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 leaves you exposed. You pay about $15,500 a year for a degree that pays back a median of $42,269 after ten years, and the earnings figures for the bachelor's programs sit even lower. Legal studies grads land near $35,700, and legal research grads around $32,500. Neither number clears what many paralegals earn without a four-year for-profit degree behind them.
The bigger problem is finishing. Only about 17 of every 100 students come back for a second year, and roughly a third graduate. If you drop out, you carry the debt with none of the credential, and that risk is real here given those numbers. Even if you finish, the general legal studies path leaves you with the heaviest debt load among these programs while paying only slightly more than the alternative.
Your net price barely moves with income. Families earning under $30,000 pay about $15,300. families in the $75,000-$110,000 range actually pay less, around $14,100. There's little price relief at the bottom, so lower-income families shoulder nearly the same yearly cost as wealthier ones. Budget for the full sticker figure.
This school works for you only if you already have a job in the legal field, want a flexible online paralegal credential, and can finish quickly with minimal borrowing. The self-paced format fits someone who is disciplined and self-directed.
If you're starting from scratch, planning to borrow the full amount, or counting on this degree to lift your salary well above paralegal pay, look elsewhere. A community college paralegal certificate or an ABA-approved program will likely cost you less and land you in the same job market with less debt.
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.