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243Students
53%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$56,561Earnings
Private forprofit2-yearData: 2023-24

About Center for Advanced Legal Studies

The Center for Advanced Legal Studies trains paralegals in the heart of Houston's legal district. This specialized institution enrolls 243 students who focus exclusively on paralegal certification and legal support skills. The school has built a reputation for placing graduates directly into Texas law firms and corporate legal departments. Women make up 89% of the student body, reflecting the demographics of the paralegal profession nationwide.

Students pay an average of $10,914 after financial aid, with typical monthly loan payments of just $101. Graduates earn a median of $56,561 ten years after completing their program, making this one of the more affordable paths into the legal field. The median debt of $9,500 is remarkably low for career-focused training. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking stable middle-class careers.

The job market tells the real story about this program's value. An impressive 87% of graduates find employment, though only 45% successfully repay their federal loans. The student-to-faculty ratio of 26:1 means large classes and limited individual attention. Houston's massive legal market provides abundant internship and job opportunities, but students should expect intense competition from graduates of larger paralegal programs across Texas.

Academics & Faculty

The Center for Advanced Legal Studies specializes exclusively in paralegal training, offering focused career preparation rather than broad academic exploration. With 89% of students being women, the school attracts those seeking direct entry into legal support roles. The 26:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than typical colleges, reflecting the school's practical, lecture-based approach to legal education. Students learn litigation support, legal research, and case management through hands-on training. The 53% graduation rate suggests that while the concentrated program format works for many, the intensive legal coursework and professional demands require significant commitment. The school's Houston location provides access to major law firms and corporate legal departments for internship opportunities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
26:1
Graduation Rate (6-year)
53.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$56,561

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Legal Support Services. Associate $37,568
Legal Support Services. Certificate $34,145

View all 3 programs →

Campus Life

The Center for Advanced Legal Studies draws 243 students to its Houston campus, where 89% are women pursuing paralegal careers. You'll find yourself in America's fourth-largest city, surrounded by law firms, corporate headquarters, and the nation's energy capital. Houston's subtropical climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round and light jackets for brief winter months.

The student body is 41% Black and 28% Hispanic, reflecting Houston's diversity. With a 26:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger class sizes focused on practical legal skills training. Nearly half the students (48%) receive Pell Grants, creating a community of working adults and career changers. The specialized program attracts students entirely from Texas.

As a commuter school without dormitories, campus life centers on weekday classes and study groups. Students often work part-time at Houston law firms while completing their studies. The 87% employment rate suggests strong connections to the local legal market. Weekend activities revolve around Houston's restaurants, museums, and professional networking events rather than traditional college social scenes.
Setting
City-Large

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
42°–64°F
July Avg
76°–94°F
Annual Precipitation
51.1"
Annual Snowfall
0.0"

Student Demographics

Women make up 89% of the student body at this Houston paralegal school, reflecting the field's demographics. The school draws exclusively from Texas, building strong ties with local law firms and legal employers. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the institution serves working-class Houstonians seeking career advancement. The student population is racially diverse, with 41% Black students and 28% Hispanic students. This reflects both Houston's demographics and the school's mission to provide legal career pathways for underrepresented communities in the legal profession.
Men
10.7%
Women
89.3%
White
27.6%
Black
41.2%
Hispanic
27.6%
Asian
2.5%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
48.2%

Location

The Center for Advanced Legal Studies sits in Houston, Texas, the nation's fourth-largest city with over 2.3 million residents. Houston's massive legal industry creates abundant internship and job opportunities for paralegal students. The school draws exclusively in-state students, with 100% coming from Texas. Houston's diverse economy spans energy, healthcare, and aerospace sectors, providing varied legal specializations. The city's humid subtropical climate means year-round warmth but intense summer heat. Students benefit from Houston's extensive public transit system and relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas. The school serves a predominantly female student body at 89.3%. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Center for Advanced Legal Studies with similar schools in the region.
Address
Houston, Texas 77042-1912

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$56,561
Median Earnings (5 years)
$44,983
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$42,000
Loan Repayment Rate
45.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$101/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Center for Advanced Legal Studies?

The school maintains a highly accessible admissions process for its paralegal programs with 100% of students coming from in-state. Center for Advanced Legal Studies focuses on career-focused education rather than traditional academic selectivity, serving students who want direct entry into the legal field.

How much does Center for Advanced Legal Studies cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,914 annually, with costs remaining fairly consistent across income levels. About 48% of students receive federal Pell Grants, while only 6% receive institutional grants averaging $4,936.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Center for Advanced Legal Studies?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 26:1 with total enrollment of 243 students. This specialized paralegal training institution focuses on practical legal skills rather than traditional liberal arts education.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Center for Advanced Legal Studies?

Graduates achieve an 87% employment rate with median earnings of $56,561 ten years after enrollment. The school's 53% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face in completing career-focused programs.

Where is Center for Advanced Legal Studies located and what is the campus like?

The school operates in Houston, Texas, taking advantage of the city's large legal market and diverse economy. With 89% of students being women, the campus serves a predominantly female student body seeking paralegal careers.

Does Center for Advanced Legal Studies have manageable student debt levels?

Graduates carry a median debt of $9,500 with monthly loan payments of $101, lower than many four-year institutions. However, the 46% loan repayment rate suggests some graduates struggle to manage their debt despite the relatively low amounts.

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