Analysis
Ursuline's estimated first-year earnings of $37,268 land right at Ohio's median for legal support bachelor's programs, but the debt picture tells a different story. Based on comparable programs at similar institutions nationally, graduates here carry an estimated $32,701—substantially more than the $25,258 median debt at other Ohio schools offering this degree. That puts the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.88, meaning nearly a full year's salary goes toward paying off loans.
The concern intensifies when you look at what other Ohio programs achieve. University of Cincinnati's legal support graduates earn $45,549 their first year out—$8,000 more—while Kent State produces $38,981. These aren't elite private schools; they're public universities that appear to deliver better market outcomes. Even programs with lower earnings, like Herzing University-Akron at $33,315, likely come with more manageable debt loads given statewide patterns.
For a field where earnings plateau relatively early, starting with debt near annual salary makes the financial math tight. Your child would need strong career placement support or connections in Ohio's legal market to justify choosing Ursuline over alternatives. Before committing, ask the school directly about job placement rates and whether their graduates tend toward higher-paying specializations like corporate legal departments rather than general paralegal work.
Where Ursuline College 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $37,860 | $37,268* | — | $32,701* | — | |
| $13,570 | $45,549* | $54,323 | $25,258* | 0.55 | |
| $12,846 | $38,981* | $43,984 | $25,000* | 0.64 | |
| $12,377 | $35,554* | $43,888 | $27,605* | 0.78 | |
| $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 Ursuline College, approximately 39% 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.