Analysis
A debt load around $15,000 for an associate's degree in legal support services represents manageable borrowing, particularly when comparable programs in Arizona suggest first-year earnings near $40,600. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 means graduates would owe roughly what they might earn in four and a half months—a reasonable starting point compared to many two-year programs. The national landscape shows considerable variation, with some legal support programs leaving students with nearly $25,000 in debt, so Pima's estimated borrowing level looks restrained.
The four-year earnings figure of $42,267 hints at modest growth potential in the field, which aligns with what paralegals and legal assistants typically experience early in their careers. Phoenix College's legal support graduates reportedly earn about $5,000 more in their first year, suggesting location within Arizona or specific employer partnerships might influence outcomes. Still, based on peer programs across the state, Pima's positioning appears solid—near the Arizona median and well above the national benchmark of $34,421.
For families, this program presents a straightforward calculation: moderate debt for what similar programs deliver in stable, entry-level legal careers. The key question is whether your child has genuine interest in legal work, as advancement often requires additional certifications or transition into other legal roles over time.
Where Pima Community 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pima Community College | — | $42,267 | — |
| Portland Community College | $42,463 | $52,633 | +24% |
| Phoenix College | $45,838 | $44,956 | -2% |
| Crestpoint University | $40,585 | $36,283 | -11% |
| Bryan University | $26,288 | $34,430 | +31% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Pima Community CollegeTucson | $2,370 | $40,585* | $42,267 | $14,947* | — |
 Phoenix CollegePhoenix | $2,358 | $45,838* | $44,956 | $15,000* | 0.33 |
 Crestpoint UniversityPhoenix | $7,995 | $40,585* | $36,283 | $25,250* | 0.62 |
 Bryan UniversityTempe | $12,185 | $26,288* | $34,430 | $26,380* | 1.00 |
| 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 Pima Community College, approximately 33% 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 3 similar programs in AZ. Actual outcomes may vary.