Law is a field that never runs dry (lawyers wouldn’t let it), but it can seem difficult to break into the field. A career as a paralegal is the first step for many people who want to get into the lucrative world of law, and while some paralegals will eventually earn their Juris Doctorate and practice law themselves, many others find a well-paid, comfortable career in paralegal.
However, working adults who wish to pursue additional education may find that the cost of enrolling in a certificate or degree program and the commitment of working a full-time job can make pursuing education credentials seem more difficult. Fortunately, thanks to the internet age, many paralegal programs offer affordable credentialing that can be obtained in a relatively short amount of time with the flexibility of offering courses online. Therefore, people who work full-time jobs or have other time constraints are able to pursue a legal career in a way that may be a better fit for their budget and scheduling needs.
Related:
- Top 10 ABA-Approved Paralegal Programs
- Best Value Online Paralegal Certificate Programs
- Top TechTools Every Paralegal Should Know
- Common Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Paralegals and How to Handle Them
How We Ranked the 15 Most Affordable Online Paralegal Programs
There is an enormous number of paralegal programs in the US, and an incredible number of them are available fully online. But to rank the Most Affordable Online Paralegal Programs, OPP focused on accredited, reputable programs that can demonstrate real results. Many are also ABA approved for additional reputability.
For a Most Affordable ranking, however, one thing is more important than any other – cost. Programs are ranked from lowest tuition rate to highest. In-state tuition is listed. Additional fees and costs may apply.
1. College of the Canyons
College of the Canyons offers an Associate in Arts in Paralegal Studies, designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills required for a career in the legal field. The program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), ensuring that graduates meet the professional standards recognized nationwide.
Students gain practical experience in legal research, document preparation, and understanding courtroom procedures.With courses covering topics such as legal ethics, family law, criminal law, and litigation, the program prepares students for diverse paralegal roles.
The college offers affordable tuition at just $46 per unit for California residents, making it one of the most cost-effective ABA-approved programs. Flexible class schedules, including evening and weekend courses, accommodate working students or those with other responsibilities.
Graduates are well-prepared to work in various legal settings, including law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments. The program also provides a pathway for students interested in pursuing further education in law or related fields.
Degree: AA Paralegal Studies
Tuition: $2,760/ year
2. Central Texas College
Central Texas College (CTC) is a public, open-admission community college located in Killeen, Texas offering an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal. As an accredited college, CTC provides one of the most affordable paralegal programs with the added security of trustworthiness. They have both a traditional campus environment and long distance learning with online classes. CTC caters to real-world students that may have full-time employment or be active in the military. They also have evening, weekend, and online classes for students unable to attend traditional daytime classes.
While CTC is one of the most affordable schools, they work with the student to provides resources to help pay for the Paralegal Associates Degree. CTC prepares students to enter employment after receiving their degree by providing classes specific to the field of study. CTC assists students in finding employment upon graduation. For those who would like to continue their study, CTC helps those students transition to a four-year college.
Degree: AAS in Paralegal
Cost: $3,150/ year
3. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Florida State College at Jacksonville is located in Jacksonville, which is in North Florida. FSCJ was ranked at 14th for the Best US Community College by College Choice. FSCJ has been offering an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies since 1997. While FSCJ has one of the best and most affordable Paralegal Associate Degree, it has the first promise program which pays for tuition, fees, and books for eligible students.
FSCJ prepares students for employment after receiving an AS in Paralegal Services. The degree gives students a strong background in practical skills, such as research, and knowledge in the law. Prior to graduation, students engage in an internship in a law-related office. The program provides alternatives for those who need them. While FSCJ offers online courses, not all can be completed online. ABA requires a minimum number of credits through classroom instruction. Transfer of credits from other school are subject to ABA approval.
Degree: Associate of Science (AS) in Paralegal Studies
Cost: $3,356/ year
some courses may not be online – courses from an ABA-approved program can be transferred
4. Athens Technical College
Athens Technical College is located in Athens, Georgia and has been part of the community since 1958. Athens Tech offers an affordable Paralegal Associate Degree for residents of Georgia. Over the decades, the College has shifted its focus and its name from a trade school to the innovative Technical College it is today. Athens Technical College believes all students should be treated equally regardless of race, creed, gender, political affiliation, and genetic information, to name a few. The College is proud to provide an affordable Paralegal Associate Degree.
Athens Technical College prepares students to enter the workforce, as there is an eight percent projected growth for paralegal positions over the next five years. The College realizes the importance of the paralegal role within legal offices and prides themselves in fully preparing students for that role. Among their course study, students will learn to analyze and organize laws, legal articles, and other material for court cases. Athens Technical College offers online courses, but not all are available online. Students coming from an ABA-approved program may be able to transfer credits.
Degree: Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies
Cost: $3,852/ year
some courses may not be online – courses from an ABA-approved program can be transferred
5. Kapi’olani Community College
Kapi’olani Community College, located in Honolulu, Hawaii offers an affordable Paralegal Associate of Science Degree. The College has been in existence since the 1940s but when it joined the University of Hawai’i System in 1965, it realigned its academic mission. The College believes in honesty, integrity and meeting the needs of all students while taking in the majestic view of Hawai’i. The College prides itself providing a quality Paralegal Certification and Associate Degree.
The Paralegal credit programs prepare students to perform significant roles in the legal world. The College believes professional development through classes, workshops, and seminars is key. The affordable Paralegal program has oversight from legal professionals across the state, including attorneys and law firm administrators. While Kapi’olani offers online courses, not all are available online. Students coming from an ABA-approved program may be able to transfer credits. Students may also transition towards a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Hawai‘i-West O‘ahu.
Degree: Paralegal Associate of Science (AS) Degree
Cost: $3,930/year
some courses may not be online – courses from an ABA-approved program can be transferred
6. Anne Arundel Community College
The Legal Studies Institute at Anne Arundel Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies – a General Practice. Paralegal certification candidates follow an American Bar Association (ABA) approved program. Anne Arundel Community College accepts credits from other paralegal courses if have been approved by the ABA. Students earning their paralegal degree have the option of attending classes in the day, in the night, on the weekend, and online. AACC remains committed to offering one of the best online paralegal programs at affordable tuition rates. The school offers various scholarships, interest-free payment plans, and financial aid.
Anne Arundel Community College was founded in 1961. The school holds the honor of being named Community College of the Year (2000) by the National Business Alliance. Its 230+-acre campus is home to more than 50,000 students. AACC was the first college in the state of Maryland to be rated by the Advancement of Stability in Higher Education.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies – General Practice
Tuition: $4,178/year
some courses may not be online – courses from an ABA-approved program can be transferred
7. Casper College
Casper College, located in Casper, Wyoming, was established in 1945 and offers an affordable Associate of Arts (AA) in Paralegal Studies. The campus is expansive with 28 buildings on over 200 acres of land. While they have affordable rates for degrees and certifications, they also awarded over $14 million in financial aid. Casper College’s Paralegal Certification and Associate Degree program provide quality education as well as assistance to students who wish to continue study and transfer to a four-year college.
The program provides college course study in legal research skills, fact investigation skills, and computer-assisted legal research skills with Westlaw. The College offers job placement assistance to students. Casper College is involved with Legal Assistants of Wyoming (LAW), an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants. The prepare students for the Certified Paralegal Exam with a review course. Casper College offers online courses, but not all are available online. Students coming from an ABA-approved program may be able to transfer credits.
Degree: Associate of Arts (AA) in Paralegal Studies
Cost: $4,410/year
some courses may not be online – courses from an ABA-approved program can be transferred
8. Rio Salado College
Rio Salado College, located in Tempe, Arizona offers an online Paralegal Associate Degree. They have been in existence since 1978 and offer one of the most affordable Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal, and a Certification of Completion in Paralegal. Rio Salado aims to provide students with an innovative education with online learning and community-based learning. They value diversity, inclusiveness, and sustainability.
The Rio Salado Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal provides students with all the necessary skills to secure employment upon graduation. In this program, students learn all aspects of the law and the building blocks of litigation. They also learn legal theory and ethics, legal research, and written communication. The program requires students to maintain a C average or better and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal
Cost: $5,352/ year
9. Nassau Community College
Nassau Community College’s online AAS in Paralegal and Paralegal Studies certificate are designed for working adults who want to move into a rewarding career with a lot of potential for growth and advancement. NCC’s program puts a priority on the legal aspects of the paralegal career, beyond the simple organizational and managerial skills of the average paralegal program. Knowing that paralegal students may want to go on to a law career sets NCC apart among accredited online paralegal certificate programs and online paralegal associate degree programs.
Part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, Nassau Community College has been providing exceptional professional and technical training and education for Nassau County and the surrounding Long Island area since 1959. They award more associate’s degrees than any other community college in New York, and nearly the most in the US. With New York City at its doorstep, it’s one of the best online paralegal programs for job placement and career potential.
Degree: Paralegal Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Cost: $5,800/ year
10. Madisonville Community College
Madisonville Community College (MCC) is located in Madisonville, Kentucky and offers an AAS in Paralegal Technology, as well as a Paralegal Certificate. MCC offers the ability to complete some of the coursework online. The school has an Office of Career Services which offers students guidance finding employment opportunities. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to graduate from the Paralegal Program. MCC helps students who wish to transfer their credits to a Bachelor’s Program.
MCC’s Paralegal Technology program prepares students for employment upon graduation in various organizations, such as courts, law firms, and corporations. It is based on standards created from the National Association of Legal Assistants Descriptions of Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) Exam. This program fully prepares students to enter the workforce where Paralegals are in high demand as the job market is growing.
Degree: AAS Paralegal Technology
Cost: $6,048/year
11. Clayton State University
Clayton State University is located in Morrow, Georgia and is surrounded by six lakes, Swan Lake being the largest. Over the years, many swans have lived on campus and there is one currently in residence. They offer an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies, which has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The curriculum was created to give students the hands-on training and skills needed to enter the workforce and perform legal work.
The focus of the Clayton AAS in Paralegal Studies program is practical skills, legal terminology, legal research, and law courses. Students analyze practical and theoretical legal issues and prepare documents. They learn the importance of legal ethics and all aspects of law. Students also learn the mechanics of manual and computer legal research. While Clayton State University does offer online courses, they aren’t all available online.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies
Cost: $6,224/ year
some courses may not be online – courses from an ABA-approved program can be transferred
12. Massachusetts Bay Community College
Massachusetts Bay (MassBay) Community College has three locations in Massachusetts and is an open-access community college. MassBay has a diverse mix of students by which they encourage the use of technology and innovation to enhance the student’s experience. The pillars of their mission statement are accessibility and affordability, communication, diversity, professional development, and respect.
MassBay offers an Associate in Science Degree in Paralegal Studies. This course teaches students to create legal documents, investigate legal issues, and deliver procedural assistance. This program incorporates general studies in business, liberal arts, and even some legal courses to give students a well-rounded approach to understanding the law and individuals. Students have the opportunity to participate in the real work of a law firm. MassBay does offer online courses, but not all are available online.
Degree: AS Paralegal Studies
Cost: $11,576
some courses may not be online – courses from an ABA-approved program can be transferred
13. Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), located in Charlotte, North Carolina. CPCC offers an affordable Paralegal Associate in Applied Science (AAS). The Paralegal Technology Program at CPCC is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). It offers a hybrid type of study by combining traditional and online courses. The ABA mandates that students working towards a Paralegal Associate must take at least ten credits per semester in a traditional classroom setting, and the rest can be online.
The main goal of the Central Piedmont Paralegal program is to teach students the legal knowledge and piratical skills required to enter into employment upon graduation. Coursework covers legal research and writing, civil litigation, legal ethics, and real estate. Students learn about every facet of the law as it pertains to personal injury, criminal, corporate and family law. Students are required to take general courses in English, math, and social sciences.
Degree: Paralegal Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Cost: $8,398/ year
at least 9 credits must be on-campus
14. Rasmussen College
Rasmussen College is located throughout several states and has an online-only component. It is possible to receive an online Paralegal Associate Degree from Rasmussen College. This online Paralegal Degree is available with Flex Choice, allowing the student to utilize traditional online coursework along with self-directed assessments. This course is focused on launching the student into a career by providing practical hands experiences during the program.
During the Online Paralegal Associate Degree program at Rasmussen, students will learn to create legal documents, manage case files, use citations properly, and identify accurate sources for legal issues. Students will learn the value in online research tools and databases and how to utilize them properly. Students will learn how to apply the principles of legal research and the law in writing. Students will conduct research to be used in hearings, trials, or corporate meetings. Students will understand how to practically approach contracts from a legal and hands-on perspective. The advanced Paralegal studies course at Rasmussen College is created to ready students to sit for their National Certified Legal Assistant/Paralegal (CLA/CP) Examination.
Degree: Paralegal Associate’s
Cost: $10,889/ year
15. Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University’s Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies adheres to the American Bar Association’s (ABA) requirements. The Paralegal Certification Program has been approved by the ABA. The paralegal coursework, which can be partially completed online, also requires students to complete a 280 – hour internship in either a business, a law firm or a government agency. Paralegal faculty members who have attained Juris Doctorates (J.D.) teach the affordable paralegal degree programs offered by Eastern Kentucky University.
The Kentucky General Assembly established Eastern Kentucky University in 1906. Eastern Kentucky University operates with four branch campuses in Manchester, Hazard, Corbin, and Lancaster. Students attending Eastern follow the lucky tradition of rubbing the left foot of Daniel Boone statute on campus. Degree candidates can earn complete their coursework on campus – in the day, and in the night. Certain paralegal coursework can be completed online through their distance learning platform.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Paralegal Studies
Cost: $14,176/year
partially online
How Much Should an Online Paralegal Associate Degree Cost?
The good news, for potential paralegal students, is that affordable paralegal programs may be in your own backyard. Some of the best online paralegal programs come from local community colleges, which make affordability one of their highest priorities. For an online paralegal associate degree, there may be no more affordable paralegal program than what you can get from a community college.
While national-level universities average around $15,000 per year for tuition, and regional public universities may be well over $5000 per year, the best online paralegal programs from a community college can be less than $5000 for a full associate’s degree. Community colleges can offer such affordable paralegal programs because their primary mission is access – getting people the education they need – and they are supposed by public funds. They keep costs low for the good of the community (so that’s where the name comes from!) They’re also some of the best for paralegal job placement, since local paralegal programs get to know local law firms.
Can I Get an Online Paralegal Degree for Free?
The short answer is no. Like most things, though, the long answer is there are many ways to get a cheap paralegal degree online, and to save your money. First of all, though there are no free paralegal certificates, many colleges do offer free online paralegal courses. While most of these courses are not for credit, some may actually count toward lowering a paralegal certificate online cost. Even if they’re not for credit, free online paralegal courses can help a prospective student decide if a cheap paralegal degree online will be right for them.
Free online paralegal courses will only get you so far, but there are highly affordable options that graduates will be able to pay off quickly. With paralegal certificate online cost as little as a few thousand dollars, paralegals will see a return on their investment quickly. The cheapest online paralegal certificate is also a low-cost start to a cheap paralegal degree online, with transferable credits speeding up the process and saving tuition money. So even if there’s no free lunch, a cheap paralegal degree online writes its own ticket.
Can I Get a Job With a Cheap Paralegal Degree Online?
The days when employers gave online degrees the side-eye are long gone; today, online degrees are as respected and accepted by employers as traditional degrees – under certain conditions. Accredited online paralegal certificate programs tell employers that they can trust your reliability and knowledge of the field. The “accredited” is the essential part, though. If you’re choosing an online paralegal certificate program, be sure that the school is accredited (that means regional accreditation for colleges, universities, and community colleges). Accredited online paralegal certificate programs will be even better if they meet the American Bar Association (ABA) standards. Any law firm will trust a paralegal with an ABA-approved paralegal certificate or degree.
