Jobs for paralegals are now expanding beyond the legal arena. A growing number of public agencies and corporations are also employing paralegals to be a part of their workforce. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for paralegals and legal assistants will grow at a rate of 10% through 2024.
An Online Associates degree in paralegal studies will help kickstart an exciting career in this field. Leading programs offer a Paralegal Studies core with a general education curriculum. Students gain foundational knowledge which prepares them for the industry. Some include internship or practicum experiences which provide them with some hands-on learning opportunities as well.
For further, more generalized information on distance learning visit our ranking of the top online colleges.
FEATURED ASSOCIATES IN PARALEGAL STUDIES ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS
- Kaplan University: AAS – Paralegal Studies
- Keiser University: AA – Paralegal Studies
- Virginia College: Paralegal Studies
Methodology:
Tuition Points:
- Under $25,000—1 point
- Under $20,000—2 points
- Under $15,000—3 points
- Under $10,000—4 points
US News and World Report Recognition
- Top 10— 4 points
- Top 25 —3 points
- Top 50 —2 points
- Top 75 —1 point
Customization Options
- Format Customizations (e.g., Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-time, Accelerated, Degree Completion, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option
- Content Customizations (e.g., Minors, Concentrations, Specializations, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option (5-point cap)
Wow Factor – 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that "wowed" us.
#25 REMINGTON COLLEGE
GARLAND, TEXAS
ONLINE ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
Remington College offers an online Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies that prepare graduates to handle vital paralegal work effectively. The 90 quarter-credit course includes Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Packaged Applications, Legal Research and Writing, Civil Litigation and Trial Preparation, Legal Liability and Ethics, Business and Contracts Law, Probate Law, Family Law, Real Estate and Bankruptcy Laws. The 100% online course emphasizes on practical skills that will help graduates work in diverse work environments like law offices, corporations or government agencies. The course also focuses on honing critical thinking, analytical, organizational and communication skills. It can be completed in 18 months or less.Tuition per credit is $497
#24 HODGES UNIVERSITY
NAPLES, FLORIDA
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
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Points: 7
Hodges University offers an online AAS in Paralegal Studies that prepares graduates to assist attorneys in various administrative duties of a law practice like legal research, communications, evidence collection, document and litigation preparation. The 60-credit hour coursework includes Introduction to Law, Torts, Civil Procedure, Contracts, Legal Ethics, Legal Research and Writing, Data Privacy and Social Media. Students have the option to complete the degree in as little as two years or opt for an accelerated format. The faculty is made up of legal experts who give students both practical knowledge and profound insight into the theory and practice of law.
Tuition per credit is $530
Points: 7
Hodges University offers an online AAS in Paralegal Studies that prepares graduates to assist attorneys in various administrative duties of a law practice like legal research, communications, evidence collection, document and litigation preparation. The 60-credit hour coursework includes Introduction to Law, Torts, Civil Procedure, Contracts, Legal Ethics, Legal Research and Writing, Data Privacy and Social Media. Students have the option to complete the degree in as little as two years or opt for an accelerated format. The faculty is made up of legal experts who give students both practical knowledge and profound insight into the theory and practice of law.
Tuition per credit is $530
#23 BROADVIEW UNIVERSITY-WEST JORDAN
WEST JORDAN, UTAH
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
Broadview University-West Jordan offers an Online Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies. The 98-credit hour course includes subjects like litigation, torts, and essential legal terminologies. Students can complete their online degrees in 21 months or less. The course stretches over seven full-time quarters, but they can opt for the accelerated format and complete in six weeks. Graduates have gone on to work with renowned corporates and law offices across the nation. The online program comes with an online library, a 24×7 support for students among other benefits.Tuition per credit is $325
#22 KAPLAN UNIVERSITY
DAVENPORT, IOWA
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
Kaplan University offers an Online Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies that teaches students the essential legal theory and skills along with necessary administrative duties related to paralegal work. These functions include preparing legal documents, assisting in investigations, researching legal issues and managing technology. The 90-credit coursework includes introduction to American jurisprudence, civil litigation, introduction to torts, legal research and writing, legal ethics, family law, and criminal law among others. Students are also required to complete a capstone course. The flexible, online degree program offers students the opportunity to customize through various electives.Tuition per credit is $371
#21 FLORIDA NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
HIALEAH, FLORIDA
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
Florida National University offers an Online Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies which gives students a well-rounded educational foundation on paralegal and legal work. The 60 credits coursework includes Professional Ethics and Liability, Legal Research and Writing, and Introduction to Civil Procedure. Students can tailor their course per their interests via electives like Contracts and Business Entities, Criminal Law and Procedure, Business Law, and Torts. Additional subjects include humanities, behavioral science, natural science, communication, mathematics, and computers. Students learn through a collaborative learning environment which is active 24/7.Tuition per credit is $525
#20 DRURY UNIVERSITY
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
Drury University offers an online Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies. The degree provides students with conceptual knowledge of the American court systems. They gain in-depth knowledge of constitutional law, criminal and civil law, learn how to do legal research and writing, discovery, as well as how to interview and investigate. Paralegal students acquire an appreciation for the essential rules, doctrines, principles, and structural elements of the American legal system and general law practice. The 62-credit hour course is 100% online and includes a legal practicum that teaches them practical, hands-on knowledge of real law practice.Drury University is accredited by NCA HLC.
Estimated full-time tuition for the academic year is: $27,015
#19 MADISONVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MADISONVILLE, KENTUCKY
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
Madisonville Community College offers an Online Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies that prepares students to excel in paralegal work. The 66-credits coursework includes Legal Systems and Terminology, Family Law, Legal Research, Law Office Management, Torts, Real Property, Civil Litigation, and Ethics among others. Students can complete the course in two years or less. The credit transfer policy allows an accelerated format so students can complete even sooner. Students learn through a collaborative learning environment which is active 24/7.Tuition per credit is $378
#18 EDMONDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LYNNWOOD, WASHINGTON
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF TECHNICAL ARTS DEGREE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
Edmonds Community College offers an online Associate of Technical Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies that prepares students to excel in paralegal work in legal, government and corporate arenas. The 90 credits coursework include Introduction to Law and the Legal Process, Legal Research and Writing, Civil Procedure, Contracts and Law Office Technology. Students have the opportunity to tailor the curriculum according to their career interests via electives like Administrative Law, Intellectual Property, Real Estate and Property Law, Criminal Law and Procedure, and Commercial Transactions. They are also required to complete an internship. Those with academic credits can accelerate coursework via Edmonds's generous transfer policy. Though the course is mostly online, students are required to complete at least 15 credits of work on campus.Tuition per credit is $279
#17 RIO SALADO COLLEGE
TEMPE, ARIZONA
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
Rio Salado College offers an online AAS in Paralegal Studies that prepares students for a successful paralegal career across industries. The 64 credits course includes Ethics, Legal Foundations, Fundamentals of Litigation, Paralegal Research, Business Law, Introduction to Tort Law, Law Office Technology, and Paralegal Writing. The 100% online format allows students to tailor their curriculum according to professional interests via the wide range of electives. These include Family Law, Corporate Law, Bankruptcy Law, Legal Investigation, and U.S. Constitution. They also need to complete an internship. Rio Salado also provides students with excellent career development resources and services. The program spans across 6 semesters.Tuition per credit is $215
#16 AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
CHARLES TOWN, WV
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
American Public University System offers foundational knowledge through their online Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies. Students gain the necessary technical, analytical and communication skills to excel in this functional legal area. Graduates also gain employable soft skills and can apply to a range of industries that need their legal knowledge and insight. They find work as a paralegal or legal assistant in law firms, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. The 60-credit course teaches them to do research, apply legal reasoning, and demonstrate knowledge of the law among other functions. The 100% online program can be completed in 2 years or less.Tuition per credit is $270
#15 MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE. LIBERAL ARTS. PARALEGAL CAREER TRACK ONLINE
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Points: 9
Middlesex Community College offers an online Associate of Science- Paralegal Career Track. The 60-credit full track option includes Introduction to Law, Litigation, Business Law, legal research, and writing. The electives include criminal law, real estate law, business organizations, ethics and professional responsibilities for paralegals. Students are required to complete an internship for hands-on practical experience in paralegal work. The flexible online format offers students the option to study at their own pace and complete the track in 1-2 years depending on their availability.
Tuition per credit is $165
Points: 9
Middlesex Community College offers an online Associate of Science- Paralegal Career Track. The 60-credit full track option includes Introduction to Law, Litigation, Business Law, legal research, and writing. The electives include criminal law, real estate law, business organizations, ethics and professional responsibilities for paralegals. Students are required to complete an internship for hands-on practical experience in paralegal work. The flexible online format offers students the option to study at their own pace and complete the track in 1-2 years depending on their availability.Tuition per credit is $165
#14 PENN FOSTER COLLEGE
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
ONLINE PARALEGAL ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE
Penn Foster College offers an online associate's in Paralegal Studies that prepares students to execute essential paralegal duties expertly. These include preparing legal paperwork, performing legal research, and filing court documents among others. The 64 credit hour coursework comprises Law and the Legal System, Business Law, Torts, Legal Research and Writing, Criminal Litigation, Civil Litigation, Family Law, Wills and Estates, and Real Estate Law among others. Students complete all coursework in four semesters with the help of the robust support structure for them. They have 24/7 access to the school's online community as well as a membership in the Paralegal Studies academic group. The flexible online format allows a self-paced course progression.Tuition per credit is $112
#13 CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE
KILLEEN, TEXAS
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE IN PARALEGAL
Central Texas College (CTC) is a community college that offers an online Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal. It is known to be one of the most affordable options in this field. The 60-credit course covers the foundational legal topics and also offers electives that can prepare students for higher education and even law school. Topics covered include Advanced Civil Litigation; Law Office Technology; Criminal Law and Procedures; Legal Research and Writing; Torts and Personal Injury Law; Military Law; Wills, Trusts, and Probate Administration. After the completion of the online degree course, students can get jobs as paralegals, legal assistants, law clerks in public, private and federal positions.Estimated full-time tuition for the academic year is: $20,547
#12 MASSACHUSETTS BAY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
WELLESLEY, MASSACHUSETTS
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
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Points: 10
Massachusetts Bay Community College offers an online AS in Paralegal Studies that teach students to prepare and draft legal documents, interview clients, and witnesses, investigate and research legal issues, and learn a practical approach to law-related procedures. The 63-credit coursework includes Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Principles of Management, Principles of Business Law, Litigation for Paralegals, and Legal Research and Writing among others. Students have the option to customize their degrees via various electives in the economics, social sciences, humanities, and the paralegal major. They are encouraged to go in for internships in law firms to gain real-world experience. The 100% online program allows them to complete in two years or less.
Tuition per credit is $230
Points: 10
Massachusetts Bay Community College offers an online AS in Paralegal Studies that teach students to prepare and draft legal documents, interview clients, and witnesses, investigate and research legal issues, and learn a practical approach to law-related procedures. The 63-credit coursework includes Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Principles of Management, Principles of Business Law, Litigation for Paralegals, and Legal Research and Writing among others. Students have the option to customize their degrees via various electives in the economics, social sciences, humanities, and the paralegal major. They are encouraged to go in for internships in law firms to gain real-world experience. The 100% online program allows them to complete in two years or less.Tuition per credit is $230
#11 ASHWORTH COLLEGE
NORCROSS, GEORGIA
ONLINE ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
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Points: 10
Ashworth College offers an Online Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies that prepares students to perform a variety of essential paralegal tasks. They learn to use tools and techniques, apply intensive legal reasoning and cutting-edge legal research to their work, analyze law theories and ethical issues. The 60-credit curriculum includes Legal Research and Writing, Business Law, Criminal Law Procedures, Law Office Management, and Torts among others. The 100% online format offers a self-paced option, but students can complete their degree in as little as 16 months. Ashworth gives its students a well-rounded educational foundation and also helps them develop a real-world skill set and knowledge base.
Ashworth College programs are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Tuition per credit is $62
Points: 10
Ashworth College offers an Online Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies that prepares students to perform a variety of essential paralegal tasks. They learn to use tools and techniques, apply intensive legal reasoning and cutting-edge legal research to their work, analyze law theories and ethical issues. The 60-credit curriculum includes Legal Research and Writing, Business Law, Criminal Law Procedures, Law Office Management, and Torts among others. The 100% online format offers a self-paced option, but students can complete their degree in as little as 16 months. Ashworth gives its students a well-rounded educational foundation and also helps them develop a real-world skill set and knowledge base.Ashworth College programs are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Tuition per credit is $62
#10 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
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Points: 11
Liberty University offers an online Associate of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies. The flexible, online course includes Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Legal Research & Writing, Foundations of Law, Tort Law, Real Estate Transactions & Property, Civil Practice, and Criminal Practice & Procedure. The 60-credit course is 100% and can be completed in two years or less. The faculty consists of practicing lawyers and legal experts who teach them foundational and practical skills they need to excel in their careers.
Tuition per credit is $371
Points: 11
Liberty University offers an online Associate of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies. The flexible, online course includes Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Legal Research & Writing, Foundations of Law, Tort Law, Real Estate Transactions & Property, Civil Practice, and Criminal Practice & Procedure. The 60-credit course is 100% and can be completed in two years or less. The faculty consists of practicing lawyers and legal experts who teach them foundational and practical skills they need to excel in their careers.Tuition per credit is $371
#9 CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY
MORROW, GEORGIA
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
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Points: 11
Clayton State University offers an online AAS in Paralegal Studies for students who wish to pursue a career in the legal field. The 61-credit coursework includes Civil Litigation, Legal Research and Writing, Criminal Litigation, Business Organizations, Real Estate Law, Family Law, and Law Office Skills. Students can customize their degree per their career interests through a wide variety of electives. These include Bankruptcy/Debtor-Creditor Relations, Intellectual Property Law, Health Care Law, and Employment Law. Students are encouraged to go in for internships in law firms to gain real-world experience. The 100% online program offers students robust support via academic advisors throughout the course.
Tuition per credit is $402
Points: 11
Clayton State University offers an online AAS in Paralegal Studies for students who wish to pursue a career in the legal field. The 61-credit coursework includes Civil Litigation, Legal Research and Writing, Criminal Litigation, Business Organizations, Real Estate Law, Family Law, and Law Office Skills. Students can customize their degree per their career interests through a wide variety of electives. These include Bankruptcy/Debtor-Creditor Relations, Intellectual Property Law, Health Care Law, and Employment Law. Students are encouraged to go in for internships in law firms to gain real-world experience. The 100% online program offers students robust support via academic advisors throughout the course.Tuition per credit is $402
#8 MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS – PARALEGAL STUDIES
McNeese State University offers an Associate of Arts – Paralegal Studies online which trains students to gain substantial legal knowledge, master important legal concepts and perform various legal work to aid lawyers. Graduates who complete this Associate of Arts degree online in paralegal studies can gain employment in law offices, government agencies, financial enterprises and other corporations. They learn from an expert panel of faculty who hail from diverse fields of law. The 71- credit hour course includes criminal law and procedures, legal writing and research.McNeese State University is accredited by SACS COC.
Estimated full-time tuition for the academic year is: $15,958
#7 EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
RICHMOND, KENTUCKY
ONLINE ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
Eastern Kentucky University offers an Online Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies that trains students to excel in a variety of industries as paralegals. The 64-credit coursework includes Legal Research and Writing, Litigation, Real Estate/Bankruptcy Practice, Legal Administration, Family Practice, and a seminar. Students can customize their degree per their career interests through a wide variety of electives. These include Probate Practice and Procedure, Family Law Practice, Estate Planning and Procedure among others. Students are also required to complete an internship to gain valuable real-world experience.Tuition per credit is $400
#6 VIRGINIA COLLEGE
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
ONLINE ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
Virginia College offers an Online Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies which teaches students the essential skills for paralegal work including excellent research and technical competencies. The comprehensive 62-credit coursework teaches students legal research and writing, document drafting, delivery of legal services, case reviewing, file maintenance and organization, evidence gathering, and administrative work. Graduates can assist lawyers in all these and more tasks like the execution of wills, depositions, real estate closings, and courtroom prep. They can work in a wide range of jobs like corporate, legal, government, and commercial settings.Tuition per credit is $403
#5 KEISER UNIVERSITY
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
Keiser University offers an Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies online that help students develop essential skills like critical thinking, communications, and legal writing. The 60 credits coursework includes legal research and writing; civil litigation; wills, trusts, and estates; family law; torts law; contracts, real property among others. Upon completion of the degree, students learn to carry out various legal functions like legal transactions and litigation research, case management, document drafting, and evidence gathering.Tuition per credit is $524
#4 BRYANT AND STRATTON COLLEGE
BUFFALO, NEW YORK
ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
Bryant and Stratton College offers an Online Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies that teaches students paralegal skills like research, document preparation, client interaction, and ethical, legal practice. The 60 credits coursework includes Introduction to Legal Studies, Civil Litigation, Contract Law, Legal Research and Writing, Torts and Remedies, Criminal Law Procedure, Law Office Management and Technology, and a paralegal capstone. The curriculum is flexible, 100% online and build in a collaborative educational environment.Tuition per credit is $403
#3 AMERICAN MILITARY UNIVERSITY
CHARLES TOWN, WEST VIRGINIA
ONLINE AS IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
American Military University offers an online AS in Paralegal Studies that helps students develop and hone critical thinking, analytical and communication, and skills. The 62 credits coursework includes Introduction to Law for Paralegals, Real Estate Law, Litigation, Criminal Law and Procedure for the Paralegal, Legal Ethics, Legal Research and Writing. Students need to complete a seminar as well. Students have the option to accelerate the course via a generous transfer policy of up to 46 credits. Upon completion of the program, students are ready to take on all tasks related to the professional law offices.Tuition per credit is $270
#2 SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS COLLEGE
ST. MARY'S, INDIANA
ONLINE ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
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Points: 15
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers an online associate's degree in Paralegal Studies that is known to make students career-ready. Records show that over 90% of graduates are successful in finding employment immediately. The 39 credits coursework includes Legal Communication, Litigation, Theories of Liability, Legal Research, Ethics, Law, and Society, etc. Students have to complete a practicum to gain real-world experience. Students can accelerate coursework through transfer credits, previous work experiences, prior learning assessments, and alternative format courses.
Tuition per credit is $496
Points: 15
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers an online associate's degree in Paralegal Studies that is known to make students career-ready. Records show that over 90% of graduates are successful in finding employment immediately. The 39 credits coursework includes Legal Communication, Litigation, Theories of Liability, Legal Research, Ethics, Law, and Society, etc. Students have to complete a practicum to gain real-world experience. Students can accelerate coursework through transfer credits, previous work experiences, prior learning assessments, and alternative format courses.Tuition per credit is $496
#1 UNIVERSITY OF PROVIDENCE
GREAT FALLS, MONTANA
ONLINE ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES
The University of Providence In Great Falls offers an associates degree in Paralegal Studies in a blended format. Students are required to complete 10 credits on campus. The 28-credit course includes Introduction to Paralegalism, Commercial Law, Introduction Legal Analysis, Litigation and Trial Practice, Legal Research and Writing. Students need to undergo an internship to complete Field Experience in Legal Assistance and a capstone course. They tailor their degree by choosing two electives from Commercial Transactions, Property Law, Domestic and Family Law, Estate Law, Office Systems, Debtor-Creditor Law, and Legal Research Institute. By the end of the course, students are well-prepared to carry out essential paralegal tasks like draft documentation, writing and research effectively.Tuition per credit is $634
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