Top 20 Best Colleges for Online Paralegal Degrees

Oxford Dictionary defines a paralegal as “a person trained in subsidiary legal matters but not fully qualified as a lawyer.” Essentially, a paralegal is delegated some of the legal work that a lawyer will ultimately complete, such as maintaining, drafting, and researching documents. 

In recent years, paralegals have been among the fastest-growing professions globally. If you’re interested in a career as a paralegal, now would be a great time to check out one of the top 20 colleges for online paralegal degrees. 

What Can I Do as a Paralegal?

Your career options as a paralegal will depend on the specific degree you pursue—whether it be an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral-level paralegal degree program. 

Paralegal degree holders often hold careers in the following positions:

• Administrative Agencies
• Arbitration
• Banks (Bank, Credit Union, Savings and Loan)
• Clerk of Court
• Colleges
• Compliance Officer
• Corporate Law Departments
• Court Administrator
• Deputy Court Clerk
• Documentation Specialist
• Freelance Paralegal Business
• Governmental Agencies And Departments
• Health Care Companies
• Insurance Companies
• IRS
• Law Enforcement Agencies
• Law Offices (Law Firm, Prosecutor, Public Defender)
• Legal Administrator (business)
• Legal Aid Societies
• Legal Assistant
• Legal Associate
• Legal Document Specialist
• Legal Support Staff
• Libraries
• Newspaper, Radio, TV
• Private Investigation Firms
• Real Estate Assistant
• Retail Stores
• Risk Management and Compliance
• State And Federal Government
• Title Abstractor
• Title Companies
• Title Examiner

Studying for a paralegal degree online allows working professionals and home-based individuals to accommodate their already-tight schedule. The degrees earned from online formats hold the same merit as an in-person format. Plus, there is no need to relocate with an online education (also known as distance learning). Other benefits include stress reduction and the freedom of mobility.

With the vast number of online paralegal degrees available, finding the right one for you can be challenging. So, we’ve made the job easier! We’ve searched, rated, ranked, and complied a list of the Top 20 Best Colleges for Online Paralegal Degrees offering online programs.

Methodology

This ranking/ review list covers colleges offering any level of online paralegal studies degree program, from associate to master’s level, that meets the criteria that we applied. The ranking is based on a combination of factors, including:

• The rarity of offering/ level of the program. (Marketable skills are increased for paralegal work by the level of program completed. Reason: there are fewer online paralegal programs at higher study levels)
• Presence of related or subsequent programs
• Graduation rate (undergraduates only)
• Retention rate (first-time, full-time undergraduates)
• Tuition costs

*Data is from NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) and represents the latest available information at the time of writing.

Top 20 Best Colleges for Online Paralegal Degrees

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Best Colleges for Online Paralegal Degrees

Here is our list of the top paralegal studies schools offering online degrees. Tuition rates mentioned are the latest available from NCES, typically an average undergraduate in-state cost per year, including fees but not other costs (except for graduate programs, in which case fees are excluded from the stated tuition amount.

#20 – DRURY UNIVERSITY

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

Website

• Retention Rate: 78%
• Graduation Rate: 60%
• Tuition: $31,215

Drury University is a private, liberal arts college based in Springfield, Missouri, affiliated with the United Church of Christ. It was established in 1873 by Congregationalist church missionaries. Drury University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 

The Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies degree program offered by Drury University is entirely online. The curriculum includes the General Education courses required for an associate’s degree and 21 credit hours specific to the paralegal. Some of the required courses include:

• Criminal Law for Paralegals
• Family Law
• Litigation

#19 SAINT MARY OF THE WOODS COLLEGE

SAINT MARY OF THE WOODS, INDIANA

Website

• Retention Rate: 69%
• Graduation Rate: 53%
• Tuition: $31,150

Saint Mary of The Woods College is a Roman Catholic private institution based in Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana. Established in 1840 as a women’s school, it has admitted men since 2015. It is a member of the College Consortium of Western Indiana. Saint Mary of The Woods College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 

As a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education, Saint Mary of The Woods College offers two paralegal degree programs. The 45 credit hour Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies and the 51 credit hour Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies are entirely online. Some of the required courses include:

• Interviewing and Investigation
• Contracts and Commercial Transactions
• Women and The Law

#18 HAMPTON UNIVERSITY

HAMPTON, VIRGINIA

Website

• Retention Rate: 72%
• Graduation Rate: 57%
• Tuition: $29,312

Hampton University is a private research university based in Hampton, Virginia. Established in 1868 as Hampton Agricultural and Industrial School, it is a historically black institution. Hampton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, and is classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity.”

Hampton University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies degree. The program runs for four years and requires 122 credits for completion. Some of the required courses include:

• Bankruptcy
• Introduction to Administrative Law
• Wills, Trusts, and Estates

#17 UNIVERSITY OF PROVIDENCE

GREAT FALLS, MONTANA

Website

• Graduation Rate: 61%
• Retention Rate: 38%
• Tuition: $26,662

The University of Providence is a private, Roman Catholic institution located in Great Falls, Montana. The university is included in the Ivy League of schools. It was founded in 1932 as Great Falls Junior College for Women but became coeducational in 1937. The University of Providence is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.

The online paralegal degree programs offered by the University of Providence includes a 117 credit hour Bachelor of Science in Legal and Paralegal Studies and a 61 credit hour Associate in Paralegal Studies. Both programs take four terms to complete. Some of the required courses include:

• Litigation and Trial Practice
• Legal Research and Writing
• United States History

#16 WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY

FULTON, MISSOURI

Website

• Retention Rate: 70%
• Graduation Rate: 52%
• Tuition: $25,930

William Woods University is a private university located in Fulton, Missouri. Founded in 1870 as the Female Orphan School, the university opened its enrollment to men in 1993. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is its covenant partner. William Woods University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

As a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education, William Woods Univerity offers a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies. Asynchronous, accelerated courses within the degree program enable students to complete their bachelor’s in less than four years. The program is entirely online and allows 42 credits for 14 major courses. Some of the required courses include:

• Electronic Legal Research
• Administrative & Federal Procedure
• Probate and Estate Planning

#15 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA

Website

• Retention Rate: 81%
• Graduation Rate: 54%
• Tuition: $21,587

Liberty University is a private, Evangelical institution based in Lynchburg, Virginia, established in 1971. It has one of the highest enrollments of private nonprofit institutions in the United States and is one of the largest Christian universities in the world. In addition, theIn addition, the university earned a designation as a Purple Heart University, based on support programs for students who are veterans or active military personnel and their families. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The School of Law at Liberty University offers two paralegal degree programs. The 60 credit hour Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies and the 120 credit hour Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies programs can both be completed entirely online. Some of the required courses include:

• Constitutional Government and Free Enterprise
• Criminal Practice and Procedures
• Legal Writing

#14 KEISER UNIVERSITY

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

Website

• Retention Rate: 60%
• Graduation Rate: 71%
• Tuition: $21,008

Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit institution based in Fort Lauderdale with 21 campuses across Florida. Founded in 1977, it is the largest not-for-profit university in the state. Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The online paralegal degree programs offered by Keiser University include the 60 credit hour Associate of Arts Paralegal Studies the 120 credit hour Bachelor of Arts Legal Studies. Both programs are both provided entirely online. Some of the required courses include:

• Civil Litigation
• Worker’s Compensation
• Legal Interviewing & Investigation

#13 MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE

CLINTON, MISSISSIPPI

Website

• Retention Rate: 80%
• Graduation Rate: 65%
• Tuition: $19,308

Mississippi College is a private, nonprofit institution based in Clinton, Mississippi. It is affiliated with the Mississippi Baptist Convention. Founded in 1826, it is the oldest college in the state. The university has the distinct honor of being the first coed college to award a degree to a female student. Mississippi College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The online Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies offered by Mississippi College requires 130 credit hours for completion. Some of the required courses include:

• Wills and estates
• Family law
• Law office management

*College chapel attendance is not mandatory for online learners; however, six credits of coursework focusing on the Bible are.

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#12 REGENT UNIVERSITY

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

Website

• Retention Rate: 77%
• Graduation Rate: 61%
• Tuition: $18,720

Regent University is a private, Christian university located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was founded in 1977 as the Christian Broadcasting Network University and offers more than 300 online degree programs. The school is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The paralegal degree programs offered by Regent University are entirely online. They include 120 credit hour Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies and a 30 credit hour Master of Arts in Law – Advanced Paralegal Studies. Some of the required courses include:

• Investigation in Litigation
• Law & Ethics
• Foundations of Paralegal Studies

#11 REMINGTON COLLEGE

DALLAS, TEXAS

Website

• Retention Rate: 100%
• Graduation Rate: 61%
• Tuition: $16,075

Remington College is a private, nonprofit institution headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida, with locations in Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Ohio, and Louisiana. The first location (in Lafayette, Louisiana) was founded in 1947. Remington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Remington College offers a 90 quarter credit hour Associate’s Paralegal degree. The program is delivered in a hybrid format, with some in-person attendance required. Some of the required courses include:

• Legal Liability and Ethics 
• Business and Contracts Law 
• Legal Writing

#10 NATIONAL AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA

Website

• Retention Rate: 45%
• Graduation Rate: 19%
• Tuition: $14,985

National American University is a private online university based in Rapid City, South Dakota. Founded in 1941 as the National School of Business, the university, today, offers exclusively online programs. National American University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The American Bar Association accredits the Paralegal Studies Bachelor of Science degree offered by National American University. The program requires 180.5 credit hours and is administered entirely online. Some of the required courses include:

• Professional Ethics & Law Office Procedure
• Medical Terminology for Health Professions
• Human Resource Law

#9 UNIVERSITY OF NORTHWESTERN OHIO

LIMA, OHIO

Website

• Retention Rate: 54%
• Graduation Rate: 62%
• Tuition: $11,550

The University of Northwestern Ohio is an entrepreneurial, private, nonprofit university based in Lima, Ohio. It was founded in 1920 as the Northwestern School of Commerce. The university is well-known for its automotive programs and ties to the automotive industry. The University of Northwestern Ohio is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 

The Associate of Applied Business in Legal Assisting degree offered by the University of Northwestern Ohio is entirely online. It requires the completion of 108 quarter credits. Some of the required courses include:

• Domestic Relations
• Probate Administration
• Juvenile Law

#8 EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

RICHMOND, KENTUCKY

Website

• Retention Rate: 79%
• Graduation Rate: 45%
• Tuition: $9,876

Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution based in Richmond, Kentucky, founded in 1906. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

As a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education, Eastern Kentucky University offers two paralegal degree programs. The 120 credit hours Bachelor’s in Paralegal Science degree program and the 64 credit hour Associate’s in Paralegal Studies degree are American Bar Association approved. All but ten credits of coursework in each program are completed online with a two-part on-campus residency requirement. Some of the required courses include:

• Litigation: Evidence to Discovery
• Legal Administration and Computer Applications 
• Criminal Law Practice and Procedure

#7 STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK – CANTON

CANTON, NEW YORK

Website

• Retention Rate: 70%
• Graduation Rate: 41%
• Tuition: $8,689

The State University of New York – Canton is a public institution based in Canton, New York. It was founded in 1906 as the School of Agriculture and became a member of the State University of New York system in 1948. It is the oldest postsecondary, two-year college in New York. SUNY Canton is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 

The online Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies degree program offered by the State University of New York – Canton is available entirely online. The program requires 123 credit hours. Some of the required courses include:

• Trial Courts and Rules of Evidence
• American Indian Law and Federal Policy
• Public Budgeting & Fiscal Management

#6 MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA

Website

• Retention Rate: 72%
• Graduation Rate: 44%
• Tuition: $8,382

McNeese State University is a public institution based in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Established in 1939 as the Lake Charles Junior College, the school is a Louisiana State University system member. The school’s terrorism, preparedness, and security concentration was one of the first in the nation. Mcneese State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

The Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies degree offered by McNeese State University is administered entirely online. The program requires 60 credits for completion. Some of the required courses include:

• American History
• Domestic Relations Law
• State and Local Government

#5 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA – FAIRBANKS

FAIRBANKS, ALASKA

Website

• Retention Rate: 78%
• Graduation Rate: 39%
• Tuition: $7,176

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a public university located in Fairbanks, Alaska. As the flagship campus, it serves the entire University of Alaska system. It began as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines in 1917 and became the University of Alaska in 1935. The University of Alaska Fairbanks is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and is classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity”.

The Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies degree offered by the University of Alaska Fairbanks is approved by the American Bar association. The program is available in a fully online format and requires 60 credit hours. Some of the required courses include:

• Criminal Law for Paralegals
• Practical Paralegal Skills
• Introduction to American Government and Politics

#4 SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY

CEDAR CITY, UTAH

Website

• Retention Rate: 72%
• Graduation Rate: 46%
• Tuition: $6,770

Southern Utah University is a public institution based in Cedar City, Utah. Founded in 1897 as the Branch Normal School, it attained university status in 1991. In addition, the school is home to the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Southern Utah University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. 

Southern Utah University offers an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies degree. The 64 credit hour program is administered entirely online. Some of the required courses include:

• Legal Interviewing, Investigation, Case Prep
• Administrative Law
• Law Office Management

#3 FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA

Website

• Retention Rate: 81%
• Graduation Rate: 53%
• Tuition: $6,118

Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution based in Fort Myers, Florida. Founded in 1991, it is the second youngest university in the State University System of Florida. Florida Gulf Coast University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies degree offered by the Florida Gulf Coast University is available entirely online. The program requires 120 credits for completion. Students can choose electives to specialize in certain types of litigation or other paralegal work. Some of the required courses include:

• Constitutional Criminal Procedure
• Globalization and The Rule of Law
• Alternative Dispute Resolution

#2 ALEXANDRIA TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ALEXANDRIA, MINNESOTA

• Retention Rate: 68%
• Graduation Rate: 61%
• Tuition: $5,649

Alexandria Technical and Community College is a public institution based in Alexandria, Minnesota. It was established in 196 and is part of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Alexand in Technical and Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The Associate in Applied Science Paralegal studies degree offered by Alexandria Technical and Community College is available in a fully online format. The program requires 63 credits and an internship for completion. Some of the required courses include:

• Estates, Probate, & Real Estate
• Evidence and Exhibit Preparation
• Debtor/Creditor & Intellectual Property

#1 MINNESOTA STATE COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

FERGUS FALLS, MINNESOTA

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• Retention Rate: 62%
• Graduation Rate: 42%
• Tuition: $5,560

The Minnesota State Community & Technical College is a public institution based in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Established in 2003, it is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Minnesota State Community & Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. 

Minnesota State Community and Technical College offers an Associate of Applied Science – Paralegal Studies degree requiring completion of 60 credits. The program is available in a fully online format. Some of the required courses include:

• Foundations of Accounting
• American National Government
• Advanced Paralegal Practices

What Is the Advantage of an Online Bachelors Degree in Paralegal Studies?

A Bachelor’s Degree in paralegal studies can boost your career prospects. Online paralegal bachelor’s degrees build upon the foundations of an associate’s degree to achieve a more sophisticated understanding of the law. This gives students a competitive edge in certain areas of law. As a result, paralegals specializing in a particular area of law are sought after by law firms. In addition, paralegals with experience are highly valued by law firms, and many bachelor’s degree programs give students internship opportunities that allow them to gain experience in the field. 

Of course, the primary advantages of an online paralegal program are convenience and flexibility. Students can pursue an education in this highly sought-after field while still meeting their current career and family obligations. 

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