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The cost of college doesn’t have to hold you back from a career in law. Our Most Affordable Legal Studies Degrees ranking is here to help.
No two ways about it - the sticker price of college is intimidating. But don’t let that scare you off. Your bachelor’s degree could be more affordable than you think.
A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for many roles within the legal field. Once you land that job as a paralegal, court reporter, or corrections officer, your degree - and master's degree - will pay dividends.
What kind of legal studies degree should you get?
When choosing a college, your first consideration should be finding a program that matches your career goals. Look for a degree that focuses on law school preparation, paralegal certification, or law enforcement training, depending on what you want to do after you graduate.
If you’re not sure what your career will look like, don’t fret - plenty of programs offer generalized tracks. Choose one of these broadly focused programs so that you can get a feel for a number of different aspects of the legal profession.
For other highly cost-effective options in undergraduate education, don’t miss our ranking of the Most Affordable Online Colleges.
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How much money do people make with a legal studies degree?
The biggest factor in how much you’ll earn is whether you continue your education beyond your legal studies degree. Students who go from an undergraduate program into law school will spend several additional years in school, but they’ll earn much more at the end of it.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for paralegals and legal assistants is $50,410 per year. For lawyers, the median pay is $119,250 per year. A certified attorney can earn more than twice as much as a paralegal.
What can you do with a degree in legal studies?
The most common career path for legal studies graduates is to find work as a paralegal, or legal assistant. Many paralegals are employed in law firms, while others work in the legal departments of private businesses or in local, state, or federal agencies.
A degree in legal studies may also prepare you to work as a corrections officer, law enforcement officer, court clerk, and community services manager. Again, the specialization you choose within your legal studies program will be key in determining your potential career paths.
What are the requirements for a degree in legal studies?
Because this ranking focuses on distance learning programs, the most important requirement is consistent internet access on a reliable computer or laptop. You’ll be completing most or all of your assignments digitally, so it’s important that you’re comfortable engaging with technology on a regular basis.
Outside of basic computer skills, the admissions requirements for these degrees vary widely. Some programs will want to see a certain high school GPA, or a minimum SAT or ACT score. Others don’t have any specific cut-off scores and will review your application in a holistic way.
What are the most affordable online legal studies degrees?
To create this ranking, we focused strictly on net tuition costs. Data is sourced from individual college websites as well as U.S. News & World Report and the National Center for Educational Statistics.
Although affordability is the key here, academic quality is still an important factor. All of the colleges featured on our rankings are regionally accredited, so your degree will carry real weight with employers and graduate schools.
We wish you all the best of luck in your school search!
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Most Affordable Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
Bellevue University
- Bellevue, NE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students looking for a flexible online education in law should consider Bellevue University’s bachelor of science in legal studies. The private institution's 54 virtual bachelor's programs provide an industry-relevant education to 11,008 remote degree-seekers. The Nebraska college's supportive online community and other institutional resources benefit distance learners.
Enrollees develop industry knowledge in engaging classes. Within the law curriculum, which covers general education and advanced topics, learners can customize classes and choose electives. Degree candidates add to their education with experiential learning opportunities. Getting first-hand experience of working in the law field is possible for degree-seekers who complete research, internships, or externships.
The admissions office can let prospective students know more about enrollment criteria. Of all enrollees, 84% receive some kind of financial aid. Degree-seekers should check with the financial aid office to see if they meet the eligibility requirements for any funding opportunities. Eligible learners can reduce degree costs with scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Most Affordable Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
Peirce College
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners seeking a flexible education to prepare them for the legal field should consider Peirce College's bachelor's in legal studies. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, private college connects 1,052 distance learners with a premier education and offers 10 bachelor's programs remotely.
The legal studies program equips students with the tools to succeed in the field. Classes cover both foundational topics and advanced subjects in the legal industry, giving enrollees a broad knowledge of the field. Hands-on learning experiences let degree-seekers deepen their knowledge. Learners can benefit from internships, externships, and industry-specific research projects. Students can get help from their academic advisor and career counselor throughout the program.
Qualifying applicants can lower the price of their degree with internal and external funding opportunities like scholarships and fellowships. An online education leader, the college connects degree-seekers with financial aid to support their academic journey, awarding aid to 100% of all enrollees.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Most Affordable Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
American Public University System
- Charles Town, WV
- 4 years
- Online
American Public University System's bachelor of science in legal studies program is a great choice for students seeking a flexible education to prepare them for the legal field.
The program equips enrollees with the tools they need for a successful law career. Classes provide degree candidates with broad knowledge of the legal field, covering both foundational and advanced subjects. Depending on their career goals, degree-seekers can pursue experiential learning opportunities to deepen their industry knowledge. Learners gain valuable knowledge from internships, externships, and applied research projects. Guidance is available to students throughout the duration of the program by talking with an academic advisor or career counselor.
To lower degree expenses, qualified applicants can pursue funding opportunities, like scholarships and fellowships, from internal and external sources. A remote education leader, the college awards financial aid to 100% of enrollees to support them on their academic journey.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Most Affordable Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
- Canton, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Interested in a flexible education that prepares you for a career in the legal field? Check out the online bachelor of science in legal studies program at SUNY College of Technology at Canton. The public college provides a premier education to 2,072 remote learners and offers 12 bachelor's programs virtually.
Students get the tools they need to succeed in the legal field from this program. The broad curriculum covers both foundational concepts and advanced topics. Degree-seekers can increase their industry knowledge with hands-on learning experiences, helping their career aspirations. Internships, externships, and industry-specific experiences give valuable knowledge to learners. Students can talk to their academic advisor and career services to get help throughout the course of the program.
Qualified applicants can offset the cost of their degree with external and internship funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. As a leader in remote education, the college supports the academic endeavors of its enrollees, awarding aid to 95% of degree-seekers.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Most Affordable Online Legal Studies Degrees 2022
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Adelphi, MD
- 4 years
- Online
The bachelor's in legal studies degree at the University of Maryland Global Campus is a great choice for students seeking a flexible education to prepare them for the legal field. The public school's 52,298 distance learners can choose from 31 premier online bachelor's programs.
Learners can prepare for a successful law career with the tools they gain in this program. Enrollees benefit from many different types of classes, covering both foundational and advanced legal topics. Depending on their career goals, degree-seekers can pursue experiential learning opportunities to deepen their industry knowledge. Learners gain valuable knowledge from internships, externships, and applied research projects. Guidance is available to students throughout the duration of the program by talking with an academic advisor or career counselor.
To lower degree expenses, qualified applicants can pursue funding opportunities, like scholarships and fellowships, from internal and external sources. Degree-seekers get support for their educational endeavors from the leader in online education, with the college awarding financial aid to 46% of enrollees.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
90%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education