Analysis
Nassau Community College's Legal Support Services program stands out in New York for one compelling reason: graduates leave with just $9,000 in debt while their peers across the state typically owe $25,524. That's less than half the typical burden, and at 60th percentile for earnings among New York programs, these graduates aren't sacrificing income for that affordability. Within four years, median earnings climb to $43,568—a 34% increase that suggests steady career progression in the legal field.
The modest first-year salary of $32,464 trails the national median slightly, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 means graduates can realistically pay off their loans within months rather than years. Compare that to the national picture, where legal support graduates typically face debt equivalent to 73% of their first-year earnings. This program essentially removes the financial anxiety from the equation.
One important caveat: these figures come from a small graduating class, so individual outcomes may vary more than usual. Still, for a Long Island family weighing community college options, Nassau delivers exactly what associate degree programs should—practical training without the debt trap. Your child can enter the workforce quickly, earn a livable wage, and actually keep most of what they make.
Where Nassau Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Nassau 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nassau Community College | $32,464 | $43,568 | +34% |
| Bryant & Stratton College-Albany | $30,998 | $34,535 | +11% |
| Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse North | $30,998 | $34,535 | +11% |
| Bryant & Stratton College-Buffalo | $30,998 | $34,535 | +11% |
| Bryant & Stratton College-Greece | $30,998 | $34,535 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in New York (32 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Nassau Community CollegeGarden City | $6,330 | $32,464 | $43,568 | $9,000 | 0.28 |
 CUNY LaGuardia Community CollegeLong Island City | $5,218 | $36,358 | $32,519 | — | — |
 Bryant & Stratton College-Syracuse NorthLiverpool | $19,310 | $30,998 | $34,535 | $25,524 | 0.82 |
| Bryant & Stratton College-BuffaloBuffalo | $19,126 | $30,998 | $34,535 | $25,524 | 0.82 |
| Bryant & Stratton College-AlbanyAlbany | $18,892 | $30,998 | $34,535 | $25,524 | 0.82 |
| Bryant & Stratton College-OnlineOrchard Park | $15,891 | $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 Nassau Community College, approximately 36% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.