Analysis
Similar legal support programs in Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $37,000—right in line with what most bachelor's-level paralegals nationwide earn, but this comes with an estimated $32,700 in debt. That's notably higher than the typical $25,000 debt load for Ohio programs in this field and also exceeds the national median by nearly $5,000. With a debt-to-earnings ratio near 0.9, graduates would be looking at significant loan payments relative to entry-level salaries that hover around $3,100 monthly before taxes.
The comparison with Ohio's top performers is instructive: University of Cincinnati's legal support graduates report $45,500 in first-year earnings—$8,000 more than what peer programs suggest for Tiffin. Even Kent State and Toledo graduates are earning slightly more, though the gaps are smaller. When you're borrowing 30% more than the state average for this credential, those earnings differences matter considerably for loan repayment timelines.
For parents considering this investment, the key question is whether Tiffin offers something—location convenience, career services, or specialized training—that justifies the higher estimated debt load. If your student can access one of Ohio's stronger-performing programs, particularly Cincinnati or Kent State, the earnings advantage would help offset any additional borrowing. Otherwise, you're banking on outcomes that make financial sense only if actual costs come in well below these estimates.
Where Tiffin University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Legal Support Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (9 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Tiffin UniversityTiffin | $32,400 | $37,268* | — | $32,701* | — |
 University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati | $13,570 | $45,549* | $54,323 | $25,258* | 0.55 |
 Kent State University at KentKent | $12,846 | $38,981* | $43,984 | $25,000* | 0.64 |
 University of ToledoToledo | $12,377 | $35,554* | $43,888 | $27,605* | 0.78 |
 Herzing University-AkronAkron | $13,420 | $33,315* | $44,715 | —* | — |
| 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 Tiffin University, approximately 36% 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 median of 4 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.