If you are looking for a steady career with strong pay, one that opens doors for advancement and opportunity, an affordable online paralegal associate degree may be a perfect choice. These programs train you to assist lawyers in legal research, client support, trial preparation, and more. You’ll fill a crucial role in the legal profession, and the education can provide a foundation for law school, which leads to some of the highest-paying careers.
We have identified 57 legal assisting and paralegal associate degree programs from 54 schools. These educations give you a strong understanding of law offices, the legal process, courtrooms, and more, making you a valuable asset to any law firm.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost: $15,000
Least Expensive (In-State): Cerro Coso Community College – $2,768
Least Expensive (Nationwide): Clovis Community College – $9,297
The 33 Most Affordable Online Paralegal Associate Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cerro Coso Community College | (CA) | $2,768.00 $23,288.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | West Los Angeles College | (CA) | $2,796.00 $23,316.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Clovis Community College | (NM) | $5,453.00 $9,297.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Mohave Community College | (AZ) | $5,518.00 $18,724.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Western Piedmont Community College | (NC) | $5,666.00 $18,530.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Yavapai College | (AZ) | $6,283.00 $22,997.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Tallahassee Community College | (FL) | $6,453.00 $24,785.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | New Mexico State University-Alamogordo | (NM) | $7,460.00 $13,604.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Hillsborough Community College | (FL) | $7,577.00 $25,191.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 |  East Mississippi Community College | (MS) | $7,600.00 $13,600.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | Central Texas College | (TX) | $7,800.00 $15,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Hinds Community College | (MS) | $8,200.00 $14,300.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Baltimore City Community College | (MD) | $8,248.00 $18,448.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Truckee Meadows Community College | (NV) | $8,293.00 $11,931.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | College of Southern Nevada | (NV) | $8,540.00 $12,005.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Tulsa Community College | (OK) | $9,139.00 $23,539.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | Wake Technical Community College | (NC) | $9,344.00 $30,328.00 $9,344.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
18 | Moraine Park Technical College | (WI) | $9,357.00 | All Students |
19 | Cuyahoga Community College District | (OH) | $9,399.00 $17,763.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | Laramie County Community College | (WY) | $9,533.00 $22,553.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Madison Area Technical College | (WI) | $9,594.00 | All Students |
22 | Northwest Mississippi Community College | (MS) | $10,040.00 $16,040.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | South Texas College | (TX) | $10,440.00 $15,240.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
24 | Cowley County Community College | (KS) | $11,530.00 $14,630.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
25 | Blinn College District | (TX) | $11,940.00 $21,300.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
26 | Lake Superior College | (MN) | $12,250.00 | All Students |
27 | Sinclair Community College | (OH) | $12,303.00 $21,826.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
28 | Herkimer County Community College | (NY) | $12,560.00 $13,160.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
29 | Ridgewater College | (MN) | $13,156.00 | All Students |
30 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $13,200.00 | All Students |
31 | Finger Lakes Community College | (NY) | $13,379.00 $17,603.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
32 | Kentucky Community and Technical College System | (KY) | $13,696.00 | All Students |
33 | Massachusetts Bay Community College | (MA) | $14,508.00 $27,280.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mount Wachusett Community College | (MA) | $15,120.00 $27,120.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Northeast Iowa Community College | (IA) | $15,224.00 $17,196.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Prince George's Community College | (MD) | $15,460.00 $21,580.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Tompkins Cortland Community College | (NY) | $15,879.00 | All Students | |
Iowa Lakes Community College | (IA) | $16,080.00 | All Students | |
Lansing Community College | (MI) | $16,285.00 $23,890.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Rio Salado College | (AZ) | $16,505.00 $14,685.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Georgia Military College | (GA) | $16,560.00 | All Students | |
Georgia Military College | (GA) | $17,480.00 | All Students | |
University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $17,670.00 $18,570.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Anne Arundel Community College | (MD) | $19,180.00 $27,040.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Amridge University | (AL) | $19,580.00 $16,800.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Drury University | (MO) | $20,908.00 | All Students | |
University of Alaska Fairbanks | (AK) | $21,600.00 | All Students | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $24,696.00 $15,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $27,776.00 | All Students | |
University of Northwestern Ohio | (OH) | $30,540.00 $20,280.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Madonna University | (MI) | $31,600.00 | All Students | |
National University | (CA) | $33,300.00 | All Students | |
Peirce College | (PA) | $37,335.00 | All Students | |
Humphreys University | (CA) | $39,360.00 | All Students | |
Davenport University | (MI) | $60,836.00 | All Students |
Methodology for the Rankings of Affordable Online Paralegal Associate Degree Programs
These rankings of online paralegal associate programs are based on our spring 2024 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees for each online paralegal degree. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online paralegal associate degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online paralegal degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the online paralegal program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
ACBSP Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Why Choose One of These Affordable Online Paralegal Associate Degrees?
Are you considering an online paralegal associate degree? Everyone has their own motivations, but here are some of the top reasons to enroll in one of these programs:
- Enter a lucrative career field: Paralegals, who only need a two-year online associate degree to work in a law office, enjoy salaries that are roughly $12,000 more than the national median.
- See if the legal profession is right for you: With just a two-year online paralegal degree (far less than the requirement for a lawyer), you can enter the legal industry. This allows you to test the water, so to speak, seeing firsthand if a legal career is ideal without making a massive commitment.
- A diverse field with many options: With a legal education, you can work in criminal, civil, corporate, policy, or constitutional law. You can also work for virtually any industry or sector, making this a diverse, useful education.
Online Paralegal Degrees: Program Cost
These online paralegal degree programs come with competitive prices. However, it’s still a big expense, so you need to research tuition and fees to find a degree that fits your budget.
This database includes 57 degrees from 54 schools. Most are community colleges, although there are also some large universities. With so many programs, there is a wide range of prices. The most affordable estimated cost is $2,768 (for California students), while the most expensive is $60,836.
The most affordable online paralegal associate degrees come from Cerro Coso Community College in California. The online Associate Degree for Transfer in Law, Public Policy & Society and the online Associate in Science in Paralegal Studies have estimated costs of $2,768. However, out-of-state online students pay over $23,000 for these paralegal degree programs. The online Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies from West Los Angeles College is only $30 more for in-state tuition, but out-of-state students also pay over $23,000.
For out-of-state students, the most affordable is the online Associate of Applied Science in Legal Assistant Studies from Clovis Community College. This program has an estimated out-of-state cost of $9,297 for online students. Moraine Park Technical College and Madison Area Technical College also have online programs with out-of-state costs below $10,000.
Total costs vary depending on multiple factors. However, an associate of applied science (AAS), in general, is the more affordable degree. Out of 34 degrees with estimated cost below the database average, 62% are AAS degrees. Among the 23 programs above the average, only seven are AAS degrees. That’s less than a third. (For more details on degree types, see “Paralegal Associate Degree Program Types” types below.)
Who Offers the Most Affordable Paralegal Associate Degrees?
If you are looking for the most affordable online paralegal associate degree, these three online degree programs deliver the low cost you need. One, in particular, delivers affordable rates to students from any location.
#1. Cerro Coso Community College
Degrees: Associate Degree for Transfer in Law, Public Policy & Society, Associate in Science in Paralegal Studies
Cost: $2,768 (In-state, California)
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges
California’s residents can enroll in an online associate degree in paralegal from Cerro Coso Community College and enjoy an estimated cost of only $2,768. This means students pay less than $1,400 annually for the degree.
This school has two associate degrees related to the legal profession. The first degree offers online classes focusing on law, policy, and society and features coursework in American government, history, and statistics. The second online degree is a paralegal studies program that features courses in legal research, legal writing, civil litigation, and California civil procedure. There is some overlap; for instance, both degrees feature a course on legal ethics.
#2. West Los Angeles College
Degree: Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies
Cost: $2,796 (In-state, California)
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges
This paralegal studies program has an estimated in-state cost that is only $28 more than the previous degree. ($14 per year will hardly drive your decision!) The degree, which received approval from the American Bar Association in 2005, features coursework in the legal profession such as preparing legal documents, technology for paralegals, legal research, and business administration.
WLAC offers online learning through West Online, a remote platform that features a student help desk, lab writing services, and textbook support.
#3. Clovis Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Legal Assistant Studies
In-state Cost: $5,453 (New Mexico)
Out-of-state Cost: $9,297 (Cheapest for all students)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Clovis Community College in New Mexico has the lowest estimated out-of-state prices. While New Mexico residents by $5,453 for the program, residents from all across the country pay only $9,297.
This online associate degree in paralegal covers a variety of legal-related topics, including writing legal documents, torts, legal terminology, legal research, and litigation. Students in this program learn through a platform that offers outstanding flexibility and convenience.
Paralegal Associate Degree Program Types
Different Degree, Different Career: Legal Assistant vs Paralegal
While the two roles share some duties, there are important differences between a legal assistant program and a paralegal program. In this database, you’ll find degrees that prepare you for one or the other, so knowing the difference is essential.
A legal assistant is an administrative and secretarial professional for law offices. They act much like an office administrator at a law firm and may perform duties such as scheduling meetings, contacting clients, submitting documents, and responding to inquiries.
A paralegal is more directly involved in the legal process. They may serve some of the same functions, but they also conduct legal research, prepare briefs, talk to clients, investigate evidence, and talk to potential witnesses. A paralegal generally has more legal-based training than a legal assistant.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
An associate of applied science in paralegal studies degree is the most focused, job-ready associate’s degree. These programs are often the most affordable. They are designed for students interested in direct job placement within the legal field.
Associate of Science (AS)
These degrees build an understanding of the legal profession through science and methodology. Students learn basic research methods and stay focused on the legal industry throughout their studies.
Associate of Arts (AA)
This is the broadest and most far-ranging of the options for paralegal programs, one that can lead to employment in many sectors. These liberal arts programs often include the history, theory, philosophy, and literature surrounding legal careers.
Transferring or Entering the Workforce?
When considering paralegal programs, you’ll want to think about your goals after graduation. Will you move into a four-year paralegal studies bachelor’s degree or will you directly look for work at law firms? While all degrees can lead to either route, certain programs are built specifically for one or the other.
Most AS and AA paralegal studies degrees are meant for transfer into a larger degree, while AAS degrees in paralegal studies are made for immediate job placement. Keep this in mind when choosing a paralegal associate degree online.
Accreditation for Online Legal Programs
Accreditation is critical to the academic system. It acts like a quality review process, helping students get the most value from their degrees. Most accreditation is done by regional groups that grant institutional accreditation, which covers the entire college or university. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges is an example of a regional accrediting group.
There is also a subject-specific type of accreditation, which is less common. There is no official accrediting group for paralegal programs, although the American Bar Association approves some. (Note that approval is not the same as accreditation).
The American Council for Business Schools and Programs has granted approval to the Associate of Applied Science in Legal Studies from Sinclair Community College. While all programs in this database come from accredited institutions, this legal studies program is the only degree with programmatic accreditation, although it doesn’t come from an organization focused on law and legal education.
Typical Admission Requirements for an Online Associate Degree
Enrollment into an online paralegal associate degree is fairly routine. Associate programs are designed to give college opportunities whenever possible, so you won’t, in most cases, have to meet intense enrollment standards.
The fundamental requirement for a paralegal degree online is a high school diploma or GED. Schools will request high school transcripts and may review your GPA, but paralegal programs likely won’t deny an application based on past grades. This is especially true at community colleges. If your past grades were low, it may be best to look at community colleges to start your college journey. As an added bonus, these schools typically provide the lowest tuition rates.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
Lawyers have specific training and credentialing requirements. Paralegals, on the other hand, do not. To work as a paralegal, you will not need a state-mandated license.
However, some law firms will prefer to hire a certified paralegal, which may require passing an exam. To sit for the certified paralegal examination, you’ll likely need a specific education; a paralegal associate degree online from an accredited institution should qualify an applicant for the exam to become a certified paralegal.
Other than a paralegal studies degree and becoming an officially certified paralegal, there are no other requirements for becoming a paralegal or legal assistant. There is no on-the-job training, and industry experience is not required to become a paralegal.
Career Possibilities after an Online Paralegal Program
The legal profession is one of the most well-paying industries in the country. Competition, frankly, is fierce in the legal system (competitiveness is, after all, one trait of a good lawyer), but if you work hard, stay dedicated, and learn the legal craft, you can earn a strong income.
Paralegals and legal assistants, for example, have a median income of $60,970. This is one of the lower salaries in the legal field, but according to labor statistics, it’s roughly $12,000 more than the median for all professions. Also, consider that paralegals and legal assistants only need an associate’s degree. According to the BLS, the median weekly income for people with an associate’s degree is $1,058. If we assume a 52-week work year, this translates to $55,016. Paralegals, therefore, earn over $5,000 more a year compared to other graduates of associate programs.
While the job market for paralegals and legal assistants won’t see massive growth, this is a fairly stable, consistent occupation. The need for paralegals and legal assistants will grow by 4% between 2022 and 2032, resulting in over 369,000 jobs.
Paralegal skills are needed in all areas of the country, so graduates can likely find work in any region. The area with the highest concentration of legal assistants and paralegals, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, is the District of Columbia, which has 7.61 per 1,000 jobs. After D.C. the numbers even out. Second on the list is Florida (3.66), followed by Delaware (3.38) and New York (3.29). The best-paid paralegals are in D.C. as well. In this region, they earn a median salary of $94,290.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Paralegal Studies Program?
The legal profession is engaging, interesting, and rewarding. With the right paralegal degree online, you can become a paralegal or legal assistant and, if you so choose, start a fruitful career in the legal system.
To find the right paralegal associate’s degree online, start your search with this database. You’ll get reliable cost information, and all the online programs come from accredited institutions, so you’ll know you’re getting a high-quality online education.
Once you have identified a handful of paralegal studies programs, research the delivery method and schedule to make sure they fit your needs. You’ll also want to review the coursework to ensure it matches your career goals.
With a patient, diligent approach, as well as support from GetEducated.com, you can find a world-class paralegal studies degree that fits your needs.