Legal Support Services at South University-Montgomery
Associate's Degree
Analysis
South University-Montgomery's legal support services program graduates earn about $4,400 less than the typical Alabama program in this field, landing in the 40th percentile statewide. That gap matters when you're starting at $31,126—roughly $3,300 below the national median for paralegal programs. The debt load of $30,306 nearly equals that first-year salary, creating a tight financial squeeze in those early years. For context, Herzing University-Birmingham graduates from similar programs earn nearly $9,000 more their first year out.
The 17% earnings growth to $36,422 by year four helps, but doesn't fully close the gap with stronger programs. With 70% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are counting on post-graduation earnings to justify the debt burden. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing significantly year to year, adding uncertainty to an already modest financial picture.
If your child is set on paralegal work in Montgomery and this is the most accessible option, it can work—but pushing for the strongest possible academic performance and networking aggressively for better-paying legal positions will be essential. Otherwise, exploring programs like Herzing's that show stronger graduate outcomes might be worth the extra research, even if it means commuting or relocating.
Where South University-Montgomery Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How South University-Montgomery graduates compare to all programs nationally
South University-Montgomery graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 26th percentile of all legal support services associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (6 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South University-Montgomery | $31,126 | $36,422 | $30,306 | 0.97 |
| Herzing University-Birmingham | $39,952 | $36,486 | $31,441 | 0.79 |
| National Median | $34,421 | — | $25,166 | 0.73 |
Other Legal Support Services Programs in Alabama
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herzing University-Birmingham Birmingham | $13,420 | $39,952 | $31,441 |
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 South University-Montgomery, approximately 70% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 18 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.