Put your argumentative and analytical mind to work with an online Bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies.
If you have a knack for hunting down facts or a passion for getting to the bottom of puzzles, then Paralegal Studies is a great fit for you. Paralegals tend to get overshadowed by lawyers, but the truth is, in most cases, paralegals do all the legwork! Through research, writing, and investigation, paralegals are the bedrock of our judicial system.
What kind of online Paralegal Studies Degree should you get?
Not all degrees in Paralegal Studies are the same. For instance, when you start off you have a number of options: Do you want to complete an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree? Do you want to attend online or in person? Do you want to specialize in a type of law?
The schools on our list are all online Bachelor's in Paralegal Studies; we want to give you the best shot at an affordable, flexible education. Online learning is a perfect format for Paralegal Studies. Most paralegals are self-driven, independent, and computer-savvy.
If you already have a bachelor's degree, but are hoping to make a career switch to being a paralegal, then check out College Choice's list on the Best Online Paralegal Certificate Programs. Those interested in online learning should check out College Choice's Best Online Schools and Universities.
How much money do people make with a Paralegal Studies Degree?
A career in paralegal studies is a great financial choice. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, paralegals make an average of $49,560 annually. However, your salary really depends on where you choose to work. Here's a rundown of the top-earning sectors for paralegal work:
Federal government: $64,650
Finance and insurance: $59,570
Local government, excluding education and hospitals: $48,920
Legal services: $47,450
Ultimately, you'll need to decide what kind of law interests you the most—the money will be there regardless! Paralegal positions aren't going to be scarce when you get out of school. Employment rates for paralegals are predicted to increase by 15% in the next 10 years.
What can you do with a Paralegal Studies Degree?
As a paralegal, your work duties will vary widely. One day, you could be obtaining an affidavit from a judge; the next, you could be researching old cases; the next, you could be filing evidence to be used in a court case.
Overall, your main task is to support the team around you, whether that's government officials, lawyers, or a corporate office. As you'll see on our list, you'll be able to specialize in a wide range of law. Some examples include Environmental Law, Family Law, Debtor-Creditor Law. And that's just to name a few. Find your passion and go for it!What are the requirements for a Paralegal Studies Degree?
Most of the programs on our list have a relatively simple admissions process. Like any other bachelor's degree, you'll need to prepare a college application. This might include a statement of purpose or a list of extracurriculars. Make sure to emphasize your strengths, especially when it comes to analytical thinking and writing.
If your ultimate goal is becoming a lawyer, keep that in mind in your undergraduate work. You'll want to start mentally preparing for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). Everything you learn as a paralegal will be useful to carry into a career as a lawyer. All of our programs are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). With a Bachelors in Paralegal Studies you're well on your way to a bright future in law!
What are the best online Paralegal Studies Degree?
If you're ready to take the plunge into a career of winning big cases and uncovering evidence, then you're in the right spot. Here at College Choice, we've determined the best online Bachelors in Paralegal Studies. We started first with the reputation of each program in the nation and then looked into graduation rates, retention rates, affordability, and the early salaries of graduates.
Our final list offers the 10 Best Online Bachelors in Paralegal Studies in the nation. Our figures and information come from the university and colleges' websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.
Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
