Analysis
Based on comparable programs across California, this legal support track appears financially viable—though the true picture at Pasadena City College remains unclear due to limited graduate data. The estimated $14,947 in debt sits well below both the state median ($14,353) and especially the national figure ($25,166), while estimated earnings of $41,695 match California's median for these programs. That creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, meaning the typical graduate could potentially handle their loan burden within a year of employment.
The more sobering reality is how these estimated figures compare to actual outcomes at California schools with reported data. MTI College graduates earn nearly $48,000 in their first year, while South Coast College hits $44,500—both well above what similar programs suggest for Pasadena City College. Even among community colleges, Mt. San Antonio reports actual earnings of $29,569, providing a concrete data point that highlights the range of outcomes within this credential.
For parents considering this investment, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but the lack of actual graduate outcomes makes this a judgment call. The low projected debt load limits downside risk, but you're betting on comparability to other California programs without knowing whether Pasadena City College's specific connections to local law firms or curriculum differences might push results higher or lower. If your child is committed to legal support work and the lower debt load matters more than chasing the highest possible starting salary, this represents a defensible choice—just know you're working with informed guesswork rather than proven results.
Where Pasadena City College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in California (63 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,180 | $41,695* | — | $14,947* | — | |
| — | $47,535* | $48,502 | $13,758* | 0.29 | |
| $13,409 | $44,536* | $48,586 | —* | — | |
| — | $38,854* | $39,533 | $21,312* | 0.55 | |
| $1,364 | $29,569* | $34,315 | $14,353* | 0.49 | |
| 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 Pasadena City College, approximately 30% 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 4 similar programs in CA. Actual outcomes may vary.