What is the highest-paying paralegal job?

The highest-paid paralegals report a median pay of over $98,830 per year, according to May 2023 BLS data. That’s significantly more than the median wage for all paralegals, which reached $60,970 in 2023. Your earning potential as a paralegal depends on your degree, location, and industry. For example, paralegals in finance or federal government jobs reported median salaries of over $74,380. Those working for state government agencies earned around $51,420.

What type of paralegal is most in demand?

The most in-demand practice areas for paralegals include litigation, corporate law, and intellectual property, according to LinkedIn. Bankruptcy and e-discovery also ranked among the most in-demand specialties. In these focus areas, paralegals provide critical support to attorneys. Paralegals can specialize their training during a bachelor’s program. Pursuing a professional certification can also help paralegals move into high-demand fields.

Is it stressful to be a paralegal?

Yes, it can be stressful to be a paralegal. That’s because law offices tend to be fast-paced environments. Depending on the workplace, paralegals may support multiple attorneys, which can add to their stress levels. And, in many legal specialties, paralegals must operate under tight deadlines. However, paralegals primarily work normal business hours in an office, which can mean having a predictable schedule.

Do you need a bachelor's to be a paralegal?

No, you can become a paralegal with an associate degree in paralegal studies. However, a bachelor’s degree offers greater preparation for legal careers through its in-depth focus on research, writing, and legal specialties. In addition, many law firms prefer to hire paralegals who hold a bachelor’s degree — and some firms require a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree also prepares you for graduate-level programs. As a result, earning a bachelor’s in paralegal studies can be a good career investment.

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.

Edited by

Updated December 24, 2024

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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 $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.

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Best Online Paralegal Programs of 2025

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

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.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

Affordability (30%)
Student outcomes (30%)
Reputation (20%)
Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online

$48,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$48,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

81%

Acceptance Rate

32%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,440

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,440

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

17,397

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$48,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$48,100

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$48,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$48,100

Acceptance Rate

81%

Online Enrollment

32%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$19,440

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,440

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

17,397

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Stevenson University

Owings Mills, MD4 yearCampus + Online

$36,036

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,036

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

84%

Acceptance Rate

62%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,340

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,340

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

3,873

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,036

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,036

Stevenson University

Owings Mills, MD4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$36,036

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$36,036

Acceptance Rate

84%

Online Enrollment

62%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,340

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,340

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

3,873

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH4 yearCampus + Online

$11,892

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$27,226

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

88%

Acceptance Rate

62%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,224

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,966

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

43,976

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,892

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,226

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$11,892

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,226

Acceptance Rate

88%

Online Enrollment

62%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,224

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,966

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

43,976

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI2 yearCampus + Online

$41,068

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,068

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

91%

Acceptance Rate

15%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,565

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,565

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

4,397

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,068

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,068

Roger Williams University

Bristol, RI2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,068

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,068

Acceptance Rate

91%

Online Enrollment

15%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,565

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,565

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

4,397

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$6,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,162

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,974

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,170

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

16,230

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,162

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,118

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,162

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

66%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,974

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,170

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

16,230

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.

Possible Careers with an Online Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies
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%

Source: BLS

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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