Best Online Associate in Paralegal Programs 2024

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $204
Out-of-State | $204

Credits to Graduate: 60

LSC's AAS in paralegal studies attracts students planning to enter the workplace right after college. The online degree requires very limited general education credits so that you can focus on practical skills.

Instructors introduce students to business law, legal terminology and procedures, and law office applications. Advanced training covers concepts like civil litigation, legal document processing, and criminal law and procedure. 

You'll apply your knowledge of law office operations during a capstone. Non-resident students pay the same affordable tuition as those living in Minnesota. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate and prerequisite coursework.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $131-$137
Out-of-State | $138-$245

Credits to Graduate: 63

The associate in paralegal at Eastern Gateway offers traditional paralegal training in an online format. The first term focuses mostly on general education coursework like American government and English composition.

Advanced coursework provides practical training in the use of law office technology.  You'll also explore various law specialties, including criminal and family law. Participants graduate with strong legal research and writing skills. 

A semester-long externship gives you the hands-on training that employers value. All enrollees pay affordable tuition regardless of their in-state or out-of-state residency status. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $225
Out-of-State | $237-$430

Credits to Graduate: 60-63

MWCC's AS in legal studies provides a pathway into paralegal careers or law school. The online curriculum includes hands-on experience from classroom activities and a paralegal practicum. 

Key topics include family law, litigation, estate planning, and legal research and writing. You'll interview witnesses and assist in trial and court preparations. Participants use elective credits to add on skills like microcomputer database management. 

You can also advance your education by choosing a pre-law track. This option prepares you to transfer credits into a pre-law bachelor's program at a college in Massachusetts. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $105-$130
Out-of-State | $250

Credits to Graduate: 60

The 60-credit AAS in paralegal/legal studies at CTC prioritizes hands-on training for entry-level positions. Enrollees learn skills transferable to any job, like how to use computer technology and software applications. 

The AAS introduces concepts like civil litigation, family law, and torts and personal injury law. A public speaking course teaches you how to effectively communicate with others and deliver speeches. Enrollees can add other skills such as proofreading and editing or computerized accounting.

The fully online program offers competitive tuition to all enrollees. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $103
Out-of-State | $147

Credits to Graduate: 61

YC's AAS in paralegal studies offers a customizable curriculum online. The 61-credit program requires general education courses like math and college composition. Students spend most of their time on legal studies.

You'll learn about the role of paralegals in the legal system. Advanced coursework provides training in areas such as contracts, civil tort legislation, and legal research and writing. The program's generous number of electives allows you to pursue areas of interest like law office management.

You can also add hands-on experience through an optional internship. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $208-$425
Out-of-State | $425

Credits to Graduate: 61

Degree-seekers can complete the AAS in paralegal at TC3 in just one year with enough transfer credits. The degree is designed primarily for students looking to enter the workplace. Enrollees supplement classroom instruction with practical experience. 

The curriculum covers areas such as business law, civil litigation and procedure, and family and domestic relations. Students with relevant legal experience may receive a waiver for the AAS's required workplace internship. 

Part of SUNY, TC3 has transfer opportunities to bachelor's programs within that system. The asynchronous online format allows you to work and fulfill other obligations. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $124
Out-of-State | $155

Credits to Graduate: 60

HutchCC's AAS in paralegal prepares students for paralegal certification. Graduates can sit for the certified legal assistant certification exam administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants.

The AAS curriculum covers topics such as family law, litigation, criminal law, and 

personal injury and civil wrongs. An internship satisfies the program's requirement for 225 hours of work at a law firm or legal office. Your ongoing work experience in a legal setting may count toward this practical training.

You'll receive access to state-of-the-art Lexis Plus for your research activities and other assignments. Admission to the AAS requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $214
Out-of-State | $214

Credits to Graduate: 70

Iowa Lake's 70-credit AAS in paralegal and legal studies requires a five-term commitment. Students complete 70 credits online except for an internship/practicum component. You'll explore a variety of topics, such as torts and litigation, criminal law, and family law.

All enrollees learn how to use law office software and draft legal correspondence. A research course teaches you how to use print and electronic media for legal research assignments. A supervised internship/practicum provides work experience in a law office or law-related agency. 

Iowa residents and out-of-state students pay the same affordable online tuition. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $114-$209
Out-of-State | $311

Credits to Graduate: 60

Degree-seekers can earn a transfer-friendly AAS in paralegal/legal assistant at PGCC. The AAS prepares learners for direct entry into the workplace or further education. The 60-credit degree is delivered entirely online.

Students complete limited general education coursework such as sociology and expository writing. The major exposes participants to a variety of legal practice areas such as contracts, tort law, criminal law, and family law. 

Enrollees get hands-on experience doing legal research and drafting legal documents. Participants also use their investigative techniques to gather information pertaining to cases. A paralegal internship is a program requirement. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $135-$162
Out-of-State | $348

Credits to Graduate: 60

Navarro's AAS in paralegal studies offers a regular track and a criminal justice (CJ) emphasis. The degree can seamlessly transfer to colleges such as Tarleton and Texas A&M University-Commerce.

All enrollees explore topics such as law office management, criminal law and procedure, and civil litigation. Students pursuing the CJ emphasis explore key issues like crime in America and the juvenile justice system. 

Both the regular track and CJ emphasis provide 120 hours of workplace experience during a practicum. Navarro offers very competitive tuition. Admission requires a high school diploma and placement test scores.