Analysis
Based on comparable bachelor's programs in legal support services nationwide, first-year earnings around $36,900 against estimated debt of $25,258 creates a manageable starting point—that 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio sits comfortably below the concerning 1.0 threshold. However, these figures come with significant uncertainty since Winona State's actual graduate outcomes aren't reported due to small sample sizes, a reality that reflects the program's limited scale.
The broader context suggests moderate caution. Minnesota State University Moorhead's reported outcomes ($43,585) demonstrate that legal support programs in the state can produce stronger early earnings, while Herzing's lower figures ($33,315) show the range varies considerably. The estimated $36,900 falls short of Minnesota's typical median for this field ($38,450), suggesting graduates here might face a steeper climb than at peer institutions within the state.
The combination of estimated outcomes and below-state-average projections makes this a harder program to confidently recommend. If your child is committed to legal support work, understanding why this specific program exists at such small scale matters—smaller cohorts can mean limited networking and placement infrastructure. The debt load appears reasonable, but without knowing actual graduate success rates from Winona State itself, you're essentially betting on national averages rather than this school's proven track record in launching legal support careers.
Where Winona State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Legal Support Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,498 | $36,900* | — | $25,258* | — | |
| $10,336 | $43,585* | $39,001 | $27,750* | 0.64 | |
| $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 Winona State University, 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.