Top 10 ABA Approved Paralegal Degree Programs

Strangely enough, despite how important the job is (basically, no law office would be able to function without them), there’s very little standardization or regulation around the paralegal field. ABA approved paralegal programs provide a little bit of the accountability that the profession is lacking, by setting qualifying standards for paralegal education. Any school with paralegal programs can earn ABA approval, but it’s a rigorous and long process – only around one-fifth of paralegal programs ever complete it.

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So yes, every state has its own requirements for paralegal licensure – or none at all – but with ABA-approved paralegal programs, students who are serious about their career as a paralegal can feel certain that they are getting the best paralegal education. That’s an education that will provide a real job market reputation, be transferable to bachelor’s programs and law schools, and tell an employer that they can trust your paralegal skills because they’re backed by the single top authority in the legal profession.

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Methodology: Ranking the Best ABA Approved Paralegal Programs

To rank the best ABA-approved paralegal programs, Online Paralegal Programs focused on (obviously) paralegal associate’s degree programs that have been approved by the American Bar Association. From there, programs were ranked according to three key criteria, drawn from College Scorecard data:

Graduation Rate
Employment (within 2 years)
Alumni Salary (within 6 years)

These three criteria are among the most important for students seeking a paralegal certificate or associate’s degree because they indicate the rate of success for graduates. The primary goal of a paralegal program is successful employment, and the OPP Best ABA Paralegal Programs ranking is all about employment.

1. Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University’s Associate’s in Paralegal Studies program is taught by sitting judges and practicing lawyers to give students a thorough orientation in litigation, criminal law, substantive law, legal databases, and alternative dispute resolution. RWU’s ABA approved paralegal program’s graduates are prepared to work in legal environments, as well as corporate, non-profit, and government. The program’s goals include providing a foundation of ethics and professional responsibility in legal services. Students will develop analytical skills and develop critical thinking, as well as learn to communicate for legal research in writing, listening, and speaking. Students can expect to study courses including intro to law and legal studies, criminal law for paralegals, emerging technologies and the legal environment, legal research and writing, contract law, business law, litigation, and legal ethics.

Roger Williams University, in downtown Providence, RI, is ranked among the Best Values and top Regional Universities North in U.S. News and World Report. RWU became a college in 1956, but it began as night classes offered by Northeastern University at the Providence YMCA. The mission to provide opportunity to working adults remains at the heart of Roger Williams. RWU offers life experience and transfer credits, hyper-flexible programs to accommodate working students with demanding modern lives, and both campus and online curriculum in practical programs like the ABA approved paralegal programs online.

Program: Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies

2. Bay Path University

Bay Path University’s Certificate of Advanced Paralegal Studies is defined by small classes, intensive academic support with tutors and academic coaches, and a career coach for first-year students. Paralegal Studies at Bay Path include Intro to the American legal system, litigation, legal research, tort law, real estate law, and legal internship or legal specialty electives. Students will learn to understand the legal profession in our society, think and write competently about legal issues, and use technology for legal research – hallmarks of ABA-approved paralegal programs.

Bay Path is a private women’s college established in 1897 in Longmeadow, MA. It has a student population of almost 3300 on its historic New England campus. Bay Path has been ranked one of U.S. News’s top Regional Universities North, and even more impressively, one of the Most Innovative Schools – a highly competitive list. Bay Path University boasts that more than 96% of accepted, full-time qualifying traditional undergraduates get financial assistance and that its tuition is ranked among the lowest 25% of all private colleges in the area. That makes Bay Path one of the most affordable among schools with paralegal programs.

Program: Certificate of Advanced Paralegal Studies

3. Penn West University

Students can choose from multiple delivery methods at Penn West University, including:

blended options at the California and Edinboro campuses
traditional in-person classes at the Clarion campus
fully online program, accommodating diverse learning preferences and schedules

The program covers a wide range of legal topics, emphasizing the development of analytical, critical thinking, legal communication, and research skills, preparing students to work in multidisciplinary legal environments. Courses are taught by seasoned professionals with extensive backgrounds in law, providing students with valuable insights and practical knowledge.

PennWest’s Career Center offers resources such as career coaching, internship and job search strategies, resume and cover letter development, and interview preparation, assisting students in transitioning from education to employment.

Graduates of PennWest’s Legal Studies program are well-prepared for various roles within the legal field and related areas. Potential career paths include:

Paralegal or Legal Assistant: Supporting attorneys by conducting legal research, drafting documents, and managing case files. The demand for paralegals is projected to grow by 14%, indicating strong job prospects.
Court Support Personnel: Assisting in the operations of the court system, including roles such as court clerks or bailiffs.
Real Estate and Business Professionals: Applying legal knowledge in real estate transactions, contract management, or corporate compliance.
Law Enforcement and Government Roles: Positions in regulatory agencies, compliance departments, or other governmental organizations where legal expertise is valuable.

Program: Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

4. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago’s Institute for Paralegal Studies offers American Bar Association (ABA)-approved programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in the legal field.

Top Features of Loyola’s ABA-Approved Paralegal Programs:

ABA Approval: Loyola’s paralegal programs have been approved by the ABA for over two decades, indicating that the curriculum, faculty, resources, and student services meet high standards of quality.
Flexible Learning Options: The programs offer a combination of academic rigor and flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments while receiving the support they need to succeed.
Experienced Faculty: Courses are taught by practicing attorneys who are experts in their fields, including immigration, environmental law, employment law, civil litigation, real estate, and bankruptcy.
Diverse Program Offerings: Loyola provides various program options, including a Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies and customized certificates in Litigation Practice, Corporate Practice, and a Dual Litigation & Corporate Practice Certificate.
Strong Employment Outcomes: The majority of Loyola’s paralegal studies graduates (90%) gain employment in the field within six months of graduation, reflecting the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce.

Programs: Legal Studies

5. Eastern Kentucky University

Eastern Kentucky University’s Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies in a partially online format. One of the region’s only ABA-approved paralegal programs, all EKU courses are offered in the evening, with some of them online. As a part of the curriculum, students are required to complete a 280-hour paralegal internship with a law firm, government agency or corporation. The internships provide students with valuable practical experience to work as a paralegal. Faculty all hold Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degrees and part-time faculty are practicing attorneys, judges, and elected officials.

Eastern Kentucky University dates back to 1874, to the founding of a small college that was bought out by the state to form a teacher training school. With that long, deeply rooted history, EKU has been a part of Kentucky’s higher education fabric for nearly a century and a half. While it may still only be categorized as a regional university, EKU has earned a reputation in recent years as one of the best regional universities in the South, especially for its online programs. The ABA approved paralegal programs provide just a sampling of what makes EKU great.

Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies

6. Clayton State University

Clayton State University’s Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies has an emphasis on practical paralegal skills, terminology, research, and substantive law. Paralegal courses are offered in the evenings and online, with general education courses additionally offered during the day. Paralegal students at Clayton State University can study for a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor degree, with credits earned in each eligible to apply to the next step up. That makes Clayton State’s ABA approved paralegal program one of the best, and most flexible, in Georgia.

Part of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University opened in 1969 as Clayton Junior College, and became a four-year university in 1986. Regularly ranked as a top regional university and a best value by sources like U.S. News and World Report, Clayton State prides itself on small class sizes with personalized attention, outstanding faculty, and affordable career preparation. Programs like the AAS in paralegal studies are dedicated to meeting the needs of Georgia’s working adults and career-changing professionals.

Program: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies

7. University of San Diego

The University of San Diego (USD) School of Law offers an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved Paralegal Program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the legal field.

Top Features of USD’s Paralegal Program:

Flexible Scheduling Options: The program offers both day and evening classes to accommodate diverse student needs. The day program allows completion in one or two terms, while the evening program spans just under one year (three terms), providing flexibility for working professionals.
Affiliation with USD School of Law: Since the 2019-20 academic year, the Paralegal Program has been part of the USD School of Law, enhancing its prestige and providing students with access to additional legal resources and faculty expertise.
Comprehensive Curriculum: The program includes courses such as Introduction to Law, Legal Research and Writing, Civil Litigation, Contracts, and Intellectual Property, ensuring a well-rounded legal education.
Experienced Faculty: Courses are taught by practicing attorneys and experienced legal professionals, offering students practical insights and real-world perspectives.

Program: Paralegal

8. Faulkner University

Faulkner University’s Associate of Science in Legal Studies stands out among ABA approved paralegal programs due to its focus on Christian ethics. The curriculum requires a total of 74 credit hours, with 46 core curriculum hours, including 12 in Christian Literacy and 9 in Cultural Heritage Literacy. Coursework includes a paralegal portfolio, evidence for paralegals, tort law, and civil procedure, with electives like business organizations, family law, directed study, and legal studies internship. With class sizes averaging ten to 15 students, with a faculty-to-student ratio of one to 15, close collaboration is the name of the game.

Faulkner University is a private Christian university established in 1942. With extension campuses in Mobile (the home of the ASLS), Huntsville, and Birmingham, and its main campus in Montgomery, Faulkner U is dedicated to reaching out to all of Alabama’s people, providing career opportunity to a diverse student body. Tuition is well below average for private universities, and Faulkner offers generous financial aid to 96 percent of its students. All undergrad students complete 160 hours of volunteer service – perfect for building a paralegal career.

Program: Associate of Science (AS) in Legal Studies

9. DeAnza College

DeAnza College’s AA in Paralegal Studies prepares students for duties such as factual and legal research, drafting legal documents, assisting attorneys with pre-trial preparations, interviewing witnesses and clients, discovery and analysis, and administering case files. The ABA approved paralegal programs require 48 credit hours for the certificate, or 90 credit hours for the associate’s degree. DeAnza College is a top community college for a paralegal program with a thorough orientation to California law, or to transfer on to continue for a higher degree.

DeAnza College in Cupertino, CA, is a public community college founded in 1967. It was one of the first schools to provide paralegal studies approved by the State of California in 1970 and was the first community college paralegal program to receive approval from the American Bar Association in the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s a top college for transfer with ABA approved paralegal programs in the Silicon Valley area, for transfers to the University of California and California State University. The program has continued to provide quality educational courses for basic legal instruction and practical training that paralegal students need.

Program: Associate of Arts (AA) in Legal Studies

10. Georgetown University

Georgetown University offers an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved Paralegal Studies Program through its School of Continuing Studies. This program is designed to equip students with the essential legal knowledge and practical skills required for a successful career as a paralegal.

Top Features of Georgetown University’s ABA-Approved Paralegal Program:

Comprehensive Curriculum: The curriculum encompasses a wide range of legal topics, including Legal Research & Writing, Contract Law, Civil Procedure, Legal Ethics, and specialized areas such as Immigration Law and Intellectual Property. This broad coverage prepares students for diverse responsibilities within the legal profession.
Flexible Scheduling Options: Georgetown offers both full-time and part-time enrollment options to accommodate different student needs. The full-time program is designed for traditional students or professionals seeking an intensive study experience, while the part-time program caters to working individuals requiring a more adaptable schedule.
Experienced Faculty: Courses are taught by practicing attorneys and seasoned legal professionals, providing students with practical insights and real-world perspectives that bridge theoretical learning with actual legal practice.
Internship Opportunities: The program includes an internship component, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in legal settings, apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, and build professional networks within the legal community.

These features collectively ensure that graduates are well-prepared to excel in various legal environments, equipped with both the theoretical foundation and practical experience necessary for a successful paralegal career.

Program: Paralegal

Is a Paralegal Program from a University Better than a Community College?

Although universities usually have higher graduation rates, a paralegal program from a university is not always better than a program from a community college. Small, local schools with paralegal programs provide a lower-cost option for students who can’t afford the higher tuition at larger, four-year colleges and universities.

Two-year schools with paralegal programs often provide a high-quality education that provides students with all of the information and training they need to become skilled paralegals. However, due to the perceived superiority of larger universities, students who complete paralegal programs at community colleges may find that they are offered lower salaries than their peers who attend four-year colleges and universities.

What’s So Special About ABA Approved Paralegal Programs?

When trying to decide between ABA approved paralegal programs vs non-ABA approved programs, it’s important to consider the benefits of accreditation and weigh them against the possible downsides. For example, depending on your circumstances, you may have to attend a more expensive school or one that is further away from home if you choose an ABA-approved program.

However, there are many benefits of attending ABA approved paralegal programs vs non ABA approved programs. These include the potential for a higher salary of graduation, which is a pretty big benefit.

The ABA accreditation process is rigorous and takes at least three years. Schools must have qualified administrators and faculty and adhere to specific program requirements. The accreditation process ensures that the program meets the minimum standards for paralegal programs set for them by the American Bar Association.

Can I Find ABA Approved Paralegal Programs Online?

Unfortunately, you won’t find any ABA approved paralegal programs online—at least not fully online. This is because the American Bar Association does not accredit online programs. Even if you attend the online program offered by an accredited school that is essentially a clone of their regular non-distance program, it will not be considered accredited.

However, even though there are no ABA approved paralegal programs online, there are offline programs that offer some online courses that are ABA approved. This is the closest you can get to an online ABA approved paralegal program at this time.

Can I Use a Paralegal Degree in Any State?

You do not need a paralegal degree to become a paralegal, but in some states, you do need a license. In addition, you will find it much easier to land a good paralegal job if you do have a degree. It will give you a competitive advantage over applicants who do not have the degree. Here are a few examples of the requirements to become a paralegal in different states:

Paralegal Programs in California: Some states do have educational requirements for becoming a paralegal. For example, paralegal programs in California must be approved or accredited. To become a paralegal in California, you must have a bachelor’s degree, although it does not need to be in paralegal studies. You must also work under the supervision of a lawyer for one year and complete an approved paralegal certificate program.

Paralegal Programs in Georgia: There is no certification or licensing required to become a paralegal in Georgia. However, job applicants who have completed paralegal programs in Georgia have a huge advantage over those who haven’t.

Paralegal Programs in Texas: Although the state of Texas does not require paralegals to be licensed or hold a degree, the state does offer guidelines to attorneys who hire paralegals. Completion of accredited paralegal programs in Texas is not required, but it is recommended.

Related Rankings:

Top 10 Traditional Paralegal Degree Programs
Top 10 Brick and Mortar Paralegal Programs
Top Graduate Certificate Programs in Paralegal