Paralegal School Information

Author: Audrey Stoffle
Editor: Laura McPherson
Expert Reviewer: Ann H. Hamilton

Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, work under the direction of attorneys to complete tasks that help law firms serve their clients. Over 550 colleges and universities across the US offer paralegal degree programs.¹ Paralegal programs are offered at all types of schools, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to traditional on-campus programs, numerous paralegal schools offer online programs to accommodate working and busy students.

If you would like to learn more about what a paralegal does, visit our paralegal careers page. Continue reading this guide to find information on paralegal schools in your state, the best value schools with paralegal programs, how to choose a program, and select profiles of paralegal programs.

Paralegal School Facts

There are 559 colleges and universities that offer paralegal degree programs in the United States.¹
373 schools offer paralegal certificate programs.¹
444 schools offer paralegal associate degrees.¹
79 schools offer paralegal bachelor’s degrees.¹
24 schools offer paralegal master’s degrees or other advanced programs for paralegals.¹

Table of Contents

Paralegal School Information by State
Best Value Schools With On-Campus Programs
What to Look for in a Program
Career Interviews
On-Campus Program Profiles
Online/Hybrid Program Profiles
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions

Paralegal School Information by State

To find paralegal schools near you, select your state below. For each state, we provide comparisons of the paralegal schools and degrees available, information on top-ranked paralegal programs, and profiles of select on-campus and online programs.

Best Value Schools With On-Campus Paralegal Programs

To help you choose a paralegal school, we ranked paralegal schools with on-campus programs at the associate or bachelor’s level. Included schools have a graduation rate of 65% or higher and a net price under $20,000 per year. Higher graduation rates indicate student success, while a lower net price reflects value in tuition rates and financial aid support.

School	Grad Rate¹	Retention Rate*¹	Transfer Out Rate**¹	Student Loan Default Rate¹	% Tenured Faculty²	US News National Rank³	US News Regional Rank⁴	Net Price¹
Frontier Community College	70%	71%	9%	9.0%	N.Av.	NR	NR	$670
De Anza College	65%	80%	8%	12.7%	N.Av.	NR	NR	$5,905
University of Washington-Seattle Campus	84%	94%	N.Av.	2.5%	51%	#59 tie	NR	$9,765
University of Central Florida	73%	90%	15%	4.5%	43%	#165 tie	NR	$13,016
Arizona State University-Tempe	69%	87%	N.Av.	6.5%	48%	#115 tie	NR	$13,731
University of Wisconsin-Madison	87%	95%	N.Av.	1.7%	49%	#49 tie	#43 tie	$14,169
University of California-Santa Barbara	82%	93%	N.Av.	2.4%	61%	#30 tie	NR	$16,912
Grand Valley State University	66%	83%	16%	3.9%	38%	NR	#29 tie	$17,184
University of California-Santa Cruz	74%	91%	5%	3.6%	49%	#70 tie	NR	$17,266
University of California-Berkeley	91%	97%	N.Av.	2.4%	51%	#22 tie	#52	$17,862
University of Kansas	65%	83%	26%	5.0%	48%	#129 tie	NR	$18,415
Illinois State University	69%	81%	N.Av.	3.5%	43%	#171 tie	NR	$19,489

See Table Notes at bottom of page.

What to Look for in a Paralegal Program

With so many paralegal program choices, deciding where to apply can be tough. The following questions will help guide you through the process.

1. Does the school have regional accreditation?

To ensure that your paralegal degree is recognized, it’s important to make sure the school you attend is accredited by one of the regional accreditors recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These accreditors evaluate whether a school meets minimum quality standards. Unaccredited schools might not provide a comparable level of instruction or training. Accreditation is also an important factor for federal financial aid and determining whether credits are transferable to another college or university.

2. Is it an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved program?

Some employers prefer paralegals who graduated from an ABA-approved program. There are over two hundred approved paralegal programs on the ABA website.

3. Is the program online, on campus, or hybrid?

In addition to on-campus programs, many schools offer online paralegal programs to accommodate working and busy students. Determining your scheduling needs before you research programs can streamline the process.

4. What services are offered to students?

Many programs offer robust coursework and assistance with paralegal internship and job placements. Find out if the school has support services such as tutoring, program-specific financial aid, professional networking, and faculty mentorship. Online paralegal programs should have these services as well.

5. What is the scope of the curriculum?

Courses should combine practical skills and legal theory. Coursework should consist of legal research, litigation, legal writing, case management, legal ethics, contracts, and torts. The program should help students to develop their critical thinking skills within the framework of the paralegal profession. In addition, the courses offered should be a good fit for your career goals.

6. What are the graduation requirements?

You’ll need to make sure you’re able to complete all graduation requirements. This commonly includes at least one semester-long internship in a legal office.

7. What backgrounds do the faculty have?

A good paralegal program will have courses taught by experienced and knowledgeable professionals. It can be beneficial if online courses are taught by the same faculty as the on-campus program.

Paralegal Career Interviews

We interview experienced legal professionals who share their career paths and advice for students preparing to graduate. See all the discussions on our paralegal career interviews page. You can also visit our Advice for Getting Hired as a Paralegal feature to find career advice from over 40 leaders in the paralegal field.

Vicky La Celle
President, Orange County Paralegal Association

Chere Estrin
CEO of the Paralegal Knowledge Institute

Kerry Spence
Pioneer and Leader in the Paralegal Field

Laura Kryta
President, Western New York Paralegal Association

Select Schools With On Campus Paralegal Programs

Allan Hancock College

At Allan Hancock College (AHC), students can complete an Associate of Science (AS) or Certificate of Achievement (COA) in Paralegal Studies. Both programs prepare graduates to work as competent legal support professionals in a variety of settings. The AS in Paralegal studies can be completed in two years with full-time study, including a work experience under supervision in a law office. Required courses include Criminal Law and Procedure; Civil Litigation; and Legal Research and Writing. The COA in Paralegal Studies can be completed in two semesters if students take four to five courses per semester; part-time study is also an option. The Paralegal Studies certificate has nine required courses mirroring the core of the AS degree, including a work experience placement. All AHC students pursuing credit programs are considered for merit- and need-based scholarships.

Georgetown University

Georgetown University offers two programs for non-lawyers: a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Taxation degree and a Master of Law and Technology (MLT), along with several concentration options and specialized certificate options. The 24-credit Executive MSL in Taxation is offered in an online format and is designed for experienced tax professionals (non-attorneys) who wish to study advanced tax courses such as Advanced Individual Tax and Personal Financial Planning; Consolidated Returns; and Federal Limitations on State and Local Taxation. The 24-credit MLT is for non-lawyers who wish to study the changing and complex relationship between law and technology through courses such as Biotechnology and Patent Law Seminar; Assisted Reproductive Technologies and the Law; and Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and the Law: A Comparative Analysis Between the EU and the US. In addition to these programs, Georgetown Law offers a Master of Laws (LLM) in Technology Law and Policy for practicing lawyers and policymakers as well as recent law school graduates who are interested in entering technology-related roles.

Northwestern University

The Center for Legal Studies at Northwestern University (Northwestern) is home to a Bachelor in Legal Studies that emphasizes critical and theoretical work and cross-disciplinary understandings of legal issues. Admitted students take four core courses plus eight electives to meet the requirements of the major. The weight given to elective courses and the variety of courses offered give students a unique opportunity to customize their degree plans towards their specific career goals. Students also complete a two-quarter (one-semester) undergraduate thesis in the Junior or Senior year. Admission to the Legal Studies program is competitive and based on students’ interests and performance in law-related courses. Students must have taken at least two law-related courses prior to applying. Northwestern also offers a Minor in Legal Studies, comprised of one required course and five electives, as well as a joint juris doctor (JD)/PhD in Law through the Northwestern University Law School.

St. John Fisher University

St. John Fisher University’s (Fisher) Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Legal Studies. The major requires 24 credit hours of core courses and 12 credits of electives, which count towards the total 120 credit hours required for the bachelor’s degree. In addition to courses such as Issues in Lawyering and Legal Research and Analysis, all Legal Studies students must complete a semester-long internship. Past students have completed internships at law firms, courthouses, consulting firms, legal aid societies, and the offices of public defenders and district attorneys. Those interested may participate in honor societies and extracurriculars such as the Justinian Order and the Pre-Law Association, as well as Mock Trial tournaments. Students planning to pursue an advanced legal education may be interested in Fisher’s 3+3 Legal Education Accelerated Program (LEAP). This highly competitive program allows students to earn a BA in Legal Studies and a juris doctor (JD) in six years of full-time study. Students matriculate at University of Buffalo Law School or Syracuse University School of Law for the JD portion of the program. Fisher also offers an 18-credit hour Minor in Legal Studies.

Villanova University

Villanova University offers an ABA-approved Paralegal Professional Certificate program that can be pursued full- or part-time; the part-time online evening program is ideal for working students and can be completed in nine months while the full-time day program can be completed in just four months in a condensed format. Both programs include courses in legal principles, legal research, ethics, and types of law such as criminal, contract, real estate, and family. To be eligible for admission, students must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. A grade of “C” or higher must be earned in each class in order to obtain the certificate.

Select Schools With Online and Hybrid Paralegal Programs

Boston University

Boston University’s (BU) online non-credit Certificate in Paralegal Studies provides a flexible and comprehensive program of study to develop the skills needed to excel as a paralegal. The program emphasizes the competencies expected by today’s paralegal employers, including the use of specialized law technologies and research databases as well as advanced legal writing. Each of the program’s concentrated, two-week modules include in-depth, real-world case studies and practical learning exercises to help give students a competitive edge in this growing profession. Throughout the program, students also have access to the Westlaw Next database to gain direct experience using one of the legal world’s most critical research tools. The program, taught by expert attorneys and leading faculty members at BU, offers students a skills-based curriculum that can be completed in 14 weeks. Modules will be completed in Legal Research, Legal Writing and Reasoning; Legal Technologies; Real Estate Law; Business Law; Litigation; and Probate and Family Law.

Louisiana State University

The Louisiana State University (LSU) non-credit, ABA-approved Paralegal Studies Certificate program can be completed in as little as one year with full-time study, or up to two and a half years with part-time study. The program is designed for working adults, with the majority of courses held in the evenings, but no weekend classes. Eight courses, a 150-hour internship, and an online legal ethics seminar are required. Prospective students must have at least 45 college credit hours and a minimum GPA of 2.3. At least 18 of the 45 semester hours must be in general education. Up to 10 credit hours can be transferred from another ABA-approved legal studies program. Cohorts begin in the spring and fall semesters.

University of Arizona

The University of Arizona (Arizona) offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Law with an add-on Legal Paraprofessional (LP) Certificate. This track effectively prepares graduates to work as paralegals and, in the state of Arizona, licensed Legal Paraprofessionals. Graduates have also found work in closely related careers such as legal advocates, tribal affairs specialists, and contract administrators. Program coursework includes Constitutional Law: Federalism; Procedure; Immigration Law and Policy; and Family Law. The coursework has been carefully developed by practicing lawyers, who also teach the courses. Learning is centered around compliance and regulatory affairs, composing legal and policy documents, and understanding legal doctrine and procedures. Graduates interested in further study can complete Arizona’s Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in just one semester.

University of Cincinnati

Highly regarded as a leader in paralegal education, the University of Cincinnati (UC) offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Law & Paralegal Studies. The BS program is ABA-approved and offered completely online only. It is designed to prepare students for work as legal aid advocates, clerks of court, or administrative assistants in courts. Part-time and full-time schedules are available to meet a variety of student needs. Students take courses such as Estate Planning & Probate; Investigative Techniques and Evidence; Criminal Procedure; and Corporate Law & Business. An internship is also offered for students to gain real-world experience in a business environment prior to graduation. In addition to the BS degree, UC also offers a Minor in Paralegal Studies and an undergraduate Paralegal Certificate.

University of San Diego

The University of San Diego (USD) offers a 24-credit, ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate program with flexible delivery options, with classes during the day or evening. The full-time Intensive Day Program can be completed in as little as one term, while the part-time Evening Program can be completed in under one year. The curriculum helps students develop foundational knowledge of the legal system as well as skills in legal research, civil and business litigation, and intellectual property law. The Evening Program is designed for students who work full-time and are looking to advance in their careers. The Day Program is ideal for students who are eager to enter the legal profession with a condensed format. Applicants to the Day Program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Applicants to the Evening Program must have an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, though a limited number of students are accepted who have some college credits and/or business or legal experience, with a current resume required.

Additional Resources

Advice for Getting Hired as a Paralegal: Leaders in the field share helpful advice and tips for recent graduates looking to become paralegals.
Directory of ABA-Approved Paralegal Education Programs: Look up any school or state to find approved programs in your area.
Legal Talk Network: The Paralegal Voice: A podcast that looks into the latest trends in the paralegal/legal assistant profession.
National Association for Legal Assistants (NALA): Provides continuing education and networking opportunities to advance the profession of paralegals and other legal professionals.
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA): An association focused on issues and policies affecting the paralegal profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to go to paralegal school to be a paralegal?

The only state that requires specific coursework to be a paralegal is California, where prospective paralegals need at least 24 college credit hours of law-related courses or equivalent education and experience. However, even where a paralegal certificate or degree is not required, employers tend to prefer applicants who have already gained foundational skills and knowledge from a reputable paralegal school.

What are ABA-approved paralegal programs?

Officially known as American Bar Association (ABA) Approved Paralegal Education Programs, these are degree programs that the ABA has found to provide high-quality paralegal education, training, and development in line with the ABA’s professional standards. Both on-campus and online paralegal schools are eligible to apply for ABA approval.

Are there online paralegal programs?

Many programs that prepare graduates to be legal assistants and paralegals are offered online or in hybrid formats. Online paralegal schools can be ideal for students who work during the day and for whom in-person commitments can be challenging.

How long is paralegal school?

Students attending paralegal school should expect to study for at least a year, depending on the degree level. Many paralegal certificate programs can be completed in a year with full-time study. Most paralegal associate degrees take two years to complete, while paralegal bachelor’s degrees typically take four years and paralegal master’s degrees take one to two years to finish.

Is paralegal schooling the same as legal assistant schooling?

The titles “paralegal” and “legal assistant” are sometimes used interchangeably, especially in smaller law offices. However, in larger law offices and agencies, there are usually differences. Paralegals will perform more in-depth legal support tasks such as research, fact-checking, and drafting legal documents. Legal assistants will typically focus on the administrative side, with tasks such as filing and scheduling. Entry-level paralegals often start out as legal assistants or are assigned a mix of tasks between administrative and billable legal work.

Table Notes:

*The retention rate is the percentage of first-time, full-time students who continued to a second year of study at the same institution.
**The transfer-out rate is the percentage of first-time, full-time students who transferred their credits to another institution within 150% of the normal time to complete their degree.

References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. College Factual: https://www.collegefactual.com/
3. US News & World Report National University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
4. US News & World Report Regional University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities