Legal Support Services at Southwestern Illinois College

Southwestern Illinois College graduates from this paralegal program earn $43,000 right out of the gate—significantly above the national median of $34,421 and ranking in the 87th percentile nationally. That's impressive performance for a community college program. The debt load of $14,348 is also notably manageable, coming in well below both state and national medians.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings decline over four years, dropping to roughly $40,683. This backward trajectory is unusual and worth understanding before enrolling. It could reflect graduates moving between firms, taking on different roles, or simply the volatility that comes with small sample sizes (this data represents fewer than 30 graduates, so individual career paths heavily influence the averages). Within Illinois specifically, this program sits at the 60th percentile—solid but not exceptional—and is essentially tied with Generations College for top earnings in the state.

For parents evaluating this program, the combination of strong starting salary and low debt creates a favorable financial foundation, with graduates owing only about four months of their first-year income. The earnings dip is worth investigating during campus visits—ask about career services support and typical employer progression paths. If your child can replicate that $43,000 starting point with minimal debt, this represents a practical entry into legal support work, even if the long-term trajectory remains unclear.