yr)
$27,479
10th percentile (60th in NC)
Median Debt
$30,263
20% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
1.10
Elevated
Sample Size
48
Adequate data

Analysis

Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville's legal support program sits at an interesting crossroads: it ranks solidly middle-of-the-pack within North Carolina (60th percentile statewide) but falls in the bottom 10% nationally. The first-year earnings of $27,479 match the state median exactly, suggesting this reflects North Carolina's legal support market more than any particular program weakness. However, graduates carry $30,263 in debt—higher than both the national median ($25,166) and roughly equivalent to a full year's salary, which creates financial pressure during those critical early-career years.

The 23% earnings growth to $33,880 by year four offers some relief, bringing graduates closer to national norms. But it's worth noting that even with this growth, they're still earning about $6,000 less than peers who chose Central Piedmont Community College, just one county over. For a family considering this program, the question becomes whether the convenience or specific offerings at Miller-Motte justify both the higher debt load and the opportunity cost compared to nearby alternatives.

If your child is committed to legal support work in the Fayetteville area and this school offers the most practical pathway, the numbers suggest employability isn't the issue—graduates are finding work at market rates. The concern is whether taking on above-average debt for average earnings makes sense when lower-cost community college options exist in North Carolina.

Where Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services associates's programs nationally

Miller-Motte College-FayettevilleOther legal support services programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville graduates compare to all programs nationally

Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville graduates earn $27k, placing them in the 10th percentile of all legal support services associates programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina

Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (28 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville$27,479$33,880$30,2631.10
Central Piedmont Community College$35,314$40,851——
Miller-Motte College-Raleigh$27,479$33,880$30,2631.10
National Median$34,421—$25,1660.73

Other Legal Support Services Programs in North Carolina

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte
$2,792$35,314—
Miller-Motte College-Raleigh
Raleigh
—$27,479$30,263

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 Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville, approximately 48% 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.