The Best Online Paralegal Programs

Paralegal bachelor's programs cover legal research and other key law concepts. Discover the best online paralegal programs to jumpstart your career.
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Updated March 28, 2024

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Although lawyers get much of the credit in the courtroom, paralegals are often behind much of the work that goes into building a solid legal case.

Paralegals provide essential services to law professionals, like conducting legal research, organizing information into detailed reports, and summarizing testimony. The nature of their work requires paralegals to have extensive knowledge of law and legal practices.

A quality education in paralegal studies can result in a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree. Discover what the best online paralegal programs offer future paralegals and what to expect from these programs.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

10 Best Online Paralegal Programs

#1 The Best Online Paralegal Programs

National University

  • San Diego, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online

ABA-Approved Program: Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $370
Out-of-State | $370

Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter units

National University's BS in paralegal studies provides a fast-paced, comprehensive education in legal terminology, analysis, and research. Courses explore litigation, criminal law, and remedies and dispute resolution. Each course lasts four weeks, and enrollment remains open year-round.

First-year students should hold GPAs of 2.0 or higher for admission. However, National University considers candidates with lower GPAs. Applicants without math and English credits to transfer must take the ACCUPLACER exam. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,320
Out-of-state
$13,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,480
Out-of-state
$15,480
Retention Rate
100%
Acceptance Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
17,135
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
80% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#2 The Best Online Paralegal Programs

University of Massachusetts Global

  • Irvine, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

ABA-Approved Program: No

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500
Out-of-State | $500

Credits to Graduate: 120

This private school, headquartered in Irvine, California, offers more than 65 online degrees and certificates. University of Massachusetts Global's BA in legal studies, paralegal profession equips students to sit for the Certified Paralegal Exam in California. Courses include victim advocacy, law practice management, and contemporary legal issues.

For applicants with 0-11 transferable credits, admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate. Candidates with 12 or more transfer credits must possess GPAs of 2.0 or higher.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,000
Out-of-state
$12,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,240
Out-of-state
$12,240
Retention Rate
19%
Acceptance Rate
93%
Students Enrolled
9,798
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
99% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#3 The Best Online Paralegal Programs

Purdue University Global

  • West Lafayette, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

ABA-Approved Program: No

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $371
Out-of-State | $371

Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter credits

Purdue University Global's BS in legal support and services prepares graduates to sit for the Certified Paralegal Examination. Courses include criminal law, administrative law, civil litigation, and law office management. The university also offers an accelerated master's program in related areas such as legal studies and criminal justice.

Applicants may transfer up to 75% of the degree's requirements from prior learning experiences. A prospective student must possess a high school diploma, GED certificate, or the equivalent.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,080
Out-of-state
$13,356
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,730
Out-of-state
$9,700
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
43,458
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 The Best Online Paralegal Programs

Florida Gulf Coast University

  • Fort Myers, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

ABA-Approved Program: No

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $106
Out-of-State | $711

Credits to Graduate: 120

Florida Gulf Coast University's BS in legal studies can equip graduates with the communication and critical-thinking skills they need to succeed as paralegals or legal assistants. Courses include courtroom techniques, alternative dispute resolution, and globalization and the rule of law. The program concludes with a senior seminar.

First-year applicants must provide evidence of a high school diploma or GED certificate, along with an SAT score of 1070 or a minimum ACT score of 21.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,191
Out-of-state
$22,328
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,974
Out-of-state
$28,170
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
15,909
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 The Best Online Paralegal Programs

University of Providence

  • Great Falls, MT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

ABA-Approved Program: Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $978
Out-of-State | $978

Credits to Graduate: 120

This Catholic university, located in Great Falls, Montana, serves 480 undergraduate students. University of Providence's BS in legal and paralegal studies can prepare graduates to pursue careers in law firms, state agencies, or local government. 

Courses include commercial law, legal research and writing, and litigation and trial practice. Students also complete field experience and a capstone. University of Providence partners with the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force to train paralegal specialists in the military. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,462
Out-of-state
$26,462
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$24,327
Out-of-state
$24,327
Retention Rate
58%
Acceptance Rate
100%
Students Enrolled
888
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#6 The Best Online Paralegal Programs

Eastern Kentucky University

  • Richmond, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

ABA-Approved Program: Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $434
Out-of-State | $434

Credits to Graduate: 120

Eastern Kentucky University's BA in paralegal science helps qualify students for paralegal jobs in banks, law offices, corporations, or government agencies. Courses include legal research and writing, family law practice, and real estate practice, along with an internship. Each course lasts eight weeks, and new courses begin six times per year.

Transfer applicants may count up to 90 credits from past education toward graduation requirements. First-year applicants need high school GPAs of 2.5 or higher for standard admission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,452
Out-of-state
$19,724
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,900
Out-of-state
$13,500
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
13,984
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
73% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 The Best Online Paralegal Programs

Madonna University

  • Livonia, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

ABA-Approved Program: Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $525
Out-of-State | $525

Credits to Graduate: 120

Located in Livonia, Michigan, Madonna University educates more than 2,400 students in 100-plus career-focused majors. Madonna University's BS in paralegal studies requires a minimum of 42 semester credits in the major. Courses include litigation, law office management, and will and trust drafting. Students must complete at least nine semester hours of legal specialty courses through synchronous online instruction.

First-year applicants need a high school diploma with a GPA of 2.8 or higher. Transfer applicants should hold a 2.0 or better.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$24,900
Out-of-state
$24,900
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,380
Out-of-state
$16,380
Retention Rate
68%
Acceptance Rate
52%
Students Enrolled
2,444
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
72% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 The Best Online Paralegal Programs

Davenport University

  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

ABA-Approved Program: Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $928
Out-of-State | $928

Credits to Graduate: 120

Davenport University's BS in legal studies can prepare graduates for careers in law firms or government agencies or to pursue a juris doctorate at a law school. This degree requires a mix of business and law courses, and students may pursue a specialty in general practice or litigation technology.

Law-related courses include negotiation and dispute resolution, technology in the law office, and advanced litigation, along with an internship. About 94% of Davenport graduates hold employment within six months of graduation. Out-of-state students qualify for a $301 per-credit discount.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$20,064
Out-of-state
$20,064
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,308
Out-of-state
$16,308
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
5,384
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
81% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 The Best Online Paralegal Programs

Roger Williams University

  • Bristol, RI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

ABA-Approved Program: Yes

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $433
Out-of-State | $433

Credits to Graduate: 121

Roger Williams University's BS in professional legal studies requires 41 courses, including legal ethics, law in contemporary society, and criminal law for the paralegal. While most classes are asynchronous, students must complete at least nine credits of legal studies in a synchronous format.

Graduates may pursue careers as pharmaceutical paralegals, hospital legal support workers, and insurance claims investigators. Applicants should submit high school and college transcripts, along with evidence of prior learning assessments for potential transfer credit.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,025
Out-of-state
$37,025
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,476
Out-of-state
$17,476
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
4,529
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
43% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#10 The Best Online Paralegal Programs

SUNY College of Technology at Canton

  • Canton, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

ABA-Approved Program: No

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $295
Out-of-State | $353

Credits to Graduate: 120

Students in SUNY College of Technology at Canton's BS in legal studies receive an interdisciplinary education with coursework in environmental law, immigration law and border control, and American Indian law and federal policy. The program also requires a semester-long internship and a senior project.

Graduates may pursue careers as freelance paralegals, legal assistants, claims investigators, and contract administrators. Applicants must have completed high school course prerequisites, but the university does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Transfer students must complete 30 or more credits through the university to graduate.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$13,830
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
71%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
2,863
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

How We Chose These Schools

At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses official government data to present schools without bias, taking into account key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.

Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.

Types of Paralegal Programs

Certificate

  • 6-12 months
  • Credit or non-credit options
  • Average annual cost of $2,540
  • Requires high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Post-baccalaureate program requires bachelor's degree

Associate Degree

  • Two years
  • 60 credits
  • Average annual cost of $3,560
  • Requires high school diploma or GED certificate

Bachelor's Degree

  • Four years
  • 120 credits
  • Average annual cost of $16,010
  • Requires high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Degree completion program requires previous college credit

Students interested in online paralegal programs can earn a paralegal certificate, a paralegal associate degree, or a paralegal bachelor's degree.

A paralegal certificate provides the basic qualifications for paralegal positions. These programs, which can be undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate level, focus primarily on core concepts in the field.

While some programs confer a non-credit paralegal certificate, others award credit that learners can apply toward an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree. Depending on the program, students can earn a paralegal certificate in as few as six months.

Students earning an associate in paralegal studies online complete major courses and general education requirements. Students in these two-year programs gain more foundational knowledge than learners in paralegal certificate programs.

Associate coursework often covers topics including English, communications, math, and foreign languages. Online paralegal associate degrees may offer concentration options and often include an internship or practicum experience, which may be optional or mandatory.

A bachelor's in paralegal studies usually takes four years to finish 120 credits. Students complete some general education courses, like composition and communications, but most classes are major-specific, covering concepts like criminal procedures, estate planning, and civil litigation.

Some bachelor's programs require internships where students gain on-the-job skills and firsthand experience of a paralegal's daily responsibilities.

Courses in an Online Paralegal Certificate Program

Courses in an Online Paralegal Degree Program

ABA Approval of Online Paralegal Programs

Though paralegals cannot receive certification from the American Bar Association (ABA), they can earn their education from ABA-approved paralegal programs. Because the ABA requires programs to meet a difficult set of criteria, ABA approval demonstrates high quality.

Based on input from legal professionals, corporations, government agencies, and local bar associations, ABA-approved programs feature curricula designed to prepare paralegals for the workforce. A degree from an ABA-approved program is an attractive credential for job-seekers. Only about 25% of the country's paralegal associate and bachelor's programs hold ABA approval.

Choosing the Best Online Paralegal Program for You

Educational outcomes and learning experience vary by program, so students pursuing an online paralegal degree or certificate should research their options before selecting a school. Because earning a college degree or certificate requires significant financial and time commitments, students should choose an accredited online paralegal program that helps them achieve their career goals.

The list below includes crucial factors to consider when evaluating prospective schools.

Program Cost: The cost of earning a degree or certificate depends on various factors. In-state learners often pay lower tuition rates than out-of-state students, and online students may save money on tuition, transportation, and housing. Part-time learners typically pay more overall, although their cost per semester may prove lower than that for full-time students.

Transfer Policies: Accredited institutions rarely accept credits earned through unaccredited schools. Learners planning to transfer to a four-year school after earning an associate or certificate should research prospective schools' transfer agreements and policies before enrolling.

Additionally, students with previous academic or professional experience should look for schools with generous transfer policies or options to receive credit for work experience.

School Size and Type: Some students prefer small class sizes, while others enjoy the resources and extracurricular activities available on larger campuses. Schools generally provide information about average class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios.

Private schools typically offer smaller class sizes than public schools. However, private colleges tend to list higher tuition rates than public institutions.

Program Length: Students planning to earn a certificate or a degree in paralegal studies online should consider each prospective program's length. Paralegal certificate programs generally take about six months to complete, whereas an online paralegal associate degree typically takes two years. Each student's program completion time depends on their personal situation and enrollment status. Part-time students typically take longer to graduate than full-time students.

On-Campus Requirements: Students who take classes on campus must regularly commute to school. Learners considering on-campus or hybrid programs should ensure that they can fit these synchronous obligations into their schedule. Students pursuing on-campus learning should also choose a school with a reasonable commute or factor the cost of relocation into their budget.

What Do Paralegals Do?

Paralegals help lawyers prepare solid cases. They gather information, conduct research on relevant laws and legal precedents, write reports, organize documents, and contact clients for interviews.

While they assist lawyers, paralegals cannot perform acts that require a legal license, including offering legal advice and setting legal fees.

Generalist paralegals often work in small law firms. They must know about a variety of legal areas and prove adept at performing many tasks. Aspiring paralegals can also specialize in a certain area or pursue certification in a niche. Common specialization areas for paralegals include:

  • Corporate
  • Criminal Defense
  • Environmental Law
  • Estate Planning and Probate
  • Family Law
  • Immigration
  • Intellectual Property
  • Litigation
  • Real Estate

Paralegal vs. Legal Assistant

Law offices and professional organizations often use the terms "paralegal" and "legal assistant" interchangeably. Firms may use the term legal assistant to describe the nature of a paralegal's job, which includes assisting legal professionals with cases.

Legal secretaries, on the other hand, have fewer responsibilities and more limitations than paralegals. Legal secretaries Typically, answer phone calls, manage front desks at law offices, and forward memos.

Salary Information for Paralegals

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Median Salary (May 2022)

$59,200

Employment Growth (2022-32)

4%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Paralegal Salary by Industry
Industry Median Salary (May 2022)
Finance and insurance $73,050
Federal government $72,320
Local government $58,000
Legal services $57,250
State government $50,310
Source: BLS
Paralegal Salary by Specialization
Job Title Average Salary (February 2024)
Intellectual Property Paralegal $75,681
Corporate Paralegal $71,104
Litigation Paralegal $61,445
Real Estate Paralegal $58,340
Immigration Paralegal $55,514
Source: Payscale (as of February 2024)

Becoming a Certified Paralegal

While the profession does not require certification, certification typically leads to more career opportunities for paralegals. Many employers require or prefer paralegals with professional certification.

To become a certified paralegal, candidates must meet the educational requirements of the certifying organization and must pass one or more certification exams. Some associate programs feature curricula designed to meet certification standards.

Paralegal Certification Exams

Candidates for paralegal certifications must typically pass an exam, such as:

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Paralegal Programs

How long does it take to complete a paralegal program online?

A paralegal program can take anywhere from six months to four years to finish, depending on whether you pursue a certificate or degree. While you can complete a paralegal certificate in as little as six months, bachelor's degrees in paralegal studies usually take four years.

What is the best degree for a paralegal?

Most paralegal positions require an associate degree in paralegal studies, making it a popular choice for prospective paralegals. However, government agencies and large law offices may require a bachelor's degree.

What type of paralegal is most in demand?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest demand for paralegals occurs in the legal services industry -- making finance, family law, estate planning, and other service-focused paralegals among the most sought-after. Some of the highest-employing industries for paralegals also include local, state, and federal government agencies, highlighting the demand for government paralegals.

What is the hardest part of being a paralegal?

Paralegals are challenged daily with meeting strict deadlines, paying close attention to details, and multitasking, which can lead to stressful work environments, especially in large corporations or law offices. Paralegals working in smaller settings who complete many of the same daily tasks may sometimes find their jobs monotonous.

What kind of paralegals make the most money?

BLS data from May 2022 shows that paralegals in the scientific research industry earn an average annual wage of $108,350, making them the top paralegal earners. Other high-paying industries for paralegals include petroleum and coal manufacturing, library and information services, and computer manufacturing, all of which pay an average of more than $102,000 a year.

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