Our Methodology
Forbes Advisor Best Online Paralegal Degree Options
| College | Average Undergraduate Tuition and Fees Per Year (in-state) | Student Retention Rate | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $6,368 | 92% | 77% | |
| $29,018 | 70% | 52% | |
| $20,686 | 66% | 59% | |
| $13,570 | 86% | 74% | |
| $7,513 | 63% | 42% | |
| $11,700 | 69% | 54% | |
| $12,520 | 42% | 46% | |
| $10,130 | 80% | 49% | |
| $11,388 | 70% | 49% | |
| $8,886 | 51% | 25% |
Why University of Central Florida Ranks as No. 1
The University of Central Florida received the top spot in our ranking overall, but it also ranked first in several critical individual metrics.
The school’s 92% student retention rate and 77% graduation rate were both the highest among all schools ranked. The $6,368 average tuition was also the lowest on our list, and the 40% acceptance rate was the most selective of any school on this page.
University of Central Florida
Best Graduation and Retention Rate
University of Central Florida
Program Tuition Rate
$179/credit (in-state)
Student Retention Rate
92%
Graduation Rate
77%
$179/credit (in-state)
92%
77%
At the University of Central Florida (UCF), students can earn an online bachelor’s in legal studies from anywhere in the country. Along with the choice of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a foreign language component or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), legal studies students can pick among fall, spring and summer start dates.
Of all the programs from the schools we ranked, UCF’s legal studies program has the lowest tuition rate. In fact, UCF’s online students pay a lower tuition rate than those taking programs at the school’s Orange County campus.
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Public
- Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Application Fee: $30
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Legal writing, legal research
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No, but an internship is optional
University of Providence
Best for Classroom Interaction
University of Providence
Program Tuition Rate
$1,006/credit
Student Retention Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
52%
$1,006/credit
70%
52%
The University of Providence (UP) offers a B.S. in legal and paralegal studies, approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The Montana-based Catholic school boasts a 7-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, the lowest among all the schools we ranked.
The paralegal studies program combines legal theory and practical training, including an internship requirement that learners can complete out of state, if approved. While the majority of classes run asynchronously online, paralegal students must complete at least 10 credits in a traditional classroom (transfer credits may qualify).
Despite having the highest average tuition on our list, UP students have the third-lowest median federal student loan debt. This low debt is possibly because institutional aid at UP covers more than 67% of tuition on average, the second-highest in our ranking.
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9 to 5
- School Type: Private
- Institutional Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Application Fee: Free
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Commercial law, litigation and trial practice
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: Yes, for campus classes and field experience
Regent University
Most Flexible Online Option
Regent University
Program Tuition Rate
$395/credit
Student Retention Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
59%
$395/credit
66%
59%
At Regent University, 92% of undergraduate students take online courses. While many programs run both online and at the Virginia Beach campus, the B.S. in paralegal studies only runs online. The flexible program offers online students eight annual start dates to choose from and eight-week asynchronous courses.
Paralegal students may find it advantageous to enroll in Regent University’s ABA-approved law school. The Christian University stands out in our ranking for being the second-most selective school with the third-highest bachelor’s graduation rate (59%).
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Private
- Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Application Fee: N/A
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Investigation in litigation, law office environment
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Best for Student Support
University of Cincinnati
Program Tuition Rate
$600/credit (in-state)
Student Retention Rate
86%
Graduation Rate
74%
$600/credit (in-state)
86%
74%
Students in the ABA-approved B.S. in law and paralegal studies from the University of Cincinnati (UC) enjoy the choice of three annual start dates and part-time and full-time schedule options. The program requires no visits to the Cincinnati campus, and classes run asynchronously, though at least nine credits must come via synchronous instruction.
UC is one of the most accessible schools on our list, admitting 88% of applicants. Still, the school manages a 74% graduation rate and an 86% retention rate, both the second-highest among all schools ranked.
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9 to 5
- School Type: Public
- Institutional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Application Fee: $50
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Children and the law, law office technology
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Northeastern State University
Most Accessible Program
Northeastern State University
Program Tuition Rate
$235/credit (in-state)
Student Retention Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
42%
$235/credit (in-state)
63%
42%
The online B.S. in legal studies from Northeastern State University (NSU) offers students flexibility. Courses in this program run asynchronously and without travel or campus requirements, accommodating learners from all over. The program may not have concentration options, but it does offer focused electives in litigation, general practice, and law and commerce.
In terms of accessibility, NSU received some of the highest scores in our ranking. The Oklahoma-based school’s 99% acceptance was the highest on our list. It also had the highest percentage of Pell grant recipients, the second-lowest average tuition rate, the lowest median federal student loan debt and the lowest student loan default rate.
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Public
- Institutional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Application Fee: $25
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Legal analysis, evidence
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
Lander University
Best for Financial Aid
Lander University
Program Tuition Rate
$390/credit (in-state)
Student Retention Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
54%
$390/credit (in-state)
69%
54%
At Lander University, students in the paralegal studies bachelor’s program enjoy asynchronous classes in traditional 16-week or accelerated eight-week sessions. The South Carolina school offers fall, spring and summer start dates and requires no campus visits.
Among all schools ranked, Lander University is tied for the highest percentage of students receiving aid at 65%. The school also boasts one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios and highest graduation rates on our list, highlighting the value of personalized support.
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Public
- Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Application Fee: Free
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Business law, state and local government
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
University of Massachusetts Global
Best for Collaborative Learning
University of Massachusetts Global
Program Tuition Rate
$500/credit
Student Retention Rate
42%
Graduation Rate
46%
$500/credit
42%
46%
The University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) has been at the forefront of online learning for nearly 20 years. Every program at the school offers online courses, including the B.A. in legal studies, which offers eight-week, instructor-led online sessions and a choice of six start dates. The program also offers a paralegal profession concentration, which can prepare graduates for various paralegal certification exams.
UMass Global scored the highest marks in our ranking for median earnings 10 years after graduation. It also has one of the lowest student loan default rates on the list, possibly a testament to the strong graduate earnings.
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9 to 5
- School Type: Private
- Institutional Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Application Fee: Free
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Law practice management, contemporary legal issues
- Concentrations Available: Paralegal profession, business law
- In-Person Requirements: No
Eastern Kentucky University
Best for Experiential Learning Opportunities
Eastern Kentucky University
Program Tuition Rate
$443/credit
Student Retention Rate
80%
Graduation Rate
49%
$443/credit
80%
49%
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers an ABA-approved online B.A. in paralegal science with free textbooks and a standard tuition rate for all online students, regardless of where they live. The program features six annual start dates and eight-week sessions. Most classes run asynchronously, but a minimum of nine credits must feature synchronous instruction.
The Richmond-based school performed well in our ranking. Its 80% undergraduate retention rate is the third-highest on the list, while its 94% acceptance rate is the second-highest and the 15-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio is the second-lowest.
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9 to 5
- School Type: Public
- Institutional Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Application Fee: Free
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Real estate practice, legal administration and computer applications
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: Yes, for internship
Pennsylvania Western University
Best for Working Students
Pennsylvania Western University
Program Tuition Rate
$333/credit (in-state)
Student Retention Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
49%
$333/credit (in-state)
70%
49%
Students in the online B.A. in legal studies at Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) enjoy an ABA-approved curriculum delivered in a flexible asynchronous format. Courses start multiple times each year and require no campus visits.
PennWest scored well in regards to accessibility, including the second-highest acceptance rate on our list at 94% and tied for the highest percentage of students receiving financial aid at 65%. The Pennsylvania-based school also had one of highest retention rates and one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios.
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Public
- Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Application Fee: $35
- Degree Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: Environmental law, legal studies experience
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: Yes, for internship
Bellevue University
Best for Institutional Support
Bellevue University
Program Tuition Rate
$459/credit
Student Retention Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
25%
$459/credit
51%
25%
At Bellevue University, the online B.S. in legal studies gives students the chance to complete their degree from home and the choice of multiple start dates. Online classes from the Nebraska-based school run asynchronously or through a connected virtual classroom. Learners with an associate degree can join an accelerated cohort.
Bellevue University performed well in most finance-related metrics, including ranking in the top three for lowest tuition, lowest loan default rate and highest median earnings 10 years after graduation. While the school also had the lowest percentage of Pell grant recipients on our list, nearly 75% of the school’s tuition is covered by institutional aid, the highest percentage among all ranked schools.
- Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
- School Type: Private
- Institutional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Application Fee: $50
- Degree Credit Requirements: 127 credits
- Example Major-Specific Courses: The rule and role of law in matters of life and death, legal applications for contemporary American business and social organizations
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
What To Expect From an Online Paralegal Degree
While most online paralegal programs aim to prepare students for the paralegal profession, they can take different approaches. The majority feature about 120 credits and take four years to complete, but schools may give the programs different titles and award different degree types.
Paralegal programs usually award B.A. or B.S. degrees, which can change the program’s elective or foreign language requirements. The program title—such as legal studies or paralegal studies—can also affect the focus of the program.
For example, legal studies programs may explore the American legal system, legal theory and professional ethics more broadly. Paralegal studies programs tend to focus more on the specific role and responsibilities of paralegals, such as legal research, communication and policy analysis. These specialized programs may also better prepare graduates for paralegal certifications.
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for online paralegal degrees don’t typically differ from standard bachelor’s programs. While every school sets its own admission criteria, many applications include the following components:
- High school diploma and official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume
- SAT or ACT scores (may be optional)
- Minimum GPA (not always a requirement)
Common Courses
Your school, program focus, degree type and other factors may affect your program’s curriculum. Yet, many paralegal programs take a similar approach to the discipline, teaching the legal system, writing and research, as well as specialty law topics.
Some of the courses you might encounter in your paralegal program include:
- Law and the legal system
- Legal analysis
- Commercial law
- Property law
- Family law
- Civil litigation
Concentrations
The availability and selection of concentrations in paralegal programs can vary, but specializations are typically rare at the bachelor’s level. Most commonly, paralegal studies is a concentration within a legal studies program. However, some paralegal programs do offer specialization options, such as:
- Business law
- Child and family law
- Litigation
- General practice
What Can You Do With an Online Paralegal Degree?
Paralegal degrees can lead graduates directly into the profession, but they can also prepare students for paralegal certifications, such as those from the NALA The Paralegal Association. Paralegal certifications can improve your employment prospects and outcomes.
Those aren’t the only avenues available to graduates, either. These programs equip you with research, writing and critical thinking skills, along with an in-depth understanding of legal compliance, ethics, and law and regulations.
Paralegal education can open the door to various legal careers, such as legal support worker, arbitrator, mediator and conciliatory positions. Graduates can also explore careers in compliance and insurance or even use paralegal degrees as a stepping stone for a graduate or law degree.
Salary Outlook for Online Paralegal Degree Grads
Potential salaries for paralegal degree graduates depend on their role, employer, location and other factors. The following table showcases the median annual salaries for some of the most common roles available to paralegal graduates.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Compliance Officers | $78,420 |
| Claims adjusters, examiners and investigators | $76,790 |
| Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators | $67,710 |
| Paralegals | $61,010 |
| Legal support workers | $60,930 |
Should You Enroll in an Online Paralegal Program?
ABA approval may help your online paralegal degree stand out, but it comes with synchronous instruction requirements that may create a scheduling conflict for some online students.
The convenience of an online paralegal program can make your degree more accessible, but you should think about your schedule, learning style and financial needs before making a decision.
What’s your schedule? Online programs generally offer more schedule flexibility than on-campus programs. Asynchronous classes feature project deadlines but no set class times, which is ideal if you have an irregular schedule. Synchronous classes feature scheduled classes, but they often run during the evenings and weekends.
If you need to fit your studies around a full-time job or other commitments, online classes may be the solution. While online programs require just as much study time as on-campus programs, the limited or no travel requirements can save you time in the end.
What’s your learning style? Asynchronous classes offer freedom, but learners need time management skills and self-discipline to be successful. Classroom communication typically runs through discussion boards and emails. Synchronous classes provide more structure and interactive elements. They often feature live, remote lectures and virtual classrooms that simulate the traditional experience.
However, some learners prefer a physical classroom. Being in-person with the instructor and other students provides a level of engagement and support that online classes can’t quite replicate.
What’s your budget? Distance learning can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional programs. Online programs reduce travel and transportation costs for commuters and relocation costs for distance students. Some schools even offer lower tuition rates for online students, particularly out-of-state students who might otherwise pay higher out-of-state rates.
Accreditation for Online Paralegal Degrees
Institutional accreditation should be a mandatory component for every school you consider attending. The accreditation process involves a thorough review of the school’s governance, faculty and student outcomes. It also makes the institution eligible to provide federal financial aid and widely accepted transfer credits and credentials. All the colleges on our list are accredited paralegal schools in the sense that they hold institutional accreditation.
Programmatic accreditation, the other form of accreditation in the U.S. higher education system, is field-specific and applies to individual programs or departments. There is no programmatic accreditor for paralegal studies programs, but the ABA does offer program approval. ABA-approved paralegal programs have undergone an evaluation and review process and met the association’s high standards.
While ABA approval offers quality assurances for online paralegal programs, it also requires the program to synchronously deliver a minimum of nine credits, which could present a challenge for students who need maximum flexibility.
You can find a list of accredited schools in the ABA’s paralegal education directory.
How To Find the Right Online Paralegal Degree for You
If you plan on pursuing a paralegal certification after graduation, ensure your program meets the eligibility requirements.
Your paralegal bachelor’s degree and program should be as closely tailored to your personal situation and needs as possible. To help you make your decision, think about where you want the degree to lead and how it will affect you financially.
Consider Your Future Goals
As you compare your program options, keep an eye on your longer-term goals. If you plan to enter a specific paralegal field, you might prioritize a program with courses, a relevant concentration, focused internship opportunities or a faculty that specializes in your chosen field.
If you have a paralegal certification in mind, you might pursue an ABA-approved program or one that meets the credit requirements necessary for the credential. If you have graduate studies or a law degree in your sights, you may consider a school that offers these programs or even helps you with the transition.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Higher education costs are one of the biggest challenges for students. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition and fees were $14,688 for the 2022-23 academic year.
For the programs in our ranking, tuition prices range from $179 to $1,006 per credit or $5,370 to $30,180 for a 30-credit year. While the majority of programs come in below the NCES average tuition, these prices may not include fees.
Online students often pay fewer campus-related facilities fees, but they may need to pay online learning and technology fees. There might also be program fees and textbook costs you need to consider.
Before you make a decision based on price, however, you should look into your financial aid options to see if you qualify for support. You may have access to scholarships or grants from your school, which would directly reduce your costs. You can also apply for financial awards through local and national third-party organizations.
Completing the FAFSA is a good starting point because many schools and scholarship programs require it. Your application could also qualify you for federal loans and grants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Paralegal Degrees
How long does it take to earn an online paralegal degree?
An online paralegal degree typically takes about four years to complete for full-time students, but accelerated and part-time options may be available.
How much can you make with a paralegal degree?
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for paralegals was $61,010, as of May 2024. However, wages depend on your credentials, experience, location and other factors. For example, paralegals in the federal government earned a median annual wage of $77,940 in May 2024, while the top 10% of earners made $98,990.
What is the fastest way to become a paralegal?
While paralegals may need a bachelor’s degree, some employers hire professionals with an associate degree or even a high school diploma and experience. If you can access the field through one of these paths, you could cut your study times in half.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
