Legal Support Services at Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
With a sample size under 30 students, these numbers require careful interpretation, but they point to a program struggling to compete in Illinois's legal support market. Graduates here earn $35,289 in their first year—roughly $7,000 below the state median and $5,000 below the national average for this certificate. Even among Illinois programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of similar programs in the state deliver better outcomes. Community colleges like College of Lake County and Harper College produce graduates earning $10,000 more annually with this same credential.
The $20,834 debt load sits at national median levels, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59. That's manageable on paper—you could theoretically pay off this debt within two years of full earnings—but only if those earnings hold steady. For context, a paralegal certificate from College of DuPage or Lake County would mean similar or even lower debt with significantly higher earning power. The high Pell Grant percentage (72%) suggests this program serves students who can least afford to take on debt for below-market outcomes.
Unless there are compelling geographic or scheduling reasons to choose this specific program, Illinois families have notably better options. The state's community college system consistently delivers stronger results in legal support training at competitive prices.
Where Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services certificate'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 Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 10th percentile of all legal support services certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Legal Support Services certificate's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (21 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College | $35,289 | — | $20,834 | 0.59 |
| Loyola University Chicago | $48,819 | — | $35,000 | 0.72 |
| College of Lake County | $45,094 | — | — | — |
| William Rainey Harper College | $43,980 | — | — | — |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois | $40,492 | — | $28,796 | 0.71 |
| College of DuPage | $40,429 | — | $21,625 | 0.53 |
| National Median | $40,429 | — | $20,834 | 0.52 |
Other Legal Support Services Programs in Illinois
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loyola University Chicago Chicago | $51,716 | $48,819 | $35,000 |
| College of Lake County Grayslake | $4,494 | $45,094 | — |
| William Rainey Harper College Palatine | $3,822 | $43,980 | — |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois Rockford | $13,546 | $40,492 | $28,796 |
| College of DuPage Glen Ellyn | $4,320 | $40,429 | $21,625 |
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 Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College, approximately 72% 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.