[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although lawyers often receive most of the credit in the courtroom, paralegals are behind much of the work that goes into building a solid legal case.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paralegals provide essential services to law professionals, like conducting legal research, organizing information into detailed reports, and summarizing testimonies. The nature of paralegal work requires them to have extensive knowledge of law and legal practices.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A quality education in paralegal studies can result in a certificate or degree. Discover what the best online paralegal programs offer future paralegals and what to expect from these programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Best Online Paralegal Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability, so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This list has been updated for 2025. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Paralegal Studies Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can choose from several paths to [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/paralegal/”]becoming a paralegal[/hen-ui-link], but the most straightforward approach may be to earn a degree in legal studies or a related field. In this academic program, you can sharpen your skills in legal research, communication, office management, and data analysis.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some schools offer electives in international law, constitutional law, or mediation and negotiation that you can take as your earn your degree. A paralegal degree may be helpful if you plan to apply to law school, and universities offer paralegal programs at almost all academic levels.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Types of Paralegal Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in pursuing an online paralegal program, you have a few options. You can earn a paralegal certificate, a paralegal associate degree, or a paralegal bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certificate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]6-12 months[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Credit or non-credit options[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average annual cost of $2,540[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requires high school diploma or GED certificate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Post-baccalaureate program requires bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Associate Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Two years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]60 credits[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average annual cost of $3,560[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requires high school diploma or GED certificate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Four years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]120 credits[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average annual cost of $16,010[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requires high school diploma or GED certificate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Degree completion program requires previous college credit[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A paralegal certificate provides the basic qualifications for paralegal positions. These programs, which can be undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate level, focus primarily on core concepts in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While some programs confer a non-credit paralegal certificate, others award credit that you can apply toward an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree. Depending on the program, you can earn a paralegal certificate in as few as six months.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can also earn an associate in paralegal studies, which entails completing major courses and general education requirements. In these two-year programs, you gain more foundational knowledge than learners in paralegal certificate programs. A two-year degree may also lead to higher earning potential compared to only a certificate.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Expect in a Paralegal Bachelor’s Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s in paralegal studies usually requires 120 credits, which can takes four years to finish. You complete some general education courses, like composition and communications, but most classes are major-specific, covering concepts like criminal procedures, estate planning, and civil litigation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some bachelor’s programs require you to complete an internship where you gain on-the-job skills and firsthand experience of a paralegal’s daily responsibilities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the bachelor’s level, you may also have the option to specialize in a certain area or pursue certification in a niche field. Common specialization areas for paralegals include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Corporate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Criminal Defense[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Environmental Law[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Estate Planning and Probate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Family Law[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Immigration[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Intellectual Property[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Litigation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Real Estate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Courses in a Paralegal Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Legal Systems and Terminology: This introductory course helps you gain basic paralegal skills, such as summarizing and analyzing court cases and filing cases in the court system. This class also covers legal terms that attorneys and paralegals use every day.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Legal Ethics: You’ll learn about the ethical rules that apply to legal professionals. Coursework covers rules of professional conduct, conflicts of interest, and how to protect confidentiality.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Legal Research and Writing: This course teaches you how to research statutes and analyze court decisions. You’ll learn how to use case digests to find state and federal cases.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Civil Litigation: The class covers the entire legal process of a civil case, including the client interview and the post-judgment. You’ll learn how to preserve evidence, draft pleadings and requests, create digests, and draft motions.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]ABA Approval of Online Paralegal Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Though paralegals cannot receive certification from the American Bar Association (ABA), they can earn their education from [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/” target=”_blank”]ABA-approved paralegal programs[/hen-ui-link]. Because the ABA requires programs to meet a difficult set of criteria, ABA approval demonstrates a high quality education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Based on input from legal professionals, government agencies, and local bar associations, ABA-approved programs feature curricula designed to prepare paralegals for the workforce. A degree from an ABA-approved program is an attractive credential for job-seekers. Only about 25% of the country’s paralegal associate and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/”]bachelor’s programs[/hen-ui-link] hold ABA approval.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose an Online Paralegal Program: 5 Key Factors[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educational outcomes and learning experiences vary by program, so you should research your options before choosing a school. The top of your priority list should be choosing an accredited online paralegal program that meets industry standards.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The list below includes crucial factors to consider when evaluating prospective schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Check for Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your university should hold institutional accreditation with a regional accrediting association such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or the Higher Learning Commission. Regional accreditation helps you qualify for financial aid and gives your degree credibility in the workplace.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Also, consider online paralegal programs with programmatic accreditation, which indicates that the college has invested in its legal studies degrees. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/” target=”_blank”]American Bar Association[/hen-ui-link] is the primary organization that accredits paralegal programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Transfer Policies[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited institutions rarely accept credits earned through unaccredited schools. If you’re planning to transfer to a four-year school after earning an associate or certificate, you should research your prospective schools’ transfer agreements and policies before enrolling.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, if you have previous academic or professional experience, you should look for [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]schools with generous transfer policies[/hen-ui-link] or options to receive credit for work experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Program Length and Format[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paralegal associate programs generally take about two years to complete, whereas a paralegal bachelor’s program typically takes four years. Your program completion time depends on your personal situation and enrollment status. Part-time students typically take longer to graduate than full-time students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, while your coursework may be completed entirely online, some online paralegal programs are taught synchronously, meaning you’ll be expected to attend virtually at specific times throughout the week. Be sure to check if the program you’re considering is taught asynchronously or synchronously at set times.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Cost[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/resources/”]cost of earning a degree[/hen-ui-link] depends on various factors, such as your state residency, your program format, and how much financial aid you receive. In-state students often pay lower tuition rates than out-of-state students, and online students may save money on tuition, transportation, and housing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Part-time learners typically pay more overall, although their cost per semester may prove lower than that for full-time students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-center”]Average Annual Cost of Bachelor’s in Legal Professions Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-lg=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-xs -mt-2 text-black”]Source: NCES Student Aid Study[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. In-Person Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While your coursework may be completed entirely virtually, many online paralegal programs have in-person requirements, such as completing an internship or practicum experience. If you’re considering an online format, be sure to double-check whether the program features in-person requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If so, you should ensure that you can fit these in-person requirements into your schedule. You may be able to satisfy these requirements at an approved location in your area.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Do Paralegals Make?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS), paralegals and legal assistants can earn from just under $40,000 to upwards of $100,000 a year. What you make depends primarily on where you work and the industry you specialize in.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, paralegals in Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington, D.C., earn a higher median annual salary than paralegals in other parts of the country. The chart below breaks down paralegals’ wages by industry.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Paralegal Salary[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]By Industry[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary (2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]By Specialization[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary (2025)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Federal government, excluding postal service[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”By Industry”]$77,940[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)”]Intellectual Property Paralegal[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”By Specialization”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Intellectual_Property_(IP)_Paralegal/Salary” target=”_blank”]$81,400[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Finance and insurance[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”By Industry”]$76,960[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)”]Corporate Paralegal[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”By Specialization”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Corporate_Paralegal/Salary” target=”_blank”]$75,660[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Local government, excluding education and hospitals[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”By Industry”]$60,990[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)”]Litigation Paralegal[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”By Specialization”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Litigation_Paralegal/Salary” target=”_blank”]$64,580[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Legal services[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”By Industry”]$59,800[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)”]Real Estate Paralegal[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”By Specialization”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Real_Estate_Paralegal/Salary” target=”_blank”]$60,100[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]State government, excluding education and hospitals[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”By Industry”]$56,280[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary (2024)”]Immigration Paralegal[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”By Specialization”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Immigration_Paralegal/Salary” target=”_blank”]$58,210[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Paralegal Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do I get a paralegal certificate?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a certified paralegal, you must meet the educational requirements of the certifying organization and must pass one or more certification exams. Some associate programs feature curricula designed to meet certification standards. To obtain a paralegal certification, you must typically pass an exam, such as:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.paralegals.org/page/pace-pcce” target=”_blank”]The Paralegal Core Competencies Exam[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nala.org/certification/” target=”_blank”]The Certified Paralegal/Certified Legal Assistant Exam[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nals.org/page/PPPG” target=”_blank”]The Professional Paralegal Exam[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the profession does not require certification, certification typically leads to more career opportunities for paralegals. Many employers require or prefer paralegals with professional certification.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What’s the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Law offices and professional organizations often use the terms “paralegal” and “legal assistant” interchangeably. Firms may use the term [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]legal assistant[/hen-ui-link] to describe the nature of a paralegal’s job, which includes assisting legal professionals with cases.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Legal secretaries, on the other hand, have fewer responsibilities and more limitations than paralegals. Legal secretaries typically manage the front desk at law offices, answering phone calls, welcoming clients, and forwarding memos.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What do paralegals do?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paralegals help lawyers prepare solid cases. They gather information, conduct research on relevant laws and legal precedents, write reports, organize documents, and contact clients for interviews.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While they assist lawyers, paralegals cannot perform acts that require a legal license, including offering legal advice and setting legal fees. Generalist paralegals often work in small law firms. They must know about a variety of legal areas and prove adept at performing many tasks.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a paralegal​?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A paralegal program can take anywhere from six months to four years to finish, depending on whether you pursue a certificate or degree. While you can complete a paralegal certificate in as little as six months, paralegal bachelor’s degree programs usually take four years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is paralegal a good career?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm” target=”_blank”]BLS projects[/hen-ui-link] that paralegal employment will grow by only 1% between 2023 and 2033. However, in 2024, paralegals earned a median salary of $61,010, which is about $10,000 more than the median salary for all occupations ($49,500).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Careers are about more than money, though. Job satisfaction is also vital, and paralegals have plenty of that thanks to the field’s relatively high incomes, low stress, and engaging tasks. Plus, if your real ambition is to become a lawyer, being a paralegal first could let you test the field before committing to law school.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,905,1242″][/hen-ui-article-row]