Analysis
Similar programs across Florida suggest this associate's degree produces first-year earnings around $38,500—squarely in the middle of the state's range but notably above the national median for legal support services programs. With estimated debt of $18,300, graduates would face payments representing less than half their first-year salary, a manageable ratio that leaves room to build financial stability. The four-year earnings figure of $39,385 hints that this field doesn't reward experience dramatically, but peer programs at colleges like Palm Beach State and Seminole State show some legal support professionals do push into the mid-$40,000s.
The challenge here is uncertainty. Because this program's actual outcomes aren't reported due to small graduate numbers, we're relying entirely on statewide patterns that may or may not reflect Pasco-Hernando's specific results. The school serves a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (30%), and outcomes for that group could differ meaningfully from the state median. The debt estimate comes from similar Florida community colleges, so it's likely in the ballpark, but individual borrowing varies.
For families considering this program, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if your student genuinely wants paralegal work—but recognize you're making this decision with borrowed data. Before committing, contact the school directly to understand job placement rates and whether local law firms actively recruit from this program.
Where Pasco-Hernando State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasco-Hernando State College | — | $39,385 | — |
| Palm Beach State College | $46,622 | $44,916 | -4% |
| Seminole State College of Florida | $44,783 | $41,605 | -7% |
| Valencia College | $32,210 | $40,281 | +25% |
| Rasmussen University-Florida | $34,421 | $37,112 | +8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Florida (29 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,155 | $38,538* | $39,385 | $18,300* | — | |
| $3,050 | $46,622* | $44,916 | $9,000* | 0.19 | |
| $3,227 | $44,783* | $41,605 | $25,858* | 0.58 | |
| $2,838 | $40,782* | — | $12,950* | 0.32 | |
| $2,506 | $39,517* | — | $21,036* | 0.53 | |
| $24,136 | $37,559* | $34,563 | $29,234* | 0.78 | |
| 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 Pasco-Hernando State 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 8 similar programs in FL. Actual outcomes may vary.