Analysis
A bachelor's degree in Legal Support Services carries distinct limitations, and the numbers from comparable programs nationwide underscore the concern. With estimated first-year earnings around $36,900 and debt near $25,000, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68—manageable on paper, but problematic when you consider that many paralegal and legal assistant roles require only an associate degree or certificate. The bachelor's premium here appears minimal, meaning your child would be taking on more debt and spending more time for credentials the legal support field doesn't consistently reward.
California's legal market offers higher compensation than many states, yet national data for Legal Support Services bachelor's programs shows even top-performing graduates earning around $42,000 in their first year. For context, paralegal certificate holders in California often start in the mid-$40,000 range with far less debt. The fact that only seven California schools offer this bachelor's program—and none report sufficient graduate data for public comparison—suggests limited market demand for the four-year credential in this field.
If your child is committed to legal support work, investigate whether University of Massachusetts Global's specific curriculum offers genuine advantages over shorter, cheaper pathways into the same roles. Otherwise, you're potentially financing four years of education for a career that values experience and specific skills over degree level.
Where University of Massachusetts Global Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Legal Support Services bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Massachusetts GlobalAliso Viejo | $12,520 | $36,900* | — | $25,258* | — |
 Roger Williams UniversityBristol | $42,666 | $51,445* | $43,076 | $19,619* | 0.38 |
 SUNY College of Technology at CantonCanton | $8,689 | $48,269* | $41,745 | $30,708* | 0.64 |
 Stevenson UniversityOwings Mills | $39,708 | $46,661* | $47,122 | $27,000* | 0.58 |
 Peirce CollegePhiladelphia | $15,060 | $46,406* | $45,401 | $47,341* | 1.02 |
 University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati | $13,570 | $45,549* | $54,323 | $25,258* | 0.55 |
| 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 University of Massachusetts Global, approximately 23% 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 36 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.