A bachelor's in paralegal studies provides practical training in legal research, documentation standards, evidence-gathering, and data management. Programs typically consist of about 120 semester-hour credits, which translates to around four years of full-time learning.
Students sometimes confuse paralegal studies with legal studies. The two fields overlap, but they also differ in important ways. Legal studies is a broad, interdisciplinary field with a general focus on laws, legal institutions, and their practical uses. Paralegal studies programs specifically train people to enter the paralegal profession as researchers and assistants to law firms and lawyers.
According to the American Bar Association (ABA), more than 1,000 U.S. schools host paralegal training and education programs. However, not all of them hold ABA approval. It's wise to check a school's standing using the ABA's directory of approved programs before enrolling.
With that in mind, read on to explore a ranked list of the best online bachelor's in paralegal studies programs of 2024.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Paralegal Studies Programs
Methodology Overview
Best College Reviews ranks schools based on over a dozen factors, including academic quality, affordability, and earning potential after graduation. To accurately and objectively evaluate each school's value, we consider factors such as student retention rate, average net price, and median student debt.
Read our detailed methodology to learn more about how we rank schools.
Delivery Formats for Online Paralegal Studies Degrees
Online bachelor's degrees in paralegal studies use two delivery models: 100% online and hybrid. The 100% online model requires no physical campus attendance or any other in-person requirements. The hybrid model blends online learning with in-person requirements.
Hybrid programs combine online and in-person elements in various ways. Some require students to take certain courses on campus. Others offer most or all classes in both traditional and online formats and leave it to you to decide how to engage with your learning.
Another variation on the hybrid model involves blended, mostly, or fully online classes with in-person practical training. These programs may involve internships, work-study opportunities, or other fieldwork components that you cannot complete remotely. Student placement settings often include law firms or public legal institutions.
Fully online programs offer several distinct advantages:
You aren't limited to schools in your immediate geographic area.
You'll save money on relocation, commuting, and parking costs.
Learners often find it easier to balance school and outside commitments like work by studying online.
Hybrid learning also offers unique benefits:
You can interact with peers and faculty more readily.
You'll enjoy both the social elements of the traditional campus experience and the convenience benefits of online learning.
It's easier to network with cohorts, instructors, and potential employers.
Also, consider the difference between synchronous and asynchronous online learning. Synchronous classes take place live at scheduled times. Asynchronous classes use pre-recorded learning materials, allowing you to engage with coursework wherever and whenever you like.
As with fully online and hybrid formats, both synchronous and asynchronous learning models offer distinct benefits. You can directly engage with your classmates and instructors in synchronous classes, which is great if you have questions about the material. Asynchronous learning offers more scheduling flexibility, which many learners find more convenient.
In selecting a format, you'll have to assess the relative merits of each option through the lens of your preferences and needs.
Accreditation for Online Paralegal Studies Degrees
The best online bachelor's in paralegal studies programs all share one critical feature: accreditation. By attending an accredited school or program, you can be sure that employers and educational institutions will recognize your degree.
Accreditation also ensures your course credits will qualify for transfer to other accredited institutions. This is important if you decide to change schools or if you want advanced standing while pursuing an additional, related degree after graduation.
Institutional accreditation covers an entire school. You should only pursue a bachelor's program in paralegal studies with institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Some programs hold a specialized, optional form of accreditation known as programmatic accreditation. This signals that the curriculum aligns with the accrediting agency's standards and/or that the program offers elevated academic quality. The ABA and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) are the main programmatic accreditors of paralegal studies degree programs.
In addition to accreditation, check the school's state authorization standing. State authorization essentially allows an institution to teach out-of-state students remotely. If you're planning to study online at a school based in a different state, you'll need to confirm the school's authorization to teach people in your state. Do this before you apply.
How Much Will an Online Paralegal Studies Bachelor's Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students paid an average of $4,365 per year to attend an undergraduate law or legal studies program at an institution offering fully online instruction in 2020.
Additional NCES data sheds more light on the full range of potential tuition costs. In the 2021–2022 school year, U.S. students paid the following average costs at various institution types:
Public four-year college, in state: $9,596
Public four-year college, out of state: $27,457
Private four-year college: $34,041
Your online bachelor's in paralegal studies program costs could fall anywhere within these ranges or even outside of them. Factors influencing the costs of specific programs include:
Delivery Format: Some schools offer lower tuition rates to learners who study exclusively online. Similarly, some public colleges charge all online students the same flat rates regardless of in-state or out-of-state status.
Military Service: Accredited colleges frequently offer tuition discounts to veterans and active servicemembers or reservists.
School Prestige: Top, well-known schools (such as the Ivies) compete financially to recruit elite academics as faculty members. This typically results in higher tuition costs for students.
As you perform cost projections, factor in costs unique to online students. These may include:
Technology fees charged by institutions for access to online courses
Computer equipment
Software licenses or subscriptions
Data usage
If you need help paying for your bachelor's in paralegal studies degree, look at non-repayable forms of aid first. These include scholarships, fellowships, and education grants. Some schools also offer work-study programs for students who need aid.
Use repayable forms of aid, like federal and private loans, as a last resort. They create long-term debt, which you'll want to limit.
Why Get Your Bachelor's in Paralegal Studies Online?
By enrolling in an online paralegal studies program, you can save on costs while benefiting from a flexible learning environment. Many students find that online learning makes it easier to balance school and work. This helps make education more affordable by protecting your ability to earn money while you study.
Furthermore, paralegal studies programs involve complex concepts and technical content. E-learning environments can be a benefit when learning complicated topics: Learners can watch and rewatch lectures and tutorials as many times as necessary.
At the same time, online learning demands more independence and self-discipline from students. You'll have to consider both its benefits and drawbacks to determine if it matches your learning style.
Questions About Paralegal Studies Programs
What is the best degree for a paralegal?
A bachelor's in paralegal studies can lead to both broader, deeper knowledge and higher pay. While it is possible to become a paralegal with an associate degree, professionals may find that a bachelor's degree leads to better job opportunities.
How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies online?
An online bachelor's in paralegal studies typically covers 120 credits, which represents about four years of full-time schooling. If you already have an associate degree or at least 60 transferable credits, you can enroll in a degree completion program. These programs usually lead to graduation in 1-2 years, depending on your educational background.
How much does an online degree in paralegal studies cost?
In a 2020 longitudinal study, NCES found that students paid an average of $4,365 per year to attend an undergraduate law or legal studies program available entirely online. However, your actual program costs could be higher or lower. Tuition depends on factors like the school's prestige, whether you attend a public or private college, and where you live.
What's the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant?
Paralegals focus more on legal duties, while legal assistants carry out administrative duties. For instance, paralegals directly aid lawyers in their legal research, case preparation, and evidence-gathering. Legal assistants mainly cover clerical tasks, document management, scheduling, and other assistive duties.
