Legal Support Services at Portland Community College

Portland, OR · Public · Associate Degree

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.

55 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
48
Low End
55
Score
59
High End
Earnings $42,463/yr (15% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (39% shielded)
Job Market Large (77,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$599K
7.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
59.4x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
6 of 6
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$10,080
Out-of-state: $20,160
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
4.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,558
33% growth from Year 1

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%
Legal support workers, all other
$68,760
-1.2% growth 100% AI-proof
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners
$67,310
-0.3% growth 4% AI-proof
Paralegals and legal assistants
$61,010
+0.2% growth 48% AI-proof

View all 6 career paths with full salary data →

Legal Support Services Career Guide

Explore what Legal Support Services graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 127 programs nationwide.

Read the full Legal Support Services career guide →

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Portland Community College's Legal Support Services program score?
A score of 55/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Legal Support Services field.
Should I worry about AI if I study Legal Support Services at Portland Community College?
AI exposure of 61% is a real factor. For Portland Community College specifically, the gap between optimistic ($598,707) and pessimistic ($444,257) decade earnings reflects that uncertainty.
What makes Portland Community College's Legal Support Services program stand out?
Among 127 Legal Support Services programs, Portland Community College's #31 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Legal Support Services graduates?
If Portland Community College's tuition gives you pause, consider that 2 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Legal Support Services. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Legal Support Services from Portland Community College?
The large job market (77,600 annual openings) works in favor of Legal Support Services graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →