Author: Tom Panter / Reviewed By: Melissa Anderson, MS.Ed. / Original Publication Date: May 2021 / Updates: 1
Key Takeaways:
- The top two schools for online paralegal certificate programs are Duke University and Boston University, offering high-quality education.
- Online paralegal certificate programs provide flexible learning opportunities, career growth potential, and specialized training tailored to legal professions.
- Criteria for evaluating online paralegal certificate programs include affordability, academic rigor, faculty quality, and program outcomes.
In this ranking, we explore our picks for the top ten affordable, accredited online paralegal certificate programs.
Featured Programs
A paralegal is a legal professional who works under the supervision of a lawyer. Duties include:
- drafting legal documents
- conducting investigation and data analysis
- legal research
- interviewing witnesses
- supporting litigation efforts
Paralegal certificates are a great option for students interested in the legal field but can’t commit the time and money needed for a law degree. In just one year, this certificate equips them with the qualifications necessary for paralegal employment within the legal system. It can mean:
- above-average income
- greater job availability
- improved working conditions
Our list of the top 10 affordable online accredited paralegal certificates began with a list of certificate programs with costs under $13,000 (based on tuition reported to College Navigator). These programs were then ranked according to the program’s quality (based on graduation rate and student-to-teacher ratio). Accreditation for these online paralegal certificate programs is granted by a recognized accrediting agency such as a national association like the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Even if a program is nationally accredited, the school itself should also have regional accreditation. Degrees without regional accreditation are hardly worth the paper they’re printed on.
The top 10 affordable accredited paralegal certificates online are:
1. Clovis Community College
Clovis, New Mexico
Certificate of Completion in Paralegal (Legal Assistant Studies) Online
Tuition: $1,736
Clovis Community College ranks first on our list of top affordable paralegal certificate programs. This 33-credit online program spans two semesters of online learning and does not require students ever to step foot on campus. CCC offers training and instruction from a broad-based perspective, and the curriculum encompasses various areas of law, enabling students to explore the discipline and pursue careers as legal assistants. Topics covered include:
- legal writing
- litigation
- criminal law
- family law
- real estate law
- wills and estates
Pros:
- Affordability
- Small class sizes
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
2. Itawamba Community College
Fulton, Mississippi
Paralegal Career Certificate Online
Tuition: $3,420
At Itawamba Community College, students can complete a highly affordable, online paralegal certificate program in only one year. The 30-credit program is designed to prepare individuals to perform crucial legal work as legal assistants under the supervision of an attorney. The curriculum includes training in several legal areas, including:
- the legal system
- civil litigation
- legal research and writing
- automated technology
- family laws
- wills and estates
Pros:
- Affordability
- Accelerated format
Cons:
- Larger class sizes
- Less diverse
3. Holmes Community College
Goodman, Mississippi
Paralegal Technology Certificate Online
Tuition: $3,510
The paralegal technology certificate program at Holmes Community College is an affordable option for those looking to enter the legal field at the paralegal level. The 30-credit, one-year program is designed to help students develop the skills needed to become entry-level paralegals and legal assistants. The classes are conveniently offered in both eight-week and 16-week terms. Classes are scheduled during the morning hours, allowing students to work part-time while completing the program.
Pros:
- Affordability
- Accelerated format
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
4. Southern Crescent Technical College
Griffin, Georgia
Paralegal Studies Diploma Online
Tuition: $3,126
Southern Crescent Technical College offers a certificate program in paralegal studies that can be completed entirely online. This 39-credit program is typically completed in three terms, and students have the flexibility of entering the program in the spring, fall, or summer. The courses are intended to prepare students for positions in the legal industry and the paralegal profession. Additionally, the program emphasizes opportunities that provide students with the specialized legal knowledge and skills required to most effectively assist lawyers in delivering legal services, whether with or without the use of automated technology.
Pros:
- Above average ROI
- Flexibility
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
5. Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson, Kansas
Paralegal Certificate Online
Tuition: $3,720
Hutchinson Community College offers a fully accredited online paralegal certificate. This 36-credit program prepares students for entry-level employment as a paralegal or legal assistant in the legal industry. During the program, students will learn skills like:
- scheduling
- organizing and maintaining files
- legal writing
- conducting research
- preparing legal documentation
Pros:
- Above-average ROI
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
6. Columbus Technical College
Columbus, Georgia
Paralegal Studies Diploma Online
Tuition: $3,042
The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program at Columbus Technical College offers an affordable, online option, featuring a course sequence that prepares students for paralegal positions within the legal system. Graduates of the school have a 99% job placement rate. The 38-credit program emphasizes:
- ethical obligations
- research of state and federal law
- legal correspondence preparation
- family law matters
- criminal law procedures
Pros:
- Excellent job placement rate
- Small class sizes
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
7. Tompkins Cortland Community College
Dryden, New York
Paralegal Certificate Online
Tuition: $6,946
At Tompkins Cortland Community College, students can earn a paralegal certificate entirely online. This program is particularly convenient, as the classes are all offered asynchronously and can be started at any time. The 32-credit, two-semester program was designed for students seeking to expand their professional opportunities in the legal field without pursuing a law degree. The curriculum includes basic orientation and academic exposure to a variety of legal subjects as well as the principles of legal writing, automated technology in the field, and the American legal system.
Pros:
- Small class sizes
- Flexible, asynchronous format
Cons:
- Less diverse
- Low graduation rate
8. Ocean County College
Toms River, New Jersey
Certificate of Proficiency in Paralegal Studies Online
Tuition: $5,122
The paralegal certificate program at Ocean County College is an excellent option for those seeking to earn an online certificate to either launch their career in the American legal system or enhance their existing skill set without attending law school. During the 33-credit, self-paced program, students will study law and acquire practical legal skills necessary for entry-level employment. All courses in the certificate program can be applied to an AAS, and many exciting elective courses are available to students.
Pros:
- Smaller class sizes
- Better-than-average ROI
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
9. Yavapai College
Prescott, Arizona
Paralegal Studies Certificate Online
Tuition: $2,838
Yavapai College offers a 30-credit, two-semester paralegal certificate program that can be completed entirely online. The program is designed to prepare students for positions as paralegals in both the legal and business fields. Upon successful completion, students will be able to assist attorneys by:
- preparing legal documents
- researching and compiling information
- communicating with clients
Pros:
- Affordability
- ROI
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
10. Herkimer County Community College
Herkimer, New York
Online Paralegal Studies Certificate
Tuition: $5,776
The Paralegal Studies Certificate Program at HCCC is a new and exciting online program designed to train students in core legal content areas and legal research. The 31-credit program is usually completed in just two semesters of self-paced study. Upon successful completion, graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, such as
- law firms
- district attorney offices
- public defender offices
- governmental agencies
Pros:
- Accelerated format
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
Sources
- National Center for Education Statistics: College Navigator
- US Department of Education: College Scorecard
- 10 Best Values: Online Paralegal Programs
- Highest Paying Criminal Justice Jobs
- Top 30 Criminal Justice Online Programs
- Criminal Justice and Legal Degree Programs
- Can I Study Polical Science Online?
- What Is A Paralegal?
- Scholarships for Paralegal Studies
This concludes our article on the top 10 online paralegal programs.