Est. Earnings (1yr)
$40,585
Est. from AZ median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$14,947
Est. from national median (42 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable programs in Arizona, this associate's degree pathway into legal support work appears to deliver solid first-year earnings of around $40,585—slightly above both the national median and on par with the state median. The estimated debt load of roughly $15,000 creates a manageable 0.37 ratio, meaning graduates would owe about four months' salary, which is considerably less burdensome than the $25,000+ debt typical of similar programs nationally. That lower debt figure, even as an estimate, suggests Yavapai College may offer a more affordable entry point into the paralegal field than many alternatives.

The comparison with other Arizona programs tells an interesting story. While Phoenix College's graduates earn about $5,000 more in their first year, Yavapai's estimated outcomes still surpass programs like Bryan University by a significant margin. For families concerned about debt, the difference between an estimated $15,000 and the $25,000+ carried by graduates at other Arizona schools could mean the difference between paying off loans within a few years versus carrying them much longer.

The practical takeaway: if these peer-based estimates hold true, this program positions graduates for immediate employment at earnings that should comfortably cover the debt load. Before committing, verify current placement rates with employers in Prescott or nearby metro areas—legal support roles cluster around law firms and courts, so local job market strength matters more than statewide averages.

Where Yavapai College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all legal support services associates's programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona

Legal Support Services associates's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (11 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Yavapai CollegePrescott$2,838$40,585*$14,947*
Phoenix CollegePhoenix$2,358$45,838*$44,956$15,000*0.33
Crestpoint UniversityPhoenix$7,995$40,585*$36,283$25,250*0.62
Bryan UniversityTempe$12,185$26,288*$34,430$26,380*1.00
National Median$34,421*$25,166*0.73
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with legal support services graduates

Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners

Use verbatim methods and equipment to capture, store, retrieve, and transcribe pretrial and trial proceedings or other information. Includes stenocaptioners who operate computerized stenographic captioning equipment to provide captions of live or prerecorded broadcasts for hearing-impaired viewers.

$67,310/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

$61,010/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Interpreters and Translators

Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.

$59,440/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research.

$47,460/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.

Legal Support Workers, All Other

All legal support workers not listed separately.

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 Yavapai College, approximately 19% 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 3 similar programs in AZ. Actual outcomes may vary.