Explore the Best Online Paralegal Programs
Discover how you can launch your career as a paralegal through the convenience and affordability of an online paralegal bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or certificate program. Learn about admissions requirements, program costs and financial aid resources, curriculum, delivery formats, job opportunities for online paralegal program graduates, and more.
You don’t have to be a lawyer to enjoy a challenging and rewarding career in the legal profession. Paralegals are highly respected and valuable members of legal teams in district attorney and public defenders’ offices, private attorneys’ offices, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and more. Paralegals are well-paid and in demand. And, unlike lawyers, you won’t have to spend four years earning your bachelor’s degree and another three or four years in law school before entering the job market.
You will, however, need education and training in the form of a paralegal associate or bachelor’s degree or a certificate program. And there’s no better way today to earn your degree or certificate than in an online paralegal program.
There are currently around 350,000 paralegals employed in the United States. Ready to learn more about how to join them? Then read on to discover how you can launch your career as a valuable member of the legal profession by earning your degree or certificate through one of today’s best paralegal training online programs. We’ll start you off with our spotlights of three current online program options.
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
Batavia, Ohio
10
Gainesville, Florida
11
Tallahassee, Florida
12
Atlanta, Georgia
13
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
14
Kenosha, Wisconsin
15
Metairie, Louisiana
16
Salem, Virginia
17
Madison, Wisconsin
18
Lenexa, Kansas
19
Birmingham, Alabama
20
Orchard Park, New York
21
Denver, Colorado
22
Phoenix, Arizona
23
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
24
Lima, Ohio
25
Fort Myers, Florida
26
Rapid City, South Dakota
27
Akron, Ohio
28
Colorado Springs, Colorado
29
Savannah, Georgia
30
Tempe, Arizona
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
Cleveland, Wisconsin
Students who are ready to launch their future career as a paralegal can earn their degree partially online with Lakeshore Technical College (LTC). LTC's paralegal program is not only approved by the American Bar Association, but it also complies with requirements set by the Wisconsin Bar Association. In this program, students take courses in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Family Law, and Legal Writing, among other topics. While many of the courses are available in an online, accelerated format, some classes must be taken on campus at LTC. Upon graduation, students are prepared to work under the supervision of a lawyer in settings such as a law firm, insurance company, bank, or corporation.
Program Highlights:
Associate Degree in Legal Studies/Paralegal
- Credits: 61
- Length: 4 terms
- Cost: $146/credit (in-state); $219/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
2
Fulton, Mississippi
At Itawamba Community College, students can pursue a career as a paralegal with the Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Technology. During this two-year program, students are trained in areas such as civil litigation, legal research and writing, and wills. After completing the first 30 credit hours of this program, they receive a Career Certificate. After completing the full 60 credits, students are job-ready and prepared to perform specialized legal work while supervised by an attorney. All coursework is available online, meaning students have a convenient and flexible path to earning their AAS degree and becoming a paralegal.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Technology
- Credits: 60-61
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $145/credit (in-state); $245/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
3
Hutchinson, Kansas
At Hutchinson Community College (HCC), students can earn an online associate degree to help them prepare for a future career as a paralegal. While enrolled in the Paralegal Associate of Applied Science program, students earn a flexible, 60-credit associate degree. The curriculum is designed to instill students with the knowledge and skills to perform paralegal duties under the supervision of a lawyer. After graduating from HCC, students may take the optional National Association of Legal Assistants examination to become a certified paralegal. Once they've completed their degrees, students are ready to take on jobs in law firms, insurance companies, banks, and more.
Program Highlights:
Paralegal - AAS
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $124/credit (in-state); $155/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
4
Sugar Grove, Illinois
5
Alexandria, Minnesota
6
Wesson, Mississippi
7
Goodman, Mississippi
8
Martinsburg, West Virginia
9
Norwalk, California
10
Estherville, Iowa
11
Roseburg, Oregon
12
Alamogordo, New Mexico
13
Gardner, Massachusetts
14
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts
15
North Little Rock, Arkansas
16
Madisonville, Kentucky
17
Albuquerque, New Mexico
18
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
19
Rockford, Illinois
20
Tulsa, Oklahoma
21
Tampa, Florida
22
Maumee, Ohio
23
Martinsville, Virginia
24
Lima, Ohio
25
Largo, Maryland
26
Appleton, Wisconsin
27
Binghamton, New York
28
Chalmette, Louisiana
29
Pasadena, California
30
Enterprise, Alabama
31
Kansas City, Kansas
32
Fairmont, West Virginia
33
Amarillo, Texas
34
Killeen, Texas
35
Raymond, Mississippi
36
Columbus, Georgia
37
Senatobia, Mississippi
38
Warner Robins, Georgia
39
Ridgecrest, California
40
Harriman, Tennessee
41
Corsicana, Texas
42
Dublin, Virginia
43
Dryden, New York
44
Duluth, Minnesota
45
Brecksville, Ohio
46
Walnut, California
47
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
48
Indianapolis, Indiana
Spotlight on Online Paralegal Programs
Paralegal training online comes in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important that you have a solid understanding of how programs work before you make your choice. We’ve spotlighted three current fully online paralegal programs– two associate degree and one bachelor’s degree – to provide you with a look at the variety of components and options. Details matter, so consider each carefully to determine which best suit your study preferences and your academic and professional goals.
The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Science program offers students the ability to earn a full bachelor’s degree entirely online in four years of full-time study. The bulk of the coursework in the 120-credit-hour program is delivered asynchronously, meaning that students can access and complete their studies at any time. However, a minimum of nine semester hours of legal specialty coursework must be completed via synchronous instruction. Students can transfer in up to 90 credit hours for previous coursework. Graduates of this ABA-accredited program are eligible to sit for the Certified Paralegal (CP) examination. (More on paralegal certification below.) As a public university, EKU is able to offer its BA in Paralegal Science at the affordable tuition rate of $434 per credit. Active-duty military enjoy a discounted per-credit rate of $258. Six program starts are available annually.
Purdue Global’s Associate of Applied Science in Legal Support and Services combines general education coursework with major-specific required courses and electives in subjects such as family law, civil litigation, legal research and writing, legal ethics, and more. Coursework is delivered 100% online. Students attend one live-streamed meeting (typically in the evenings) via Zoom each week for each class. All other coursework is delivered asynchronously. Each term is 10 weeks, and students can take one or two courses each term. The average program completion time is two years. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the CP exam. The current tuition rate for this 90-credit paralegal program online is $371 per credit.
Rasmussen University, a private university with locations throughout the U.S., offers two online options for students seeking paralegal careers. The 90-credit paralegal associate degree program allows students without a previously earned associate or bachelor’s degree to complete their studies in as few as 18 months, depending on the number of previously earned credits. Students with a degree can opt for Rasmussen’s 33-credit Paralegal Certificate, which can be completed in as few as eight months. Both programs feature fully online coursework and completion of in-person field experience. Current tuition rates are $279 for full-time students and $329 for part-time students. Students may be able to save time and money on their program through self-directed assessments which award credits for previously gained knowledge and skills.
Pathways to a Paralegal Degree Online
As the spotlights above indicate, there are a few pathways you can take to becoming a paralegal, each catering to a different segment of the student population. That’s why it’s important to take stock of your unique academic needs and career goals before choosing an online paralegal program. Below are descriptions of the three major paralegal program types. The good news is that you’ll find a number of different programs available fully online for each one.
Associate Degree
The most common and most popular path to paralegal career preparation is the paralegal associate degree. Associate degree programs typically require earning (depending on term lengths) 60 to 90 credits and are commonly completed with two years of full-time study, possibly less with credits transferred in. Associate degree paralegal programs offer a great balance between a quick completion time (approximately half that of a bachelor’s program) and the ability to apply credits earned to a future bachelor’s program.
For more information on paralegal training online, be sure to visit our Online Paralegal Associate Degree Programs page.
Bachelor’s Degree
The paralegal bachelor’s degree requires the most time and – in all likelihood – the most money of any of the three paths discussed here. Like most bachelor’s degrees, the typical completion time for a full-time paralegal bachelor’s program is around four years. Going the bachelor’s degree route offers some valuable benefits. A bachelor’s degree program is a great choice for anyone seriously considering continuing their academic studies later on to earn a graduate degree or even attend law school. A paralegal bachelor’s degree also helps job seekers stand out – and above – their associate degree competition.
For more on bachelor’s programs for paralegal training online, visit the Online Paralegal Bachelor’s Programs page.
Paralegal Certificates
The quickest, most convenient, and (in most cases) most affordable way to prepare for a paralegal career is through an online paralegal certificate program. Curriculum requirements and completion times vary by program, but you’ll find most require a full-time commitment of around one year. Part-time options are also available from some programs and require around 1½ years to complete. The reason you can earn the certificate so quickly is that you’ll need to already have an associate or bachelor’s degree for admission.
To learn more about paralegal certificates, be sure to check out our Guide to the Best Online Paralegal Certificate Programs.
Accreditation for Online Paralegal Programs
Accreditation is the process by which you’re assured that the paralegal degree program you’re interested in has met important standards of academic quality. You’ll be looking for two types of accreditations in your paralegal program online: institutional and programmatic.
Institutional accreditation: This concerns the overall academic quality of postsecondary institutions. Institutional accreditation of U.S.-based colleges and universities is administered by a group of independent national and regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Programmatic accreditation: This accreditation has to do with programs in a specific profession or occupation. The accreditation of paralegal programs in the U.S. is overseen by the American Bar Association (ABA). For more on paralegal program accreditation, including a directory of approved programs, visit the ABA Approved Paralegal Program Resources website. To learn more, check out our ABA-approved Online Paralegal Programs guide.
How to Pay for Your Paralegal Degree
Even though online paralegal programs offer an affordable way to get the education you need to enter the profession, you can still get help to pay for that education. Qualifying students in a paralegal program online have access to a wide range of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, student loans, and more. Here are three STEPS resources to get you started on your program funding search:
Getting Financial Aid for Your Public Service Degree: Learn about the many types of financial aid available for students in the public service field, including paralegal studies.
Paralegal Scholarships Guide: Discover scholarship opportunities that are specifically for or that include online paralegal program students.
30 Top Scholarships for Public Service Students: Descriptions and links to top public service scholarships, many of which are available to paralegal students.
What Courses Will You Take in Your Paralegal Training Online?
Along with the general education coursework required for associate and bachelor’s degree programs, paralegal students complete courses in a number of subjects that prepare them to succeed in all aspects of paralegal practice. Here’s a look at five courses similar to the ones you’ll encounter in your online paralegal program curriculum. Through your choice of electives, you’ll most likely be able to tailor your studies to include one or more specific legal subjects of particular interest to you.
Course Examples
1. Introduction to Paralegal Studies:
Practically all in-person and online paralegal programs start with an introductory course providing students with an overview of the legal system that includes a look at different court types (state and federal), the adversarial system, various sources of law (statute, case law, administrative regulations, etc.), and more.
2. Foundations of Law:
This course includes an overview of legal theory, the historical foundations of jurisprudence, criminal and civil procedure, and the basic areas of law that make up the bulk of paralegal practice (torts, criminal law, family law, business law, real estate law, etc.).
3. Legal Writing:
An introduction to the basic forms and techniques employed in legal writing, this course covers proper citations, trial and appellate briefs, contracts, and legal correspondence.
4. Legal Research:
This survey of legal research practices and techniques covers locating sources of federal and state law, primary and secondary law sources, court reports, checking and validating citations, and computer legal research.
5. Ethics and Professional Responsibility:
An examination of the role of the paralegal professional in providing legal services to clients under the supervision of an attorney, this class also delves into the ethical rules that govern paralegal practice.
FAQs about Online Paralegal Programs
Still have questions about a paralegal program online that weren’t answered above? To help fill any gaps you may still have about paralegal degree and certificate programs, here are answers to six questions frequently asked by prospective students:
How long does it take to complete a paralegal degree program?
Associate degree programs typically require around two years of full-time study, bachelor’s degrees require around four years of full-time study, and paralegal certificates require around one year of full-time study. Your actual program length will also depend on such variables as your specific program requirements, your choice (if available) of full-time or part-time study, and the number of previously earned college credits that can be transferred in to your online paralegal program.
What are the admission requirements for a paralegal degree program?
Admissions requirements for a paralegal program online vary somewhat. You can, however, expect to find requirements similar to the following:
- High school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED
- A minimum grade point average for all previous high school and college coursework. Averages vary by program, but 2.5 is not uncommon.
- SAT or other admissions testing scores
And, of course, you’ll need an associate or bachelor’s degree for admission into a paralegal certificate program. You’ll find that certificate programs typically don’t consider GPAs from high school coursework.
What’s the job outlook for paralegal degree program graduates?
The job outlook for paralegals in the U.S. is solid. According to the most recent (2022) figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow by 4% between 2022 and 2032. That’s slightly better than the 3% projected growth rate for all occupations. In terms of earnings for paralegals, the figures are also quite solid, with median annual wages (May 2022) for paralegals and legal assistants at $59,200. That’s almost $13,000 higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.
What skills will I develop in a paralegal degree program?
We’re talking marketable skills here, the kind lawyers value and rely upon from the paralegals they employ. Here are a few of the most important:
- Knowledge of the law, particularly legal terms and judicial system processes
- Communication skills, both written and oral, for effective interaction with lawyers, fellow staff members, and clients
- Research skills for conducting legal research applicable to your clients’ cases
- Critical thinking, organizational, and time management skills
- Legal principles and ethics, both in terms of general legal practice and specifically regarding paralegal conduct
Do I need to be certified to work as a paralegal after completing a paralegal degree program?
Paralegal certification, such as from The Paralegal Association, isn’t strictly a requirement to practice as a paralegal. However, it’s not uncommon for specific employers to require certification as a condition of employment. And even if not required, certification provides its holders with a major leg up on their.
Can I specialize in a specific area of law within a paralegal degree program?
Most online paralegal programs don’t offer specific concentrations or specializations. There are exceptions, though. An example is the fully online Paralegal Certificate program at Emory University, which allows students to add a specialization in one of nine legal subfields. Additionally, paralegal students will likely be able to tailor their studies to focus on one or more specialized legal areas through their choice of electives. Popular areas of specialization include civil litigation, criminal law, family law, medical malpractice, and personal injury.
