Best Online Paralegal Programs of 2025
Ready to get into the law field to make a difference in people’s lives? See how an online paralegal studies degree can help get you there.
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2025You don’t need to go to law school to play an essential role at a law firm. Paralegals keep cases organized and well documented. They also assist lawyers with client and witness interviews.
You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to become a paralegal, but earning one can help you stand out to employers. Still, a traditional program’s time and cost investment might not be worth it for many aspiring paralegals.
Online bachelor’s programs in paralegal studies can offer you a flexible and affordable way to earn a degree employers value without putting your life on hold. We chose the best online paralegal programs based on several factors, including affordability and great student outcomes.
Best Online Paralegal Programs of 2025
How We Rank Schools
Loyola University Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The BA in paralegal studies at Loyola University Chicago is ideal for students with an associate degree in paralegal studies. The BA advances your paralegal knowledge and research and writing skills. You can complete the degree online on a full- or part-time basis.
You'll learn core skills like advanced legal analysis and writing. You'll also explore how to use law office computer applications. We like that the BA embeds a dual litigation and corporate practice certificate. Participants apply their problem-solving skills to a service-learning project that concludes the program. Prospective students have five start dates.
Highlights
- Prestigious reputation
- American Bar Association-approved curriculum
- Ninety percent of program graduates secure employment in the field within six months
Know Before You Apply
- Most expensive program on this ranking
- Requires transfer credit
- Requires self-discipline
24%
$50,270
84%
$50,270
- Acceptance Rate
- 81%
- Students Enrolled
- 17,397
- Institution Type
- Private
Stevenson University
- Owings Mills, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Stevenson's online BS in legal studies blends classroom and workplace experience. The program's 120 credits include training in contract, constitutional, and business organization law. You'll also learn legal research and writing skills.
We like that you'll complete 120 hours of supervised work as a paralegal at a law firm or in a legal department. This helps make you more marketable to potential employers.
You'll have access to strong online support, such as personalized career counseling and coaching sessions. Ambitious students can earn a Stevenson master's in just one year after completing this degree. The BS is open to both first years and transfer students.
Highlights
- American Bar Association-approved curriculum
- Flexible online schedule for working adults
- Relatively low tuition
- Generous law elective credit available
- Transfer up to 90 credits
Know Before You Apply
- Very small student body
- 79% admission rate
- Average GPA of 3.5 for admitted students
- Requires self-discipline
60%
$36,940
78%
$36,940
- Acceptance Rate
- 83%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,507
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
UC's BS in law and paralegal studies is a customizable program that emphasizes the practical skills you can use in law school and at work. You'll take courses like civil litigation, estate planning and probate, and criminal procedure.
You'll learn legal research and writing skills and how to use law office technology. We like that you can use generous elective credit for a focus area, minor, or certificate. You also have free electives to pursue areas of interest like bankruptcy law or a study abroad opportunity.
Highlights
- American Bar Association-approved curriculum
- Elective credit available
- Fully online program
- Relatively affordable tuition
Know Before You Apply
- Does not include an internship component
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
64%
$11,892
86%
$27,226
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 43,976
- Institution Type
- Public
Roger Williams University
- Bristol, RI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The BS in paralegal studies at RWU prepares well-rounded and tech-savvy paralegals. You'll design this online curriculum to suit your career areas of interest. Required courses cover topics like litigation, criminal law for the paralegal, and legal research and writing.
We like that you'll learn to use specialized software and spreadsheets to perform tasks such as billing, litigation support, and investigations. As part of the program's requirements, you must complete an internship.
A required capstone project will showcase your knowledge. Students can pursue the degree entirely online or in a hybrid format with some courses taken on campus.
Highlights
- American Bar Association-approved curriculum
- Generous elective credit available
- Affordable tuition
- 81% retention rate
Know Before You Apply
- Very small student body
- 67% six-year graduation rate
- Requires self-discipline
13%
$42,336
79%
$42,336
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,344
- Institution Type
- Private
Florida Gulf Coast University
- Fort Myers, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
FGCU's BS in legal studies prepares students for state certification such as certified legal assistant. Students with an associate degree in legal assisting or the equivalent complete 48 credits of upper-division courses online.
You'll take core courses like contracts, legal research and writing, and constitutional criminal procedure. We like that you can opt for specialized training such as law office management and advanced courtroom techniques. A notable course uses mock exercises to explore alternative dispute resolutions such as mediation and arbitration.
Highlights
- Fully online program
- Includes internship component
- Generous elective credit available
- Relatively affordable in-state tuition
Know Before You Apply
- Not American Bar Association-approved
- Requires an associate degree or transfer credits
- Must satisfy service-learning requirement
68%
$ 6,118
83%
$25,162
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 16,230
- Institution Type
- Public
Why You Should Get an Online Paralegal Studies Degree
- You Want a Head Start on a Legal Career: With a paralegal degree, you can see what it’s like to work as a legal assistant before pursuing a professional law degree.
- You’re Good With People: As a paralegal, you may work directly with and interview clients, families, and witnesses in legal cases.
- You Have an Eye for Detail and Organization: As a paralegal, you’ll be required to write up, gather, organize, and maintain legal documents for your law firm and lawyers.
Benefits of Getting a Paralegal Studies Degree Online
- According to BestColleges’ 2025 Online Education Trends Report, almost all (97%) of the online bachelor’s students and graduates who were surveyed said they would recommend online education to others.
- Over 9 in 10 (95%) of the respondents said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- If you’re concerned about losing out by not being on campus, 75% said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
How to Choose the Best Online Paralegal Studies Program for You
Before choosing a program, there are a few important things to consider: How much your program will cost, how long it will take, what you need to apply, and what careers you can pursue out of college.
How Much Does an Online Paralegal Studies Program Cost?
Online Legal Professions and Studies Bachelor’s Programs, 2020
Avg. Tuition & Fees:
$6,315
Avg. Net Price:
$3,206
Source: National Center for Education Statistics’ PowerStats
Typically, you’ll pay less taking classes online than attending an in-person paralegal program. You won’t pay fees related to being on campus or deal with commuting and campus housing costs.
Your financial situation will impact how much you ultimately pay for college. Low- and middle-income college students can qualify for financial aid like the Pell Grant to help make college more affordable.
To see how much financial aid you are eligible for, the first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You’ll get an estimation of how much you’ll be expected to pay for college. Then, the information will go to the prospective schools you list on your FAFSA.
You can then compare the financial aid packages the schools give you to determine which one will give you the best value.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online Paralegal Studies Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Paralegal Studies Degree?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
3-4 Years
It’ll typically take 3-4 years to complete an online paralegal studies degree if you’re enrolled full time. But there are ways you can finish the program even faster.
An accelerated online program, for example, condenses the same amount of credits and coursework into a shorter, more intense timeframe, sometimes allowing you to graduate up to two years faster.
If you want to take your time, a part-time flexible online degree can be optimal for a working professional balancing family and education.
These programs are built to work around your schedule and are often asynchronous, letting you watch lectures and complete assignments at any time in the day before a certain deadline.
Online Paralegal Studies Application Requirements
Application: Check to see if your prospective colleges use the Common App, a universal college application you can send to multiple colleges at once. If not, find an application on the college’s website.- Test Scores: See if your prospective schools require standardized tests like the SAT and ACT and what scores set you up for a good shot at getting in.
- Letters of Recommendation: Schools may require 1-3 letters of recommendation from teachers, peers, coworkers, and mentors to vouch for your personality and work ethic.
- Official Transcripts: Send in any high school and previous college transcripts. Colleges can evaluate the transcripts and see if any credits you have already earned can go toward your new program.
- Essays: Typically, colleges require 500- to 800-word essays where you can show your qualities, goals, and life experiences.
What Can You Do With an Online Paralegal Studies Degree?
With a degree in paralegal studies, you’ll qualify for jobs as a paralegal or legal assistant in private law firms, corporations, nonprofit organizations, or public defender offices. And while an associate degree can get you in the door, a bachelor’s degree helps you stand out.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $61,010 | Write, maintain, and organize files and other legal documents at a law firm |
| Court Reporters | $67,310 | Transcribe court proceedings and record speakers’ identities, appearances, and all relevant court details |
| Mediators | $67,710 | Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution between two or more parties outside of the court system |
| Project Management Specialists | $100,750 | Lead and manage projects and act as a point of contact between clients and firms/businesses |
Learn More About Paralegal Jobs
Is an Online Paralegal Studies Degree Worth It?
That depends on your goals and how important salary is to you. A paralegal job is attainable with just a certificate and an associate degree, but as a bachelor’s degree-holder, you may stand out more to potential employers, and you may earn more.
According to a 2022 National Association of Legal Assistants report, paralegals with bachelor’s degrees earn 5% more than those with an associate degree.
Paralegals made a median annual salary of around $61,000 in 2024, but some of the highest-paid paralegals made over $98,000. The degree might be worth it if you decide to pursue more education to become a lawyer, where your potential salary cap is even higher.
Education Beyond a Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies
Paralegal majors most commonly pursue graduate and professional degrees in law. Doctors of law can take the bar exam to hold a practicing law license in their state. However, law school is hard to get into and is notoriously expensive.
The median pay for a lawyer reflects the effort and expenses involved in pursuing the career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), lawyers earn a median of $151,160 per year, with some of the highest-paid lawyers making over $239,000 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions About an Online Paralegal Studies Degree
Becoming a paralegal can take anywhere from six months to four years. The exact length of a paralegal program depends on the credential and your prior education.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a graduate certificate in paralegal studies, which typically takes 6-12 months. You can also enter the field with a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s in paralegal studies. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
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