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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,838 | $40,585* | — | $14,947* | — | |
| $2,358 | $45,838* | $44,956 | $15,000* | 0.33 | |
| $7,995 | $40,585* | $36,283 | $25,250* | 0.62 | |
| $12,185 | $26,288* | $34,430 | $26,380* | 1.00 | |
| National Median | — | $34,421* | — | $25,166* | 0.73 |
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 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.