You don't need to go to law school to play an essential role at a law firm. Paralegals keep cases organized and well documented. They also assist lawyers with client and witness interviews.
You don't need a bachelor's degree to become a paralegal, but earning one can help you stand out to employers. Still, a traditional program's time and cost investment might not be worth it for many aspiring paralegals.
Online bachelor's programs in paralegal studies can offer you a flexible and affordable way to earn a degree employers value without putting your life on hold. We chose the best online paralegal programs based on several factors, including affordability and great student outcomes.
Start Your Online Paralegal Studies Journey Today
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Paralegal Programs of 2026
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school's program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like articulation agreements, advanced degree options, and engagement opportunities. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools' facts in December 2025.
Why You Should Get an Online Paralegal Studies Degree
You Want a Head Start on a Legal Career: With a paralegal degree, you can see what it's like to work as a legal assistant before pursuing a professional law degree.
You're Good With People: As a paralegal, you may work directly with and interview clients, families, and witnesses in legal cases.
You Have an Eye for Detail and Organization: As a paralegal, you'll be required to write up, gather, organize, and maintain legal documents for your law firm and lawyers.
Benefits of Getting a Paralegal Studies Degree Online
According to BestColleges' 2025 Online Education Trends Report, almost all (97%) of the online bachelor's students and graduates who were surveyed said they would recommend online education to others.
Over 9 in 10 (95%) of the respondents said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
If you're concerned about losing out by not being on campus, 75% said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
How to Choose the Best Online Paralegal Studies Program for You
Before choosing a program, there are a few important things to consider: How much your program will cost, how long it will take, what you need to apply, and what careers you can pursue out of college.
How Much Does an Online Paralegal Studies Program Cost?
Online Legal Professions and Studies Bachelor's Programs, 2020
Avg. Tuition & Fees:
$6,315
Avg. Net Price:
$3,206
Source: National Center for Education Statistics' PowerStats
Typically, you'll pay less taking classes online than attending an in-person paralegal program. You won't pay fees related to being on campus or deal with commuting and campus housing costs.
Your financial situation will impact how much you ultimately pay for college. Low- and middle-income college students can qualify for financial aid like the Pell Grant to help make college more affordable.
To see how much financial aid you are eligible for, the first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You'll get an estimation of how much you'll be expected to pay for college. Then, the information will go to the prospective schools you list on your FAFSA.
You can then compare the financial aid packages the schools give you to determine which one will give you the best value.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online Paralegal Studies Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Paralegal Studies Degree?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
3-4 Years
It'll typically take 3-4 years to complete an online paralegal studies degree if you're enrolled full time. But there are ways you can finish the program even faster.
An accelerated online program, for example, condenses the same amount of credits and coursework into a shorter, more intense timeframe, sometimes allowing you to graduate up to two years faster.
If you want to take your time, a part-time flexible online degree can be optimal for a working professional balancing family and education.
These programs are built to work around your schedule and are often asynchronous, letting you watch lectures and complete assignments at any time in the day before a certain deadline.
Online Paralegal Studies Application Requirements
Application: Check to see if your prospective colleges use the Common App, a universal college application you can send to multiple colleges at once. If not, find an application on the college's website.
Test Scores: See if your prospective schools require standardized tests like the SAT and ACT and what scores set you up for a good shot at getting in.
Letters of Recommendation: Schools may require 1-3 letters of recommendation from teachers, peers, coworkers, and mentors to vouch for your personality and work ethic.
Official Transcripts: Send in any high school and previous college transcripts. Colleges can evaluate the transcripts and see if any credits you have already earned can go toward your new program.
Essays: Typically, colleges require 500- to 800-word essays where you can show your qualities, goals, and life experiences.
What Can You Do With an Online Paralegal Studies Degree?
With a degree in paralegal studies, you'll qualify for jobs as a paralegal or legal assistant in private law firms, corporations, nonprofit organizations, or public defender offices. And while an associate degree can get you in the door, a bachelor's degree helps you stand out.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $61,010 | Write, maintain, and organize files and other legal documents at a law firm |
| Court Reporters | $67,310 | Transcribe court proceedings and record speakers' identities, appearances, and all relevant court details |
| Mediators | $67,710 | Facilitate negotiation and conflict resolution between two or more parties outside of the court system |
| Project Management Specialists | $100,750 | Lead and manage projects and act as a point of contact between clients and firms/businesses |
Learn More About Paralegal Jobs
Is an Online Paralegal Studies Degree Worth It?
That depends on your goals and how important salary is to you. A paralegal job is attainable with just a certificate and an associate degree, but as a bachelor's degree-holder, you may stand out more to potential employers, and you may earn more.
According to a 2022 National Association of Legal Assistants report, paralegals with bachelor's degrees earn 5% more than those with an associate degree.
Paralegals made a median annual salary of around $61,000 in 2024, but some of the highest-paid paralegals made over $98,000. The degree might be worth it if you decide to pursue more education to become a lawyer, where your potential salary cap is even higher.
Education Beyond a Bachelor's in Paralegal Studies
Paralegal majors most commonly pursue graduate and professional degrees in law. Doctors of law can take the bar exam to hold a practicing law license in their state. However, law school is hard to get into and is notoriously expensive.
The median pay for a lawyer reflects the effort and expenses involved in pursuing the career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), lawyers earn a median of $151,160 per year, with some of the highest-paid lawyers making over $239,000 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions About an Online Paralegal Studies Degree
Becoming a paralegal can take anywhere from six months to four years. The exact length of a paralegal program depends on the credential and your prior education.
If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can pursue a graduate certificate in paralegal studies, which typically takes 6-12 months. You can also enter the field with a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor's in paralegal studies. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor's degree.
