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
Earnings Distribution
How Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miller-Motte College-Fayetteville | $27,479 | $33,880 | +23% |
| Portland Community College | $42,463 | $52,633 | +24% |
| South Coast College | $44,536 | $48,586 | +9% |
| Central Piedmont Community College | $35,314 | $40,851 | +16% |
| Miller-Motte College-Raleigh | $27,479 | $33,880 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | $27,479 | $33,880 | $30,263 | 1.10 | |
| $2,792 | $35,314 | $40,851 | — | — | |
| — | $27,479 | $33,880 | $30,263 | 1.10 | |
| 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 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.