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Legal support services programs show dramatic cost variations across the country, with St Petersburg College offering a negative net price of $52 while some schools cost over $12,000 annually. The field connects directly to America's legal industry, where paralegal and legal assistant roles support the nation's 1.3 million practicing attorneys in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. Earnings potential varies significantly by location and specialization, ranging from $25,194 at University of Central Florida to $42,682 at both CUNY New York City College of Technology and Texas Woman's University. Public institutions dominate affordable options, though graduation rates span from 19.40% to 75.10%. Students can find quality programs across varied markets, from Florida's growing legal sector to Texas's corporate law centers. The wide acceptance rate spread, from University of Central Florida's selective 41.04% to Western Kentucky University's open 96.95%, means students with different academic backgrounds can access legal support training.
50
Programs
$-52 – $17,816
Net Price Range
$33,044
Avg. Program Earnings
47.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Legal Support Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $-52 $2,682 37.5%
2 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
3 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
4 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
5 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
6 $9,287 $8,032 32.7% 70.1%
7 $9,962 $10,130 49.7% 64.3%
8 $10,089 $9,838 47.7% 84.0%
9 $10,145 $5,068 35.4% 56.3%
10 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
11 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
12 $10,785 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
13 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
14 $10,948 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
15 $11,056 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
16 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
17 $11,298 $6,007 41.7% 89.5%
18 $11,408 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
19 $11,410 $14,760 50.0%
20 $12,267 $10,110 47.6%
21 $12,447 $4,580 41.2%
22 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
23 $12,832 $7,388 44.7% 86.8%
24 $12,905 $15,060 5.3%
25 $13,046 $9,578 52.6%
26 $13,164 $9,412 68.5% 97.4%
27 $13,198 $8,092 37.8% 99.1%
28 $14,224 $9,618 50.6% 98.8%
29 $14,590 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%
30 $14,986 $23,340 59.4% 64.6%
31 $15,001 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
32 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
33 $15,171 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
34 $15,205 $13,420 73.5% 94.3%
35 $15,355 $12,330 22.6%
36 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
37 $15,524 $7,995 31.9%
38 $15,770 $22,106 48.1% 85.9%
39 $16,135 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
40 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
41 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
42 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
43 $17,096 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
44 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
45 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
46 $17,460 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
47 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
48 $17,613 $13,420 50.0% 93.5%
49 $17,815 $27,360 58.1% 64.8%
50 $17,816 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the negative net cost at St Petersburg College?

St Petersburg College offers a net price of negative $52, meaning students receive more in financial aid than the actual cost of attendance. This occurs when federal and state grants exceed tuition and fees of $2,682. Florida residents benefit from extensive state aid programs that can fully cover community college costs. The college maintains a 37.50% graduation rate while providing this strong affordability.

How do earnings compare between the highest and lowest paying programs?

Graduate earnings range from $25,194 at University of Central Florida to $42,682 at CUNY New York City College of Technology and Texas Woman's University. This $17,488 difference reflects regional job markets and specialization levels. New York's legal market typically offers higher salaries due to cost of living and concentration of large law firms. Texas also benefits from strong corporate legal demand in major cities.

Is there a connection between program cost and graduation success?

No clear correlation exists between cost and graduation rates in these programs. University of Central Florida charges $10,650 annually and achieves a 75.10% graduation rate, while CUNY New York City College of Technology costs less at $4,783 but graduates only 19.40% of students. The lowest-cost option, St Petersburg College, maintains a middle-range 37.50% completion rate. Individual school support systems matter more than price.

Where can students find the most accessible admission requirements?

Western Kentucky University accepts 96.95% of applicants while charging $10,916 annually, making it highly accessible. Texas Woman's University also maintains open admission with a 93.63% acceptance rate. These contrast sharply with University of Central Florida's selective 41.04% acceptance rate. Students with lower GPAs or test scores can find multiple affordable options with flexible admission standards.

What debt levels should students expect after graduation?

Available debt data shows graduates typically borrow between $17,325 and $28,842 to complete their programs. University of Houston-Clear Lake reports the lowest debt at $17,325, while Clayton State University graduates average $28,842. St Petersburg College students likely graduate debt-free given the negative net cost. These moderate debt levels reflect the shorter program length compared to four-year degrees.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.