Legal Support Services at Phoenix College

Phoenix College's legal support certificate stands out for one compelling reason: graduates who start modestly see their earnings jump 50% by year four, reaching $58,400. That trajectory matters more than the below-average starting salary of $38,910, which lands at the 41st percentile nationally but 60th percentile among Arizona programs—suggesting this performs solidly within the state market.

The $18,358 debt load sits higher than typical for this credential (75th percentile nationally), but the 0.47 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable, and that ratio improves dramatically as graduates gain experience. Within four years, earnings exceed the debt by more than 3:1. For context, legal support roles often reward on-the-job training and certifications that come with experience, explaining why the four-year mark looks so much stronger than graduation day.

The real question is whether your student can weather those first few years at a lower salary while building the skills that unlock better opportunities. If they're willing to start in entry-level positions and work their way up—or if they already have some legal office experience—this program offers a reasonable path forward. The growth pattern here favors patience and persistence over immediate payoff.