Pursing a Degree in Paralegal Studies
Put your argumentative skills to the test. Dig into the laws and bylaws of our nation. Start with 10 of the most affordable online paralegal studies degrees.
Earning an online degree in paralegal studies is one of the best ways to start a career in law. But earning it in the most affordable way possible is even better! You can be sure that you're setting yourself up for the best possible outcome – a fantastic career and less educational debt. This degree will be a launching point for the rest of your career!
Featured Online College Paralegal Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
What kind of online paralegal studies degree should you get?
We've already boiled down the two most important features of this degree: affordability and accessibility. If you're setting out on the road to becoming a lawyer, you're looking at a number of years of education. That all adds up! So why not start off with an affordable degree to lay the foundation? The price tag on these programs range from around $12,000 to $24,000, which is a steal when you compare it to other programs.
Another huge distinction among these schools is that they are all delivered online. Distance learning is increasingly the direction of higher education. For good reason, too. You'll be able to keep your full-time or part-time job as you complete the program. This allows you get ahead instead of putting your life on hold while you earn your education.
If you're not quite sure paralegal studies is right for you, take a look at some other options with our list of the Most Affordable Online Graduate Colleges.
How much money do people make with an online paralegal studies degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, most people in this field earn anything between $46k to $66k per year. This figure, of course, varies depending on what type of job you're in. For example, paralegals in the state government tend to earn salaries on the lower end of the spectrum while paralegals working in the federal judicial arena are in the top earning percentages.
Another perk of this career is that jobs related to legal studies continue to be in high demand. In fact, employment rates are projected to increase by 15 percent by 2026. This means by the time you have your degree in hand, you'll be able to waltz into the job of your dreams.
What can you do with an online paralegal studies degree?
Earning an online degree in paralegal studies gets your foot in the door to the exciting field of law. The most common job you'll be qualified for is a paralegal. If this is your goal, find an attorney who practices a specific type of law that fits your passions. You'll become the go-to person for gathering legal documents, drafting arguments, initiating affidavits, and more.
Keep in mind that your career doesn't necessarily need to stop here. This degree will set you up perfectly to continue your education. Working as a paralegal for a few years is a fantastic way to bulk up your resume – and your skill set – in preparation for law school. See this time as a way to solidify your foundation in the American judicial system.
What are the requirements for an online paralegal studies degree?
Since all of these degrees are offered at the undergraduate level, you don't need to worry too much about having an extensive background in law. Just keep your grades up in high school and express your specific interest in legal studies when you apply. The rest should be a piece of cake!
Each program on this list follows a similar curriculum. In total, you'll complete around 120 credit-hours. Most programs are completely online, though some include a hybrid format of online and on-campus. Additionally, a few schools include a paralegal internship or capstone project as a final requirement of the program.
Featured Online Legal Studies Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
What are the most affordable online paralegal studies degrees?
Here at College Choice, the data team has developed a water-tight methodology to settle on these top programs. Obviously, the most important factor on this list is the net cost of each school. Other factors, however, include overall reputation, graduation rates, retention rates, and the early salaries of graduates.
The final list offers you the 10 most affordable online paralegal studies degrees. These facts and figures come from the university and colleges' websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.
Ranking
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