Best Online Paralegal Programs of 2025
The legal profession depends on paralegals. Discover the best online paralegal studies programs to prepare for this in-demand career.
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2025At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Paralegal Programs
- #1: Loyola University Chicago — Loyola offers flexible elective opportunities to explore different aspects of the legal field.
- #2: Stevenson University — Stevenson students have access to strong online support, including personalized career counseling and online coaching sessions.
- #3: University of Cincinnati — This university has the highest retention rate (86%) among ranked paralegal programs.
Paralegals research case law, draft legal briefs, and interview potential clients and witnesses. These trained legal professionals assist attorneys in specialties like civil law, litigation, family law, and criminal law. Paralegals earn a median salary of $61,010, according to May 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Want to become a paralegal? An online bachelor’s in paralegal studies can help you stand out in a competitive job market. Find the right program for you with our ranking of the best online paralegal programs.
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
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
32%
$48,100
84%
$48,100
- 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
62%
$36,036
77%
$36,036
- Acceptance Rate
- 84%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,873
- 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
62%
$11,892
86%
$27,226
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 43,976
- Institution Type
- Public
Roger Williams University
- Bristol, RI
- 2 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
15%
$41,068
77%
$41,068
- Acceptance Rate
- 91%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,397
- 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
66%
$ 6,118
83%
$25,162
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 16,230
- Institution Type
- Public
What Is Paralegal Studies?
In an online paralegal studies program, you’ll explore the American legal system and build career-focused legal writing and research skills. Many programs also offer specialized courses to prepare for corporate law, family law, or litigation careers.
Is paralegal studies a good fit for you? Check out free online paralegal courses before investing in a degree. And if you want to jump-start your career, look for accelerated paralegal programs. Already have a bachelor’s degree? Consider a paralegal graduate certificate.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies?
With a degree in paralegal studies, you’ll qualify for jobs as a paralegal or legal assistant. And while an associate degree can get you in the door, a bachelor’s degree helps you stand out from the competition.
Paralegals often work for private law firms, corporations, nonprofit organizations, or public defender offices. Your paralegal degree can also lead to a career as a mediator, court reporter, or project manager. Bachelor’s in paralegal studies programs may also prepare you for a graduate degree in law or criminal justice.
| Job | Median Pay (May 2024) | Projected Percent Change in Employment (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $61,010 | 1% |
| Court Reporters | $67,310 | 2% |
| Mediators | $67,710 | 6% |
| Project Management Specialists | $100,750 | 7% |
How Much Does an Online Paralegal Degree Cost?
Online Legal Professions and Studies Bachelor’s Programs, 2019-20
Avg. Tuition and Fees
$6,315
Avg. Net Price
$3,206
Many factors go into the estimated cost to enroll in an online paralegal program.
The type of institution you attend has a sizable impact on projected costs. Public universities tend to be less expensive than private institutions, for example.
It’s also important to note that it may cost more to enroll in an out-of-state program. Public universities tend to charge higher tuition to students who don’t live in the state the university is based in. However, private schools tend to charge the same tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Lastly, your financial situation will impact how much you ultimately pay for college. Low- and middle-income college students can qualify for grants, such as the Pell Grant, to help make college more affordable.
How Do I Get Paralegal Certifications or Credentials?
You can showcase your paralegal knowledge and skills with a professional certification. These voluntary certifications demonstrate your qualifications to employers. Some employers may prefer to hire certified paralegals.
Several organizations offer certifications, including the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), the National Association for Legal Support Professionals, and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations.
- Professional Paralegal (PP): You’ll need a bachelor’s in paralegal studies or five years of paralegal experience to become a certified professional paralegal. Then, you’ll pass a four-part exam on communications, legal procedures, legal ethics, and substantive law to receive the credential.
- Accredited Legal Professional (ALP): You’ll become an accredited legal professional with this certification. You need a bachelor’s in paralegal to qualify for this certification, and you’ll need to pass an exam that covers administrative skills.
- Certified Paralegal (CP) or Certified Legal Assistant (CLP): If you attend an ABA-approved program, you’ll qualify for the certified paralegal credential, offered by NALA. You’ll need to pass an exam that covers civil litigation, contracts, corporate law, legal writing, and other topics.
- Core Registered Paralegal or Registered Paralegal: A bachelor’s degree meets the education and experience requirement for this credential. You’ll need to pass the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam, which tests candidates on their legal skills.
- Advanced Certified Paralegal: Certified paralegals can apply for the advanced certified paralegal credential by completing coursework in criminal litigation, family law, trial practice, and other subjects. Candidates must pass an assessment to receive the credential.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Being a Paralegal?
Paralegals benefit from above-average salaries and a growing number of job openings. Professionals in this field earned a median pay of $61,010 in May 2024, according to BLS data, well above the median wage for all occupations of $46,310. Additionally, the BLS projects 37,300 job openings annually for paralegals and legal assistants from 2023-2033.
What about the cons? Paralegals often work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Without pursuing a legal degree, career advancement opportunities can be limited. Paralegals may also need to switch jobs to see substantial raises.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Paralegal Programs
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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