Updated
10/08/2023
While lawyers often get the spotlight (and credit) in court and other legal matters, they wouldn’t get far without the background support provided by their paralegal team. Paralegals are an integral part of the legal profession, and they need specialized training and skills to understand the legal process and be successful in their careers. Fortunately, this training doesn’t require four years of college and can now be earned remotely through online paralegal associate degree programs.
This page has everything you need to need to get started on your paralegal education and career path, including a list of this year’s best online paralegal associate degree programs, key details on what you’ll learn, and a look at what your salary could be after you graduate. Continue reading to find out about this quick and convenient way to enter the legal field where demand and earnings potential are strong.
College Rankings: Best Online Paralegal Associate Degree Programs for 2024
Paralegals play a significant role in the legal field, and it’s important they get the training needed for proficiency in their positions. To help you find the best schools, we compiled a best-in-class list that looks at online paralegal associate degree programs based on affordability, accreditation, and convenience. Start your training at one of these top-rated schools.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio.
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Great Falls, Montana
The University of Providence provides an online associate degree in legal studies. This program is an ideal fit for students who want to work in law-related careers at law firms, state and federal agencies, and organizations. In addition to general education courses, students take 28 credit hours of law-related courses to earn this degree. Many of these classes are dedicated to learning the ins and outs of various legal topics, such as property law, domestic and family law, and estate law. This flexible online program has received approval from the American Bar Association.
Program Highlights:
Associate Degree in Legal Studies
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $932/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
2
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Individuals who are interested in a legal career can get started with the AS in Legal Studies from Davenport University. Through a combination of classwork and internships, students learn about conducting investigations, performing legal research, and drafting legal documents. While many courses for this legal studies degree are available online, students must attend some classes in person on Davenport's Grand Rapids or Lansing campus. If students want to continue on to a four-year degree, the school also offers a bachelor's degree in legal studies. Davenport's Associate of Science in Legal Studies has been reviewed and officially approved by the American Bar Association.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science in Legal Studies
- Credits: 64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $627/credit (online); $928/credit (on-campus)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
3
Richmond, Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University offers a fully online Applied Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies for students who want to get their start in the legal field. This program's coursework is available entirely online, meaning that students can study from anywhere in the world. Each class is presented in an accelerated eight-week format; courses begin six times per year. Additionally, all but nine credit hours are delivered via asynchronous instruction, allowing students to learn on the schedule that works best for them. The remaining nine hours are completed via synchronous online classes. Upon graduation, students are prepared to launch careers as paralegals or proceed to a bachelor's degree program.
Program Highlights:
Applied Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
- Credits: 64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $434/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
4
Lynchburg, Virginia
5
Fairbanks, Alaska
6
Indianapolis, Indiana
7
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
8
Brookfield, Wisconsin
9