Median Earnings (1yr)
$45,549
93rd percentile (60th in OH)
Median Debt
$25,258
9% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.55
Manageable
Sample Size
17
Limited data

Analysis

University of Cincinnati's Legal Support Services program earns a 93rd percentile ranking nationally, placing it among the elite for this degree—but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. Still, the $45,549 starting salary substantially outpaces both the national median ($36,900) and Ohio's typical outcomes ($37,268). Within Ohio, UC ranks in the 60th percentile, which is solid though not exceptional compared to in-state alternatives like Kent State.

The debt picture looks reasonable at $25,258, creating a manageable 0.55 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates should be able to handle. More encouraging is the 19% earnings growth to $54,323 by year four, suggesting this credential opens doors to career advancement rather than leaving graduates stuck at entry-level paralegal wages.

The critical caveat is that small sample: these impressive numbers might reflect a few exceptional graduates rather than typical outcomes. If your child is considering this path, the data suggests UC prepares students well, but you'd want to verify these results hold up over multiple graduating classes. At an 88% admission rate with modest debt, it's a relatively low-risk bet—just don't bank entirely on replicating that 93rd percentile performance.

Where University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Stands

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

University of Cincinnati-Main CampusOther legal support services programs

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 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus graduates earn $46k, placing them in the 93th percentile of all legal support services bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Legal Support Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (9 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus$45,549$54,323$25,2580.55
Kent State University at Kent$38,981$43,984$25,0000.64
University of Toledo$35,554$43,888$27,6050.78
Herzing University-Akron$33,315$44,715
National Median$36,900$27,8750.76

Other Legal Support Services Programs in Ohio

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Ohio schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Kent State University at Kent
Kent
$12,846$38,981$25,000
University of Toledo
Toledo
$12,377$35,554$27,605
Herzing University-Akron
Akron
$13,420$33,315

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 University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, approximately 18% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 17 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.