At $15,524/yr net price, National Paralegal College graduates earn $42,269/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,269/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,524 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,096 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,269/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,269/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,853 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,319/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,243/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,083/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate). | Bachelor | $35,701 | $36,879 |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Bachelor | $32,467 | |
| Legal Support Services. | Associate | $29,443 | $18,650 |
The Risk Factor
31.9% of students at National Paralegal College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
National Paralegal College delivers poor financial returns with median earnings of just $42,269 ten years after enrollment and a dismal 32% graduation rate. Your chances of completing your program are roughly one in three, making this a high-risk investment.
The school's specialized legal programs show concerning earning patterns. The flagship Non-Professional General Legal Studies program saddles graduates with $36,879 in debt while delivering only $35,701 in annual earnings. This means you'll earn less than what you borrowed, creating an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio. Legal Support Services offers the best value with lower debt at $18,650, but even this program yields just $29,443 annually.
The 17% retention rate signals serious problems with student satisfaction and program quality. Most students leave after their first year, suggesting the education doesn't meet expectations or career preparation falls short.
You should consider this school only if you need maximum scheduling flexibility and cannot access paralegal training through community colleges or established four-year institutions. Community colleges typically offer paralegal certificates at much lower costs with better job placement rates in local markets.
The school's financial aid reaches only 40% of students, limiting your options for reducing costs. With Arizona's competitive legal job market centered in Phoenix and Tucson, you'll compete against graduates from Arizona State University and community college programs that cost less and offer stronger employer recognition.
Skip National Paralegal College unless you have no other paralegal training options in your area. The combination of low completion rates, weak earnings, and high debt creates financial risk that outweighs any convenience factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National Paralegal College worth the cost compared to other schools?
National Paralegal College graduates earn $42,269 annually, which is below average for college graduates. With a net price of $15,524 per year and median debt of $24,853, the return on investment is weak compared to most four-year programs.
What are the job prospects after graduating from National Paralegal College?
Only 32% of students graduate from National Paralegal College, and those who do typically earn around $35,700 in legal studies roles. The low graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their programs successfully.
How much debt do National Paralegal College students typically have?
National Paralegal College graduates carry a median debt of $24,853. Given that starting salaries in their programs range from $29,443 to $35,701, debt payments may strain budgets for several years after graduation.
Which National Paralegal College programs offer the best value?
Non-Professional General Legal Studies offers the highest earnings at $35,701 annually among National Paralegal College programs. However, all programs at the school produce below-average earnings compared to typical bachelor's degree outcomes.