Legal Support Services at Tidewater Community College

Norfolk, VA · Public · Associate Degree

enrolling 11,797 students in Norfolk, VA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,677/yr, roughly in line with the $36,991 national median for Legal Support Services. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 35.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 61% task exposure — and the 17% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Legal Support Services graduates.

With first-year pay of $33,677 far exceeding the $13,307 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #66 out of 127 programs, Tidewater Community College's financial outcomes for Legal Support Services trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $33,677 to $40,986 shows 22% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

Legal Support Services connects to 2 apprenticeship options. The earn-while-you-learn model can be a strong alternative or complement to a certificate program.

45 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
45
Score
49
High End
Earnings $33,677/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (39% shielded)
Job Market Large (77,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$424K
5.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
37.1x
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)
$11,428
Out-of-state: $23,434
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,307
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,986
22% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Legal Support Services careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering other programs.

Read the full Legal Support Services career guide →

Compare & Explore

Legal Support Services Overview

Legal Support Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Tidewater Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Legal Support Services at Tidewater Community College?
A score of 45/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Legal Support Services. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Should I worry about AI if I study Legal Support Services at Tidewater Community College?
With 61% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $352,335 in decade earnings vs $424,237 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Legal Support Services program at Tidewater Community College?
There are 2 registered apprenticeships connected to Legal Support Services occupations, such as Legal Secretary and Paralegal (Alternate Title: Paralegal Specialist). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
What's the job market like for Legal Support Services from Tidewater Community College?
Job availability for Legal Support Services is strong — 77,600 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Tidewater Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in VA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →