At $10,914/yr net price, Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduates earn $56,561/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,561/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $10,914 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $43,656 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,561/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,561/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $9,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,783/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,307/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,782/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $37,568 | $20,000 |
| Legal Support Services. | Certificate | $34,145 | $9,397 |
The Risk Factor
53.3% of students at Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Center for Advanced Legal Studies delivers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment. With median 10-year earnings of $56,561 against a net price of $10,914 annually, you face a concerning reality where your career prospects remain limited to lower-paying legal support roles.
The school's legal support services programs produce graduates earning just $34,000 to $37,000 annually, placing you well below the national median income. These salaries barely cover basic living expenses in Houston's job market, making debt repayment challenging even with the relatively low median debt of $9,500.
Your biggest financial risk lies in the 53% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students leave without completing their program while still carrying debt. The narrow program focus also limits your career flexibility if the legal support job market contracts or if you discover the field doesn't suit you.
This school works financially only if you have guaranteed employment lined up at a law firm willing to pay above-average wages for paralegals, or if you can complete the program debt-free. The 48% of students receiving financial aid suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities, so you'll likely pay close to full price.
You should look elsewhere if you need higher earning potential or want career flexibility. Community colleges offer similar paralegal training at lower costs, while four-year programs provide better long-term earning prospects. Consider this school only as a last resort if you're certain about working in legal support and have no other training options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Center for Advanced Legal Studies worth the cost for legal support careers?
With graduates earning around $35,000-$37,000 in legal support roles and total debt typically under $10,000, the financial return is modest but manageable. The low debt load makes this a safer choice than many legal programs, though earning potential remains limited.
What is the graduation rate at Center for Advanced Legal Studies and does it affect ROI?
Only 53% of students graduate, meaning nearly half don't complete their programs. This significantly hurts the school's value proposition since non-graduates still accumulate debt without gaining credentials needed for legal support positions.
How much debt do Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduates typically have?
Median debt is $9,500, which is relatively low for career training programs. This manageable debt level helps offset the modest starting salaries in legal support services.
Do Center for Advanced Legal Studies graduates earn enough to justify the program cost?
Graduates earn around $56,000 ten years after starting, but early career salaries in legal support average $34,000-$37,000. The earnings growth is slow, and many similar positions don't require formal training, making the ROI questionable for some students.