Legal Support Services at St Cloud Technical and Community College

Similar legal support programs across Minnesota suggest first-year earnings around $44,000—a figure that lands squarely at the state median and slightly above the national benchmark. For a certificate or diploma program, these earnings offer a reasonable launching point into paralegal and legal assistant roles, where experience and specialization typically drive compensation higher over time.

The estimated debt of $19,500 translates to a manageable 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe less than half their first year's salary. This is below both the national and Minnesota medians for this credential, suggesting the program delivers its training without the heavier borrowing seen elsewhere. Given that over a third of St Cloud's students receive Pell grants, keeping debt under $20,000 matters—it means loan payments won't consume an outsized portion of entry-level legal support salaries that are already modest by professional standards.

The real question is whether this path makes sense compared to other Minnesota options. While one nearby program reports earnings topping $48,000, the difference isn't dramatic enough to dismiss St Cloud's offering, especially if location and program structure work in your child's favor. The combination of competitive estimated earnings and below-median debt suggests reasonable value, though the lack of school-specific data means you're relying on broader patterns rather than this program's proven track record.