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, his certificate provides them with the qualifications for legal system paralegal employment. It can mean:
- above-average income
- greater job availability
- improved working conditions
Featured Programs
Our list of the top 20 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 or a regional agency.
The top 20 affordable accredited paralegal certificates online are:
Corsicana, Texas
Paralegal Studies Certificate Online
At Navarro College, students can earn a paralegal certificate in just one year. This online program requires 32-33 credit hours, and it provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to become competent and ethical paralegals. The curriculum is designed to enable a person who is working under the supervision of a licensed attorney on a legal team. The job requires knowledge of substantive and procedural law.
Tuition: $10,994
19. Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, Ohio
Paralegal Certificate Program Online
The online paralegal program at Eastern Gateway Community College is a highly affordable option. This 36-credit, online program is designed to prepare students for legal system paralegal employment in a law firm environment in both public and private sectors. Graduates will have received the instruction and professional development necessary to perform legal preparations, such as:
- closing
- hearings
- trials
- corporate meetings
The online paralegal program is available to anyone with a high-school diploma or GED certificate who wants to pursue a paralegal career.
Tuition: $3,528
18. Cerro Coso Community College
Ridgecrest, California
Paralegal Studies Certificate Online
Cerro Coso Community College offers a 27-credit, three-semester paralegal certificate program. This program prepares students for entry-level work by training them in all aspects of the legal system, including civil procedure. The curriculum for the online paralegal program teaches various skills, like extensive legal research needed in the legal field, allowing students to be employed by entities such as:
- law firms
- local courts
- government offices
- law offices
Students can successfully complete this program entirely online.
Tuition: $10,070
17. Nunez Community College
Chalmette, Louisiana
Certificate of Technical Studies in Paralegal Online
The paralegal certificate program at Nunez Community College is designed to provide intensive paralegal training to prepare students to enter the job market as paralegals or to execute a career change. All 30 credits of this certificate program can apply directly to an AA in paralegal studies or even a bachelor’s degree program. The curriculum will thoroughly train students in conducting legal research and a range of aspects of law so that they are prepared to support lawyers in their daily business and in law firms and legal teams.
Tuition: $9,658
16. Prince George’s Community College
Largo, Maryland
Paralegal/Legal Assistant Certificate Online
Prince George’s Community College offers an affordable paralegal certificate program 100% online. This 30-credit program is ideal for those in the legal field who want to update their skills or get a promotion in a prominent law firm. Upon completing the online paralegal program, students will be prepared to aid lawyers in activities, such as:
- conducting legal research and analyses
- alternative dispute resolution
- interviewing witnesses
- drafting motions
- interrogations
- pleadings in civil procedures
Tuition: $8,795
15. New Mexico State University-Alamogordo
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Legal Assistant Certificate Online
At the Alamogordo campus of NMSU, students can earn a paralegal certificate through the 29-credit, two-semester program. This certificate program prepares students in basic legal office skills, and students may directly enter the field upon completion. The curriculum for this online paralegal certificate program provides training in:
- interviewing and assisting clients and witnesses
- conducting investigation and data analysis
- drafting legal documents
- researching legal issues
- supporting litigation efforts
Tuition: $6,992
14. Lake Superior College
Duluth, Minnesota
Paralegal Studies Certificate Online
The online paralegal certificate program at Lake Superior College is a great option for those interested in becoming non-lawyer legal professionals. Throughout the 30-credit program, students will learn to use the technology and software commonly found in a modern law office, and they will receive practical instruction in legal analysis and civil procedure. Graduates will leave with a solid education in basic legal principles and be able to conduct legal research.
Tuition: $12,422
13. Northwest Mississippi Community College
Senatobia, Mississippi
Online Paralegal Technology Career Certificate
Northwest Mississippi Community College offers an affordable certificate program that can be completed completely online. The 30-credit program offers a flexible schedule with various options for class times. The certificate course of study provides individuals with the opportunity to become a qualified legal assistant in a law firm or law-related occupation. Topics addressed through the curriculum include:
- civil procedure
- tort law
- contract law
- real estate law
Tuition: $6,026
12. Allegany College of Maryland
Cumberland, Maryland
Certificate in Legal Studies Online
The online paralegal certificate program at Allegany College of Maryland is self paced and can be completed in just one year. Students will learn about various areas of law, including:
- criminal law
- family law
- contract law
- tort law
- estate law
It also includes how to conduct legal research and legal analysis. Graduates of the 30-credit program will have the professional education and skills needed to obtain employment in beginner-level legal positions and on legal teams.
Tuition: $9,155
11. Mohave Community College
Colorado City, Arizona
Paralegal Certificate Online
Mohave Community College offers an online paralegal certificate program that prepares students for successful careers in the legal field, one that offers above-average income and job availability. The 30-credit program is designed to help students develop skills in legal research and writing, as well as interpreting legal documents and case law. Students can also take advantage of the many local internships available through this professional education opportunity.
Tuition: $8,826
10. Herkimer County Community College
Herkimer, New York
Online Paralegal Studies Certificate
The paralegal studies certificate program at HCCC is a new and exciting online program that is designed to train students in the core legal content areas as well as legal research. The 31-credit program is normally 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
Tuition: $6,966
9. Yavapai College
Prescott, Arizona
Paralegal Studies Certificate Online
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
Tuition: $6,840
8. Ocean County College
Toms River, New Jersey
Certificate of Proficiency in Paralegal Studies Online
The paralegal certificate program at Ocean County College is a great option for those looking to earn an online certificate to either begin their work in the American legal system or upgrade their existing skillset without attending law school. During the course of the 33-credit self paced program, students will study law and acquire practical legal skills that are needed 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.
Tuition: $11,687
7. Tompkins Cortland Community College
Dryden, New York
Paralegal Certificate Online
At Tompkins Cortland Community College, students can earn a paralegal certificate completely online. This program is particularly convenient, as the classes are all offered asynchronously, and they can be started any semester. The 32-credit, two-semester program was created for students looking to enhance their professional opportunities in the legal field without going to law school. 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.
Tuition: $11,216
6. Columbus Technical College
Columbus, Georgia
Paralegal Studies Diploma Online
The paralegal studies certificate program at Columbus Technical College is an affordable, online option, with a course sequence that prepares students for paralegal positions in 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
Tuition: $4,722
5. Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson, Kansas
Paralegal Certificate Online
Hutchinson Community College offers an online paralegal certificate that is fully accredited by the HLC. This 36-credit program prepares students for entry-level employment as a paralegal or legal assistant in the legal industry. During the course of the program, students will learn skills like:
- scheduling
- organizing and maintaining files
- legal writing
- conducting research
- preparing legal documentation
Tuition: $8,168
4. Southern Crescent Technical College
Griffin, Georgia
Paralegal Studies Diploma Online
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 aid lawyers in the delivery of legal services with or without automated technology.
Tuition: $5,887
3. Holmes Community College
Goodman, Mississippi
Paralegal Technology Certificate Online
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 for students to work part-time while completing the program.
Tuition: $4,977
2. Itawamba Community College
Fulton, Mississippi
Paralegal Career Certificate Online
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 important legal work as legal assistants while being supervised by an attorney. The curriculum includes training in a number of legal areas, including:
- the legal system
- civil litigation
- legal research and writing
- automated technology
- family laws
- wills and estates
Tuition: $5,733
1. Clovis Community College
Clovis, New Mexico
Certificate of Completion in Paralegal (Legal Assistant Studies) Online
Clovis Community College ranks first on our list of top affordable paralegal certificate programs! This 33-credit online program takes two semesters of online learning to complete and does not require the student to ever step foot on campus. CCC offers training and instruction from a broad-based perspective, and the curriculum covers many different areas of law, allowing students to explore the discipline and become legal assistants. Topics covered include:
- legal writing
- litigation
- criminal law
- family law
- real estate law
- wills and estates
Tuition: $4,961
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