Legal Support Services at Portland Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 18,365 in Portland, OR.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $42,463 at Portland Community College come in 15% above the national median of $36,991 for Legal Support Services programs.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 55.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Legal Support Services programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Legal Support Services's career paths, with 61% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 26% gap from the optimistic case.
With first-year pay of $42,463 far exceeding the $17,500 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
At #31 of 127 nationally, this is a top-5% Legal Support Services program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $42,463 to $56,558 over five years — a 33% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
There are 2 registered apprenticeship pathways mapped to Legal Support Services, including Legal Secretary (median $54,140/yr). Apprenticeships offer an alternative route that combines paid work with structured training.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Legal Support Services graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal support workers, all other | $68,760 | -1.2% | 100% |
| Court reporters and simultaneous captioners | $67,310 | -0.3% | 4% |
| Paralegals and legal assistants | $61,010 | +0.2% | 48% |
About Legal Support Services Careers
Your work will be at the heart of the legal process. As a paralegal, you’ll spend your days in a law office, drafting motions, organizing evidence for trial, and using research databases to find case-critical information. You might also work as a legal assistant, managing an attorney's busy calendar, electronically filing documents with the court, and serving as the primary point of contact for clients during stressful times.
Compare & Explore
Legal Support Services Overview
Legal Support Services at Other Schools
Other Majors at Portland Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.