Analysis
A bachelor's degree in Legal Support Services typically leads to earnings well below what most families expect from a four-year degree. Based on comparable programs nationally, Roosevelt graduates likely start around $36,900—barely above what many paralegals with two-year degrees earn. The estimated debt load of $32,701 means nearly a full year's salary dedicated to loan repayment, a ratio that makes this investment difficult to justify purely on financial grounds.
The four-year earnings figure of $49,796 offers some hope for growth, but that's still modest for someone with a bachelor's degree and four years of career progression. In Chicago's competitive legal market, Roosevelt's accessibility (94% admission rate, serving many Pell-eligible students) may help students break into the field, but the fundamental economics remain challenging. Similar programs across Illinois cluster around the same earnings range, suggesting this reflects the field itself rather than any particular school's outcomes.
The central question is whether the bachelor's credential opens doors that justify the additional time and debt compared to certificate or associate's degree pathways into legal support work. For students certain about this career path who can minimize borrowing through grants or family support, Roosevelt provides access. For those taking on the full estimated debt, the numbers suggest exploring whether shorter paralegal programs might deliver similar career outcomes at lower cost and in less time.
Where Roosevelt University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roosevelt University | — | $49,796 | — |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | $45,549 | $54,323 | +19% |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology | $34,675 | $50,044 | +44% |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $42,723 | $48,678 | +14% |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $36,159 | $39,092 | +8% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Legal Support Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Roosevelt UniversityChicago | $20,280 | $36,900* | $49,796 | $32,701* | — |
 Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale | $13,244 | $36,159* | $39,092 | $28,000* | 0.77 |
| National Median | — | $36,900* | — | $27,875* | 0.76 |
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 Roosevelt University, approximately 46% 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 national median of 36 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.