Paralegal Schools in Rhode Island
The following overview of paralegal schools in Rhode Island provides information about your options for pursuing a paralegal degree or certificate in the state. The colleges and universities in Rhode Island offer limited options for earning a paralegal degree or certificate. With relatively few schools offering paralegal programs in Rhode Island, you may be interested in schools in nearby states such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. You may also wish to consider online paralegal programs, which some find to be a more flexible alternative than traditional on-campus programs. Please visit our guide to paralegal careers in Rhode Island to find information on employment opportunities for paralegals in the state.
Quick Facts
- There are 2 colleges and universities that offer paralegal/legal assistant degree programs in Rhode Island.1
- 2 schools offer a certificate program for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- 1 school offers an associate’s degree program for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- 1 school offers a bachelor’s degree program for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- 1 school offers a master’s degree for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- 1 school ranked in Paralegal411’s Top Online Paralegal Programs.2
- 1 school ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Law Schools in 2022.3
- 1 school ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Legal Writing Programs in 2022.4
- 1 ABA-approved paralegal degree program is in Rhode Island.5
For not-for-profit colleges and universities with paralegal/legal assistant degree programs.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of Paralegal Programs
- Top-Ranked Schools with Paralegal Programs in Rhode Island
- Select Schools in Rhode Island with Paralegal Degrees
Comparison of Paralegal Programs
The table below will help you compare not-for-profit paralegal and legal studies programs in Rhode Island based on various factors. The table includes paralegal program-specific information such as the programs offered and whether there are any online options. It also includes general school information to help you compare the colleges and universities that host these programs, including overall acceptance rate, graduation rate for first-time bachelor’s degree seekers, median debt for graduates, and net tuition per year for full-time undergraduate study. We have also included information on approval by the American Bar Association (ABA). While ABA approval is not required in order to work as a paralegal, it is a mark of program quality that is preferred by many employers.
| School | ABA Approved? | Paralegal Degree(s) | Acceptance Rate6 | Grad Rate1 | Online Options? | Median Debt7 | Net Price1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island (Warwick) | — | AS-Legal Studies: Paralegal Studies | 100% | 30% | Yes | $5,250 | $5,702 |
| Roger Williams University (Providence) | Yes | Certificate-Paralegal; Certificate-Healthcare Paralegal Studies; AS-Professional Legal Studies; BS-Legal Studies; BS-Professional Legal Studies; Minor-Legal Studies; Master of Studies in Law | 85% | 69% | Yes | $19,000 | $34,890 |
- — indicates none.
- N.Av. indicates no data available.
Top-Ranked Schools with Paralegal Programs
Paralegal411’s Top Online Paralegal Programs 2018
- Roger Williams University (#8)
US News & World Report’s Best Law Schools 2022
- Roger Williams University (#147-193)
US News & World Report’s Best Legal Writing Programs 2022
- Roger Williams University (#154 tie)
Select Schools in Rhode Island with Paralegal Degrees
Traditional Programs
Community College of Rhode Island
The Associate of Science (AS) in Legal Studies with a Paralegal Studies Concentration at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) will help students develop the skills needed to start a career in the legal field. Students are required to complete 22 semester hours in general education courses and 40 semester hours in legal courses, for a total of 62 semester hours. Many of the courses in the AS program are available online through both synchronous and asynchronous formats. The curriculum incorporates general education courses such as Public Speaking and Composition with specialized legal courses such as Legal Research and Writing and Law of Torts. In addition, technology courses in subjects such as spreadsheets, databases, and word processing are offered to help students learn the skills necessary to assist attorneys in a professional office. To complete the program, students will need to develop a portfolio that includes a cross-section of documents produced during the program, including case briefs, litigation documents, and a legal memorandum. The program culminates in a cooperative work experience, during which students gain experience in a professional environment.
Roger Williams University
The School of Law at Roger Williams University (RWU) hosts a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) designed to help working professionals build an understanding of legal doctrine and the regulatory environment in order to become more effective in a wide variety of fields. Students can study full-time or part-time. The 30-credit hour MSL program includes four required courses, including introductory courses in legal studies and legal research as well as a final capstone class. In addition to the required classes, students will choose elective courses from one of 16 legal subject areas, such as Admiralty and Maritime Law; Environmental Law; Intellectual Property Law; or Real Estate and Land Use Law. Graduates of the program will be able to apply the basic concepts of law in general and as it is related to their specialization; identify legal issues and develop relevant legal arguments and conclusions; and research and analyze legal matters in their field. Applicants must have taken the LSAT or GRE, conferred a graduate degree, or two years of relevant work experience.
Hybrid and Online Programs
Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University (RWU) offers an ABA-approved Bachelor of Science (BS) in Professional Legal Studies that can be taken in an in-person, hybrid, or online format and requires 121 credit hours to complete. The four-year degree will help prepare students for paralegal positions in law offices, government agencies, non-profits, or further law study. The curriculum includes 30 credits of required general education courses and 46 credits of legal studies courses. Law-related courses in the program include Emerging Technologies in the Legal Environment; Law of Contracts; Legal Research and Writing; and a Justice Studies Capstone. Students must also complete a paralegal studies internship, in which students will apply their education in a professional legal environment. Applicants to the Professional Legal Studies program are not required to complete a standardized test or entrance exam; they only need to submit an application and a high school or college transcript. RWU also offers an ABA-approved Associate of Science (AS) in Professional Legal Studies and ABA-approved post-baccalaureate certificates in Paralegal Studies and Healthcare Paralegal Studies.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Paralegal411’s Top Online Paralegal Programs: https://www.paralegal411.org/degrees/bachelors/online/
3. US News & World Report Best Law Schools 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings
4. US News & World Report Best Legal Writing Programs 2022: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/legal-writing-rankings
5. American Bar Association Approved Paralegal Programs: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/
6. Niche: https://www.niche.com/
7. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Ranking ROI of 4,500 US Colleges and Universities: https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/CollegeROI/