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Pursing a Degree in Paralegal Studies
Put your argumentative skills to the test. Dig into the laws and bylaws of our nation. Start with 10 of the most affordable online paralegal studies degrees.
Earning an online degree in paralegal studies is one of the best ways to start a career in law. But earning it in the most affordable way possible is even better! You can be sure that you’re setting yourself up for the best possible outcome - a fantastic career and less educational debt. This degree will be a launching point for the rest of your career!
Featured Online College Paralegal Programs
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What kind of online paralegal studies degree should you get?
We’ve already boiled down the two most important features of this degree: affordability and accessibility. If you’re setting out on the road to becoming a lawyer, you’re looking at a number of years of education. That all adds up! So why not start off with an affordable degree to lay the foundation? The price tag on these programs range from around $12,000 to $24,000, which is a steal when you compare it to other programs.
Another huge distinction among these schools is that they are all delivered online. Distance learning is increasingly the direction of higher education. For good reason, too. You’ll be able to keep your full-time or part-time job as you complete the program. This allows you get ahead instead of putting your life on hold while you earn your education.
If you’re not quite sure paralegal studies is right for you, take a look at some other options with our list of the Most Affordable Online Graduate Colleges.
How much money do people make with an online paralegal studies degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, most people in this field earn anything between $46k to $66k per year. This figure, of course, varies depending on what type of job you’re in. For example, paralegals in the state government tend to earn salaries on the lower end of the spectrum while paralegals working in the federal judicial arena are in the top earning percentages.
Another perk of this career is that jobs related to legal studies continue to be in high demand. In fact, employment rates are projected to increase by 15 percent by 2026. This means by the time you have your degree in hand, you’ll be able to waltz into the job of your dreams.
What can you do with an online paralegal studies degree?
Earning an online degree in paralegal studies gets your foot in the door to the exciting field of law. The most common job you’ll be qualified for is a paralegal. If this is your goal, find an attorney who practices a specific type of law that fits your passions. You’ll become the go-to person for gathering legal documents, drafting arguments, initiating affidavits, and more.
Keep in mind that your career doesn’t necessarily need to stop here. This degree will set you up perfectly to continue your education. Working as a paralegal for a few years is a fantastic way to bulk up your resume - and your skill set - in preparation for law school. See this time as a way to solidify your foundation in the American judicial system.
What are the requirements for an online paralegal studies degree?
Since all of these degrees are offered at the undergraduate level, you don’t need to worry too much about having an extensive background in law. Just keep your grades up in high school and express your specific interest in legal studies when you apply. The rest should be a piece of cake!
Each program on this list follows a similar curriculum. In total, you’ll complete around 120 credit-hours. Most programs are completely online, though some include a hybrid format of online and on-campus. Additionally, a few schools include a paralegal internship or capstone project as a final requirement of the program.
Featured Online Legal Studies Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
What are the most affordable online paralegal studies degrees?
Here at College Choice, the data team has developed a water-tight methodology to settle on these top programs. Obviously, the most important factor on this list is the net cost of each school. Other factors, however, include overall reputation, graduation rates, retention rates, and the early salaries of graduates.
The final list offers you the 10 most affordable online paralegal studies degrees. These facts and figures come from the university and colleges’ websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.
Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Most Affordable Online paralegal Studies Degrees
Eastern Kentucky University
- Richmond, KY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
For individuals seeking a flexible education to prepare them for the legal field, the bachelor's in paralegal science at Eastern Kentucky University is a great choice. The public institution offers 17 premier virtual bachelor's programs for its 6,661 remote learners.
The BA program prepares paralegal students for a good career in paralegal by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed. Enrollees learn about foundational concepts and advanced topics in the legal field through a variety of classes. Degree-seekers strengthen their knowledge of the industry through experiential learning opportunities, furthering their career goals. Internships, externships, and applied research projects provide learners with valuable knowledge. Academic advising and career services provide guidance to students throughout the course of their students.
To lower degree expenses, qualified applicants can pursue funding opportunities, like scholarships and fellowships, from internal and external sources. At the college, 98% of degree-seekers receive aid from the online education leader to support their academic journey.
Percent Online Enrollment
44%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Most Affordable Online paralegal Studies Degrees
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Saint Mary of the Woods, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers flexible education opportunities for degree-seekers of all kinds. Distance learners all over the country choose from 25 online bachelor's programs at the school, which is located in Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana. Many people looking to become a paralegal find that the school's top-choice bachelor's in paralegal studies to be a great option.
Students enrolled in the paralegal program connect with supportive peers and distinguished faculty members. Degree-seekers complete classwork and projects to advance their personal and professional goals in an online classroom space. Some learners participate in internships, externships, or faculty-led research projects. It's possible for enrollees to mold the program to their needs and interests by working with a faculty advisor to create a customized plan of study and pick electives.
Many different internal and external opportunities for financial assistance help with the high price of an education at the college. If they qualify, students benefit from different types of financial assistance, such as fellowships and scholarships. At the institution, 100% of enrollees receive some kind of financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
32%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Most Affordable Online paralegal Studies Degrees
University of Providence
- Great Falls, MT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
All kinds of degree-seekers choose the University of Providence because the private institution offers learning opportunities with a great deal of flexibility. The school offers its 549 distance learners four remote bachelor's programs from its campus in Great Falls, Montana. Of these, the top-ranking bachelor's degree in legal studies is a great choice for people planning to start a career as a paralegal.
Top faculty members and a supportive student body benefit students enrolled in this legal studies program. Furthering personal and professional goals is made easier for degree-seekers with the remote classroom environment's career-relevant coursework and projects. Some learners participate in internships, externships, or faculty-led research projects. Choosing electives and customizing classes with the help of an advisor allows enrollees to tailor their academic experience to their needs and interests.
A variety of internal and external funding opportunities at the college help with an education's costs. Scholarship, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid benefit students who meet the eligibility requirements. The cost of an education at the college shrinks for the 99% of enrollees who get some kind of financial assistance.
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Most Affordable Online paralegal Studies Degrees
Herzing University
- Akron, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Herzing University, based in Akron, Ohio, offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive program. The private institution's 397 online learners choose from 10 virtual bachelor's programs. The rigorous, industry-relevant education provided by the bachelor's in legal studies program appeals to degree-seekers interested in becoming a paralegal.
The paralegal program's virtual classroom space lets participants connect with peers, professors, and other members of the distance learning community. The foundational and advanced topics covered in classes help enrollees gain relevant knowledge for their future careers as a paralegal. Learners' competency for a future profession as a paralegal is strengthened through hands-on practice and experiential learning opportunities, such as research projects and internships. During the program, degree-seekers get access to career counseling, academic advising, and other institutional resources focused on student success.
Learners can lower the cost of their legal studies degree by working with a financial aid officer to find funding opportunities. The university offers many fellowship, scholarship, and federal aid opportunities. The institution provides some type of financial assistance to 100% of its enrollees.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Most Affordable Online paralegal Studies Degrees
Purdue University Global
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 years
- Online
Individuals seeking a flexible education to prepare them to become a paralegal should consider Purdue University Global's bachelor's program in legal support and services. The public institution supports 32 online bachelor’s degree programs, connecting 37,913 online learners with a premier undergraduate education.
Students gain the tools needed for a successful career in the legal support field. The variety of classes in the curriculum benefits enrollees, giving them broad knowledge of both foundational and advanced paralegal topics. If applicable to their career goals, degree-seekers can participate in experiential learning opportunities to strengthen their knowledge of the industry. Industry-specific research projects, internships, and externships impart valuable knowledge to learners. Academic advisors and career counselors assist students through the course of their degree.
To offset degree costs, eligible students can pursue external and internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. A remote education leader, the college awards financial aid to 76% of enrollees to support them on their academic journey.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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