Analysis
Similar legal support programs in Wisconsin suggest first-year earnings around $40,000—a figure that would place graduates at the state median and national 75th percentile for this field. Combined with estimated debt of roughly $15,000, this program appears to offer a reasonable financial profile, with debt representing just over a third of first year income.
What's particularly notable is how much lower that debt estimate runs compared to both state and national norms. Wisconsin's typical legal support graduate carries over $31,000 in debt, and nationally the median sits at $25,000. If Moraine Park's students are indeed graduating with $15,000 in obligations while achieving earnings comparable to more expensive programs, that's a meaningful advantage in a field where salaries tend to plateau quickly.
The caveat: these figures are estimates based on peer programs, not tracked outcomes from Moraine Park specifically. For a two-year credential leading to steady but modest earnings, lower debt isn't just preferable—it's essential. Legal support roles offer stable employment but limited salary growth, so starting your career with manageable debt makes the difference between a sustainable choice and years of financial strain. Before committing, verify current costs and ask the school about typical employment outcomes for recent graduates.
Where Moraine Park Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,713 | $39,952* | — | $14,947* | — | |
| $13,420 | $39,952* | $36,486 | $31,441* | 0.79 | |
| $13,420 | $39,952* | $36,486 | $31,441* | 0.79 | |
| $13,420 | $39,952* | $36,486 | $31,441* | 0.79 | |
| $11,982 | $34,421* | $37,112 | $27,876* | 0.81 | |
| $19,944 | $30,998* | $34,535 | $25,524* | 0.82 | |
| 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 Moraine Park Technical College, approximately 20% 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 5 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.