Analysis
Monroe's paralegal certificate lands below most legal support programs nationally, with first-year earnings of $34,799 placing it in the bottom tier of similar credentials. Based on comparable programs at this institution type, graduates likely carry around $19,500 in debt—manageable at 56% of first-year earnings, but concerning given how little those earnings buy. Within New York, where legal support roles typically start around $36,400, this program underperforms the state median by roughly $1,600 annually.
The 13% earnings growth to $39,368 by year four suggests modest career progression, but it's worth noting that graduates from Marist or Hofstra's programs start near that figure. For a family considering this route into legal work, the practical question is whether the lower entry point justifies the credential when other NY schools demonstrate stronger immediate outcomes. Nearly half of Monroe's students receive Pell grants, indicating the institution serves students with financial need—making that earnings gap particularly significant for families banking on quick employment returns.
The estimated debt here won't trap graduates, but the earnings trajectory suggests this certificate may not be the strongest launchpad into New York's legal support market. Families should understand they're looking at starter-level paralegal work with slower advancement than peer programs typically produce.
Where Monroe Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services certificate's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Monroe Community 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe Community College | $34,799 | $39,368 | +13% |
| Marist University | $41,431 | $70,394 | +70% |
| Phoenix College | $38,910 | $58,400 | +50% |
| Hofstra University | $39,740 | $55,384 | +39% |
| Hamline University | $43,918 | $55,062 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Legal Support Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in New York (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Monroe Community CollegeRochester | $5,856 | $34,799 | $39,368 | $19,500* | — |
 Marist UniversityPoughkeepsie | $46,140 | $41,431 | $70,394 | $26,000* | 0.63 |
 Hofstra UniversityHempstead | $55,450 | $39,740 | $55,384 | $21,693* | 0.55 |
 Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse NorthLiverpool | $19,310 | $36,398 | — | $18,335* | 0.50 |
| Bryant & Stratton College-BuffaloBuffalo | $19,126 | $36,398 | — | $18,335* | 0.50 |
| Bryant & Stratton College-OnlineOrchard Park | $15,891 | $36,398 | — | $18,335* | 0.50 |
| 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 Monroe Community College, approximately 47% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.