Paralegal Schools in Vermont
The colleges and universities in Vermont offer several degree options that can prepare graduates to become paralegals, including opportunities to prepare for specialty practice in areas like environmental law. The following overview of schools in Vermont will help you make an informed decision on a school that best aligns with your needs. Since there are only a few paralegal programs in Vermont, you might want to look at programs in nearby states such as Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or New York. You may also wish to consider online paralegal programs, which some students find to be a better fit than traditional on-campus programs. For more information about job possibilities in the paralegal field, visit our paralegal careers in Vermont guide.
Quick Facts
- There are 4 colleges and universities that offer paralegal/legal assistant degree programs in Vermont.1
- No schools offer a certificate program for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- 1 school offers an associate’s degree program for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- 2 schools offer a bachelor’s degree program for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- 1 school offers a master’s or advanced degree for paralegals/legal assistants.1
- No schools 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
- No ABA-approved paralegal degree programs are in Vermont.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 Vermont
- Select Schools in Vermont with Paralegal Degrees
Comparison of Paralegal Programs
The table below will help you compare not-for-profit paralegal and legal studies programs in Vermont 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champlain College (Burlington) | — | BA-Law | 85% | 66% | — | $19,500 | $35,870 |
| Community College of Vermont (Montpelier) | — | AS-Professional Studies: Legal Studies | 100% | 24% | Yes | $4,750 | $10,287 |
| University of Vermont (Burlington) | — | BA/BS + Juris Doctor*; IDMajor; Minor-Law and Society; IDMinor | 67% | 76% | — | $17,903 | $20,235 |
| Vermont Law School (South Royalton) | — | Master of Energy Regulation and Law; Master of Environmental Law and Policy; Master of Food and Agriculture Law and Policy; Master of Arts in Restorative Justice | N.Av. | N.Av. | Yes | N.Av. | N.Av. |
- — indicates none.
- N.Av. indicates no data available.
- * indicates dual-degree program.
Top-Ranked Schools with Paralegal Programs
US News & World Report’s Best Law Schools 2022
- Vermont Law School (#147-193)
US News & World Report’s Best Legal Writing Programs 2022
- Vermont Law School (#132)
Select Schools in Vermont with Paralegal Degrees
Traditional Programs
Champlain College
Champlain College’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Law program is designed to give students a competitive edge in the legal community by incorporating important professional skills such as document preparation, written and oral communication, and technological competency. The curriculum structure allows students to begin taking legal specialty courses such as Criminal Law, American National Government, and Introduction to Law within the first year of study. Over the course of four years, students will be exposed to various areas of law, such as criminal law, constitutional law, and property law. Extensive internship opportunities and study abroad programs help enrich students’ education while providing a first-hand look at the legal community. This bachelor’s degree program provides a strong foundation and comprehensive introduction to the legal field, creating career opportunities in law firms, government agencies, financial institutions, and other sectors of the business field.
University of Vermont
At the University of Vermont (UVM), students can pursue a 3+2 or 3+3 dual degree program through the University of Vermont-Vermont Law School (UVM VLS.) In five to six years, students can earn both their bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) and a Juris Doctor (JD). UVM VLS encourages undergraduates interested in the accelerated program to major in an area that emphasizes critical reading, analytic skills, and expository writing for their undergraduate degrees. In addition to the 3+2 and 3+3 programs, UVM offers an Individually Designed Major (IDMajor) or Minor (IDMinor) through the College of Arts and Sciences, which is a self-designed major for students who have academic or career interests outside the programs formally offered by the school. Those interested in the legal field, for example, could choose from legal specialty courses such as Business Law, CPA Law, Legal Issues in Healthcare, Constitutional Law, or Criminal Justice, as well as offerings from nontraditional legal courses such as Communication Law, Gender and Law, and Ancient Law. The major requires between 36 and 45 credit hours, 18 of which are electives, and the minor requires 18 credit hours. The Individually Designed curriculum culminates in a capstone senior project, which includes a written paper or equivalent project, to be evaluated by a committee of professors. A Minor in Law and Society is offered at UVM as well.
Hybrid and Online Programs
Community College of Vermont
The Community College of Vermont (CCV) offers an online Associate of Science (AS) in Professional Studies with a focus on Legal Studies. The 60-credit program can be completed entirely online in a part-time or full-time format. The curriculum emphasizes skills in managing administrative processes in a number of different career fields, but students can customize their course schedule with some elective offerings in their area of interest. Elective courses for the Legal Studies focus include Word Processing; Introduction to Business Law; Legal Studies I; Legal Studies II; The Constitution; and American Politics and Governments. Through the Professional Field Experience course, students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience. After finishing the associate’s degree program, graduates are prepared to find entry-level professional positions in offices such as law firms or business departments. In addition, students interested in pursuing further education in business or law may be able to transfer their AS academic credit to a four-year college or university.
Vermont Law School
The Vermont Law School offers numerous specialist master’s degrees in the field of law. Designed for students who are not searching for a professional law degree, these master’s degrees can be completed in as little as one year. Students can choose between degree programs such as Master of Environmental Law and Policy, Master of Energy Regulation and Law, Master of Food and Agriculture Law and Policy, and Master of Arts in Restorative Justice. All four programs focus on knowledge of advocacy, regulations, legislation, and markets, with a particular emphasis on sustainability. Students can complete the 30-credit hour programs in 12 months on campus or in as few as 18 months online. For working professionals who can only attend school part-time, Vermont Law School offers a part-time format that allows students up to five years to finish their degree. These focused master’s degrees provide students with specialized knowledge in particular areas of the legal field, preparing students to advance in their careers.
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/