Best Online Paralegal Programs 2024
2024Paralegals 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 $60,970, according to May 2023 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.
Featured Paralegal Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
2024 Online Paralegal Programs
- In-State$46,410
- Out-of-state$46,410
- In-State$18,990
- Out-of-state$18,990
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled17,498
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$37,025
- Out-of-state$37,025
- In-State$17,476
- Out-of-state$17,476
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled4,529
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,191
- Out-of-state$22,328
- In-State$6,974
- Out-of-state$28,170
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled15,909
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$24,900
- Out-of-state$24,900
- In-State$16,380
- Out-of-state$16,380
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate52%
- Students Enrolled2,444
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$26,198
- Out-of-state$26,198
- In-State$13,099
- Out-of-state$13,099
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled3,317
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
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 2023) | Projected Percent Change in Employment (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $60,970 | 1% |
| Court Reporters | $63,940 | 2% |
| Mediators | $71,540 | 6% |
| Project Management Specialists | $98,580 | 7% |
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 $60,970 in May 2023, 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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