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Online Paralegal Degree: Bachelor’s Level Guide

​​Earning your bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies online is a great way to boost your career and help you stand out in a competitive job market. A growing number of schools are offering paralegal studies programs in online and hybrid formats. A four-year degree in the legal field will help you develop in-demand professional paralegal skills. Earning a paralegal degree online can also help you prepare for advanced study, including law school. This guide is designed to help you research top-ranked, online paralegal programs that might fit your career goals.

On-Campus vs Online Paralegal Degrees

There are both pros and cons to pursuing your bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies online. Students taking courses online need to possess the skills and aptitudes necessary to hold themselves accountable for completing coursework on time. To be successful in this environment, students should be self-motivated and have a strong work ethic. Paralegal programs offered online typically provide greater scheduling flexibility than is found in on-campus programs. However, this does not mean that students will not face deadlines or potential scheduling conflicts.

Online legal studies degrees offer students a number of benefits. Pursuing a paralegal degree online allows students to attend an out-of-state school without relocating. If you do not live near any of the top schools for paralegal programs, looking for out-of-state online paralegal programs may be a good choice. As an added benefit, many online paralegal schools offer in-state or reduced tuition rates for out-of-state students.

Many online paralegal degrees also welcome transfer students. If you previously earned an associate’s degree or some college credit from a regionally accredited school, online programs in legal studies will commonly accept the transfer of your previously earned credits towards your paralegal degree. This can reduce the cost of earning your bachelor’s degree and the time that it takes to complete a four-year program.

Accredited schools with online paralegal programs typically use the same curriculum and materials for online courses as for on-campus courses, and in many cases, the same instructors and professors. Applicants to online paralegal programs should also consider the specialization or concentration options offered. Opportunities to add a formal specialization to online paralegal programs may be more restricted compared to on-campus paralegal programs, since fewer courses may be offered online. However, if no formal specializations are offered, students can often add an informal concentration through electives.

Finally, not all paralegal programs are 100% online. The majority of programs, both on-campus and online, require students to complete at least one paralegal internship or field experience. Distance students may be able to complete this requirement in their local area, but will typically be responsible for arranging the internship on their own. Additionally, in order to earn approval from the American Bar Association (ABA), paralegal programs must require a minimum number of credits to be earned through synchronous instruction; you can read more about this in the next section.

Online Paralegal Program Accreditation

When evaluating online paralegal schools, there are two important accreditations to keep in mind. The first is regional accreditation, which applies to the entire college or university. Regional accreditation is a form of approval from one of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the US Department of Education. Schools that are regionally accredited must meet academic quality standards for both the courses and degrees offered. Regional accreditation is also required for receiving federal financial aid and is frequently a prerequisite for schools to accept transfer credits from another college.

The other type of accreditation to consider is specific to the paralegal field, and that is approval from the ABA that applies specifically to a paralegal program. The ABA evaluates paralegal programs through academic and on-site reviews to ascertain the quality of a program and its success in preparing paralegals with necessary career skills and knowledge. The ABA does approve online paralegal programs, as long as the program requires at least nine credit hours of legal specialty courses to be completed through real-time instruction, whether online or face-to-face.

While attending an ABA-accredited program is not necessary to become a paralegal, it is widely thought to offer career benefits due to its rigorous standards and national recognition. You should consider the norms in your area by researching employers’ requirements and examining the impact this may have on your ability to pursue local or national paralegal certification.

Top Online Paralegal Programs

To help make it easier to choose the online paralegal degree that’s right for you, we have ranked the top accredited online paralegal programs in the US using our own unique ranking system. To be considered, programs must be not-for-profit and be regionally accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the US Department of Education (for more on accreditation, see above). Since accreditation from the ABA can also be an indicator of program quality that students may wish to consider, it is included in the table below for reference.

Our methodology for evaluating the best hybrid and online paralegal programs includes weighted factors such as the average tuition cost for online students, the percentage of the student body enrolled in online courses, and the school’s overall graduation rate. Some factors were given a heavier weight than others, such as the overall graduation rate, which is a good indicator of student success. We also used factors such as schools’ placements in the US News & World Report’s Regional, National, and Best Online programs rankings.

SchoolP411 RankAverage Online TuitionABA Accred.?1% Undergrads Studying Fully Online2Grad Rate 2% Tenured Faculty3US News Regional Rank4US News National Rank5US News Best Online BA/BS Rank6
University of Central Florida1$44878%74%47%#148#14
Regent University2$39576%61%40%#277#53
Clarion University of Pennsylvania3$523Yes19%53%52%#114#42
University of Memphis4$41915%52%31%#249#53
Tulane University*5$576Yes7%86%29%#42
Dominican University6$49016%63%25%#10#144
Eastern Kentucky University7$417Yes20%45%29%#52#67
California University of Pennsylvania8$32523%51%44%#131-171#204
Roger Williams University9$433Yes1%69%31%#27
SUNY Canton10$50250%41%25%#12#116
Eastern Michigan University*11$581Yes65%47%61%#299-391#256-337
Hampton University12$3007%57%21%#202
Widener University*13$49969%65%23%#213
University of Pittsburgh14$1,109N.Av.84%29%#59
Northwestern State University of Louisiana15$37546%47%27%#84#256-337
Grand View University16$4524%56%19%#35
University of Massachusetts Global17$500100%49%N.Av.#31
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College18$49635%53%13%#14
Clayton State University*19$393Yes49%31%34%#104-137
Texas A & M University-Commerce20$555Yes38%43%N.Av.#299-391#42
Stevenson University21$450Yes9%62%N.Av.#82#256-337
William Woods University22$25027%52%5%#299-391
National University23$555Yes16%47%N.Av.#94-122#164
Western Kentucky University*24$492Yes18%52%37%#299-391
Florida Gulf Coast University25$52229%53%0%#56
Humphreys University*26$608100%57%N.Av.#29
University of Alaska Anchorage*27$541Yes75%30%26%#71
University of Providence28$862Yes49%38%19%#23
University of Houston-Clear Lake*29$60053%52%N.Av.
Hilbert College30$1,018YesN.Av.57%6%#38-49
Peirce College31$600Yes100%16%N.Av.#152
University of Maryland Global Campus32$40382%18%N.Av.#131-171
Hodges University33$59547%28%N.Av.#104-137
Purdue University Global34$371100%22%N.Av.
Bellevue University35$43093%23%N.Av.#119-157

Profiles of Top Online Paralegal Programs

University of Central Florida (#1)

university of central florida logoThe University of Central Florida (UCF) offers an online Legal Studies major that can be completed as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). Students pursuing the BA typically take additional foreign language courses, while students pursuing the BS typically take more math and science courses. In addition to core general education and legal courses, students will complete 33 credit hours of legal electives across the areas of Law and Policy; Advocacy; Law and Business; Law and Technology; Family Matters; and International Law. All students must also complete either a capstone or an internship course. All of the faculty for the UCF online paralegal program are graduates of ABA-approved law schools.

Admissions & Enrollment

Acceptance rate (undergraduate): 45%4
Average high school GPA of accepted students: 3.94
Average ACT score of accepted students: 274

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $179/$7167
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $212/$7497
Percentage of students receiving need-based financial aid: 54%4
Full-time online instructional faculty (campuswide): 5196
One-year new student retention rate (full-time, campuswide): 92%2

Regent University (#2)

regent university logoThe 100% online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Paralegal Studies at Regent University is specifically designed for adult learners (24 years of age or above) and provides flexible scheduling options. The curriculum focuses on legal research, theory, communication, and clerical and management skills, providing students with strong foundations for advancement in their legal careers. Students also learn the fundamentals of professional and persuasive writing in a legal context. 42 credit hours are devoted to Paralegal Studies major courses. Students also complete 32 credit hours of electives, which may include additional paralegal courses for specialization. The curriculum plan also includes four semesters of foreign language study. Students who complete the BS in Paralegal Studies may also be interested in Regent University’s on-campus Master of Arts (MA) in Law, Master of Laws (LLM) in American Legal Studies, or Juris Doctor (JD).

Admissions & Enrollment

Acceptance rate (undergraduate): 50%4
Average high school GPA of accepted students: 3.44
Average ACT score of accepted students: 244

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $395/$3958
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $574/$5748
Percentage of students receiving need-based financial aid: 75%4
Full-time online instructional faculty (campuswide): 476
One-year new student retention rate (full-time, campuswide): 77%2

Tulane University (#5)

tulane university logoThe hybrid Bachelor of Arts (BA) in General Legal Studies at Tulane University is approved by the ABA. All courses within the legal studies program are taught by practicing attorneys and paralegals who have in-depth experience in the legal profession. Courses are available on campus during days and evenings as well as online. The 120-credit program includes 36 credit hours within the major. Students must complete at least four of the Legal Studies major courses on campus. A culminating practicum provides students with internship-based learning with a focus on career skills and networking. The practicum also includes a classroom component wherein students will develop their professionalism and job search skills. Transfer credits from other accredited institutions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis; at least half of the credits applied towards the degree must be completed at Tulane.

Admissions & Enrollment

Acceptance rate (undergraduate): 11%4
Average high school GPA of accepted students: 3.64
Average ACT score of accepted students: 324

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $576/$57610
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $2,362/$2,36210
Percentage of students receiving need-based financial aid: 30%4
Full-time online instructional faculty (campuswide): N.Av.
One-year new student retention rate (full-time, campuswide): 92%2

Eastern Kentucky University (#7)

eastern kentucky university logoEastern Kentucky University (EKU) awards an ABA-approved Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Paralegal Science. Courses are offered in eight-week terms, allowing students to focus on fewer courses at a time. The 40 core credit hours in Paralegal Science include courses such as Legal Research and Writing; Special Topics in the Law; Litigation: Complaint to Discovery; and Paralegal Internship and Seminar. All instructors for the online paralegal bachelor’s program hold a JD or PhD. Transfer students are welcome to apply; up to 90 credit hours in transfer credits can be accepted from other accredited institutions. Graduates receive proactive job placement assistance that eases the transition into the workforce.

Admissions & Enrollment

Acceptance rate (undergraduate): 98%5
Average high school GPA of accepted students: 3.45
Average ACT score of accepted students: 225

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $417/$41711
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $394/$82211
Percentage of students receiving need-based financial aid: 75%5
Full-time online instructional faculty (campuswide): 1306
One-year new student retention rate (full-time, campuswide): 79%2

California University of Pennsylvania (#8)

california university of pennsylvania logoThe Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Jurisprudence: Legal Studies degree at California University of Pennsylvania (CALU) offers students in-depth academic study of legal issues and the law as well as broader exposure to legal theory. Developmental and advanced courses in legal writing, research, reasoning, and critical thought are included in the curriculum. Accepted students may choose to study year-round, which may reduce the amount of time required to earn the bachelor’s degree. Three cohort start dates are offered: fall, spring, and summer. Those who complete the online legal studies degree may go on to apply to CALU’s online Master of Science in Legal Studies, which offers concentrations in Criminal Justice; Homeland Security; and Law and Public Policy.

Admissions & Enrollment

Acceptance rate (undergraduate): 94%5
Average high school GPA of accepted students: 3.35
Average ACT score of accepted students: 205

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $322/$3289
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $322/$4829
Percentage of students receiving need-based financial aid: 80%5
Full-time online instructional faculty (campuswide): 1186
One-year new student retention rate (full-time, campuswide): 70%2

Roger Williams University (#9)

roger williams university logoThe accredited online paralegal program at Roger Williams University (RWU) is approved by the ABA and leads to the award of the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Paralegal Studies. The curriculum is practice-oriented, with emphasis placed on the skills and knowledge needed to use legal databases and computers in a professional environment. A focus on alternative dispute resolution is also found across the curriculum. Courses in the paralegal studies major are designed to teach students the fundamentals of substantive and procedural law, develop legal writing skills, and hone legal research skills. Professional skills, ethics, and behavior are also given a heavy emphasis, preparing students for work immediately after graduation. In addition to a semester-long internship during the senior year, the online paralegal degree includes a justice studies capstone that integrates research, writing, and critical thought skills. The RWU School of Law also offers an on-campus Juris Doctor (JD) and an on-campus Master of Studies in Law (MSL).

Admissions & Enrollment

Acceptance rate (undergraduate): 86%5
Average high school GPA of accepted students: 3.45
Average ACT score of accepted students: 245

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $433/$43312
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $1,636/$1,63612
Percentage of students receiving need-based financial aid: 74%5
Full-time online instructional faculty (campuswide): N.Av.
One-year new student retention rate (full-time, campuswide): 81%2

SUNY Canton (#10)

SUNY Canton logoSUNY Canton is home to a fully online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Legal Studies. Courses are led by the same experienced faculty who teach on campus. The interdisciplinary curriculum encourages students to take courses in accounting, business, and criminal justice to support the online Legal Studies major. Students also take in-depth courses in legal research, legal writing, and foundational legal principles before moving into upper-level courses in specialized areas of law. Legal electives include Negligence and Intentional Torts; Real Property; Environmental Law; and American Indian Law and Federal Policy. The curriculum places a special emphasis on the United States Constitution and its applications to US law, rights, and restrictions.

Admissions & Enrollment

Acceptance rate (undergraduate): 83%5
Average high school GPA of accepted students: 3.05
Average ACT score of accepted students: 205

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $295/$70813
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $295/$70813
Percentage of students receiving need-based financial aid: 88%5
Full-time online instructional faculty (campuswide): 736
One-year new student retention rate (full-time, campuswide): 70%2

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (#15)

northwestern state university of louisiana logoThe fully online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice: Prelaw and Paralegal Studies at Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) provides students with an intensive 21-credit hour education in pre-law within the criminal justice major. The criminal justice major includes cross-disciplinary study in psychology, sociology, and political science. This range of courses provides students with a broad background in the justice system and solid preparation for seeking employment post-graduation. In addition to paralegal courses, students can expect to take criminal justice-focused courses such as Police Process; Adjudication Process; Criminal Investigation; and Criminal Evidence and Procedure. Transfer students are welcome to apply. Students who already have a bachelor’s degree may be interested in NSULA’s Pre-law and Paralegal Certificate of Completion, a 24-credit hour professional program.

Admissions & Enrollment

Acceptance rate (undergraduate): 85%5
Average high school GPA of accepted students: 3.25
Average ACT score of accepted students: 205

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $375/$37514
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $216/$1,03014
Percentage of students receiving need-based financial aid: 93%5
Full-time online instructional faculty (campuswide): 3256
One-year new student retention rate (full-time, campuswide): 76%2

William Woods University (#22)

william woods university logoWilliam Woods University is home to a fully online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Paralegal Studies that provides students with academic and hands-on learning in preparation for a variety of careers, including documentation specialist, paralegal, court clerk, legal administrator, and investigator. Students who are accepted to the program will learn the fundamentals of the legal system, including substantive and procedural law, legal research and writing, legal computer skills, and interviewing and investigation through 42 credit hours of major courses. The virtual learning environment for the online paralegal degree encourages peer discussion and collaboration while providing opportunities to interact with instructors. A virtual law office practicum functions as a virtual internship, paired with a capstone research and writing assignment. Online courses are offered in a flexible eight-week format to help students complete their degree plans while working and meeting other commitments. Graduates will be prepared to work effectively in law offices and other legal environments.

Admissions & Enrollment

Acceptance rate (undergraduate): 64%4
Average high school GPA of accepted students: N.Av.
Average ACT score of accepted students: N.Av.

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $250/$25015
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: $1,072/$1,07215
Percentage of students receiving need-based financial aid: N.Av.
Full-time online instructional faculty (campuswide): N.Av.
One-year new student retention rate (full-time, campuswide): 70%2

Purdue University Global (#34)

purdue university global logoPurdue University Global offers a fully online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Legal Support and Services with a concentration in Paralegal. The curriculum is designed to help students hone their communication and critical thinking skills with a focus on real-world applications. The program requires 180 quarter credits to complete, consisting of 33 core credits, 93 major credits, and 54 credits of open electives. Purdue Global offers a tuition cap program that caps tuition at a set rate, meaning that entering students will be better able to plan the cost of their education. Students enrolled in the online program may also choose to work towards a master’s degree concurrent with their undergraduate studies, such as the Master of Science (MS) in Legal Studies or the Master of Public Administration (MPA).

Admissions & Enrollment

Admissions
Acceptance rate (undergraduate): N.Av.
Average high school GPA of accepted students: N.Av
Average ACT score of accepted students: N.Av

Tuition & Academics

In-state/out-of-state tuition per online credit hour: $371/$3716
In-state/out-of-state tuition per on-campus credit hour: N/A
Percentage of students receiving need-based financial aid: N.Av
Full-time online instructional faculty (campuswide): N.Av.
One-year new student retention rate (full-time, campuswide): 33%2

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online paralegal programs legitimate?

Online paralegal programs from schools that hold regional accreditation are just as legitimate as on-campus brick-and-mortar paralegal programs. Regionally accredited schools that offer distance paralegal programs typically model the online program after their on-campus offerings, and the degree you receive will not indicate that you were an online student. One of the most important things to remember about online programs is that regional accreditation is key! You might also wish to research approval from the American Bar Association (ABA), which is discussed in more detail above.

Are online paralegal degrees ABA-approved?

Yes, the American Bar Association (ABA) does approve online programs. In order for an online paralegal program to be approved, at least nine semester credit hours must be taken through synchronous learning–whether online or in-person.

Is an online paralegal degree worth it?

Whether a program is “worth it” depends in large part on your career goals, the typical requirements of employers in the area where you wish to work, and your ability to finance the program. A paralegal bachelor’s degree can provide you with a higher-level skill set, as well as deeper legal knowledge, than a paralegal associate’s degree. For this reason, many employers prefer to hire paralegals with a bachelor’s degree. Job growth for paralegals is also strongest in metropolitan areas and in legal specialty areas such as finance and insurance, consulting, and healthcare.17

Financing a paralegal degree is also an important consideration. Applying for need- and merit-based financial aid is the first step in determining how much a paralegal bachelor’s program might cost you out-of-pocket. Comparing the cost of a given degree program to the average salary of paralegals in the cities where you would like to work can help you determine value. The average paralegal salary with a bachelor’s degree tends to be slightly higher than the paralegal salary with an associate’s degree; as of 2020, the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) reported that bachelor’s degree paralegals earned about $2,000 more per year than associate’s degree paralegals. Master’s degree holders earn $4,000 more per year than bachelor’s degree holders according to the same survey. Geographic area and national paralegal certifications also make a difference in salary potential.

Do you need a bachelor’s to become a paralegal?

A bachelor’s degree is not required to work as a paralegal – but having your bachelor’s degree does make it easier to get hired. The minimum education for a paralegal is typically held to be a certificate. According to O*NET OnLine, 50% of paralegals recommend that those new to the field hold an associate’s degree, compared to 34% recommending a bachelor’s degree and 7% recommending a postsecondary certificate.18

References:
*Schools denoted by an asterisk (*) offer hybrid-online programs that require one or more campus-based courses.
1. American Bar Association: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/
2. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
3. College Factual: https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/
4. US News National University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
5. US News Regional University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities
6. US News Best Online Bachelor’s Programs: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/rankings
7. University of Central Florida: https://www.ucf.edu/
8. Regent University: https://www.regent.edu/
9. California University of Pennsylvania: https://www.calu.edu/
10. Tulane University: https://tulane.edu/
11. Eastern Kentucky University: https://www.eku.edu/
12. Roger Williams University: https://www.rwu.edu/
13. SUNY Canton: https://www.canton.edu/
14. Northwestern State University of Louisiana: https://www.nsula.edu/
15. William Woods University: https://www.williamwoods.edu/
16. Purdue University Global: https://www.purdueglobal.edu/
17. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-6
18. O*NET OnLine, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00