Est. Earnings (1yr)
$40,429
Est. from national median (41 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$18,335
Est. from national median (11 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 positions this certificate program favorably within the legal support field. Based on national benchmarks from similar programs, graduates typically earn around $40,000 in their first year while carrying roughly $18,000 in debt—meaning the estimated debt load represents less than half of initial earnings. With 83% of students receiving Pell grants, this program appears to serve students who need affordable pathways into legal careers.

The limitation here is clear: we're working entirely from estimates because this specific program's graduate numbers are too small for the Department of Education to publish. The earnings figure comes from 41 comparable programs nationwide, while the debt estimate draws from just 11 similar institutional profiles. Puerto Rico has only four programs in this field total, and none report actual outcomes data, making it impossible to gauge how local market conditions might affect these projections.

For a parent weighing this investment, the math looks manageable on paper—if these national patterns hold in Puerto Rico's legal market. The real question is whether local paralegal and legal assistant positions offer similar compensation and hiring demand. Before committing, your family should connect with Puerto Rico legal firms to understand actual starting salaries and job availability, since national figures may not capture the island's distinct economic landscape.

Where Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services certificate's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Legal Support Services certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo CampusGurabo$6,920$40,429*$18,335*
Tacoma Community CollegeTacoma$4,920$50,681*$17,629*0.35
Loyola University ChicagoChicago$51,716$48,819*$35,000*0.72
North Hennepin Community CollegeBrooklyn Park$5,050$48,599*$52,694*
Edmonds CollegeLynnwood$4,669$45,880*$23,471*0.51
College of Lake CountyGrayslake$4,494$45,094**
National Median$40,429*$20,834*0.52
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with legal support services graduates

Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners

Use verbatim methods and equipment to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information. Includes stenocaptioners who operate computerized stenographic captioning equipment to provide captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts for hearing-impaired viewers.

$67,310/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

$61,010/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Interpreters and Translators

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

$59,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.

$47,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.

Legal Support Workers, All Other

All legal support workers not listed separately.

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 Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus, approximately 83% 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 national median of 41 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.