Legal Support Services at University of Massachusetts Global
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
umassglobal.eduAnalysis
Legal support services certificates typically command around $40,000 in first-year earnings nationwide, and with an estimated debt load of $19,500, this program's financial profile appears relatively manageable—a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.50 suggests graduates could pay off their loans within a reasonable timeframe. However, it's crucial to recognize that these figures come from national peer programs rather than actual outcomes from University of Massachusetts Global graduates, so the specific value proposition here remains uncertain.
California's legal support services market is competitive, with 64 schools offering similar programs, yet none are reporting actual earnings data publicly. This lack of transparency across the state makes it difficult to assess whether UMassGlobal's approach stands out in terms of curriculum, employer connections, or placement success. The modest Pell grant enrollment of 23% suggests this isn't primarily serving low-income students who might be most vulnerable to employment setbacks.
For parents weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest a workable financial outcome if your child matches typical national patterns. But before committing, dig into what UMassGlobal specifically offers: their job placement rates, relationships with California law firms and corporate legal departments, and whether their certificate carries weight with local employers. The financial framework looks reasonable on paper, but the real value depends entirely on execution—and right now, you're operating without direct evidence of this program's track record.
Where University of Massachusetts Global 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,520 | $40,429* | — | $19,500* | — | |
| $4,920 | $50,681* | — | $17,629* | 0.35 | |
| $51,716 | $48,819* | — | $35,000* | 0.72 | |
| $5,050 | $48,599* | $52,694 | —* | — | |
| $4,669 | $45,880* | — | $23,471* | 0.51 | |
| $4,494 | $45,094* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $40,429* | — | $20,834* | 0.52 |
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 41 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.