Analysis
A bachelor's in legal support services typically launches graduates into first-year earnings around $37,000—solid paralegal territory but modest for a four-year degree investment. Based on debt patterns at similar private institutions, Wilmington students in this program likely carry about $33,000 in loans, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio just under 1:1. That's manageable but requires discipline, particularly since legal support roles don't typically see the salary acceleration that makes heavier debt loads easier to absorb over time.
Delaware's legal market is small but stable, anchored by Wilmington's corporate law presence. The challenge is that many paralegal positions are accessible with associate degrees or certificates at considerably less cost. Comparable programs nationally produce the same $37,000 earnings figure, which means this bachelor's doesn't appear to command a premium over shorter credentials. The monthly debt payments on $33,000—likely around $350-400—would consume roughly 11-13% of gross income, tight but feasible if you land steady employment in a law firm or corporate legal department.
The real question is whether the four-year credential opens doors that justify the extra time and debt compared to faster paralegal pathways. If your student is committed to legal work and Wilmington's program offers strong placement connections in Delaware's concentrated legal community, the investment could work. Otherwise, the estimated figures suggest exploring whether a two-year program might deliver similar outcomes with substantially less financial exposure.
Where Wilmington University 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
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,330 | $36,900* | — | $32,701* | — | |
| $42,666 | $51,445* | $43,076 | $19,619* | 0.38 | |
| $8,689 | $48,269* | $41,745 | $30,708* | 0.64 | |
| $39,708 | $46,661* | $47,122 | $27,000* | 0.58 | |
| $15,060 | $46,406* | $45,401 | $47,341* | 1.02 | |
| $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 Wilmington University, approximately 26% 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.