15 Best Affordable Paralegal Studies Degree Programs (Bachelor’s) 2020

In this ranking, we examine the top 15 best affordable paralegal studies degrees. Behind every successful private law firm is a team of hardworking legal assistants and paralegals who

• conduct research
• organize files
• prepare paperwork
• help with other law-related tasks

Although paralegals are not able to actually practice law, many of their responsibilities overlap with those of an attorney. A Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies may be for you if you are considering:

• becoming a lawyer
• have an interest in the legal field
• want to dedicate your life to fighting for justice for your clients

We’ve identified 15 affordable colleges for a paralegal studies degree and ranked them according to two key metrics: affordability and class size.

Methodology

We understand it can be overwhelming for prospective students to research colleges and universities across the country, especially if they are looking for affordable paralegal studies degrees. This ranking gives you the most comprehensive look at the best affordable colleges for a paralegal studies degree. We developed the following methodology based on the average cost of attendance and student: faculty ratios. To compile our initial list of schools, we searched for bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies using the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We then narrowed down the search results from 30 colleges and universities to the top 15 based on the methodology.

Average Cost of Attendance

Although it might be tempting to simply go to the lowest cost college on the list and apply, it’s also important to look at what that school has to offer first. In other words, is the program ABA-accredited? Does it offer opportunities for hands-on learning? Are extracurriculars available in the field that allow you to gain experience outside of the classroom? Tuition is important, especially on a ranking of affordable paralegal studies degrees. But you also need to look at the big picture before choosing your paralegal studies degree program. For this article, we ranked the tuition based on how much an in-state student would pay for one academic year of study and used tuition rates provided by the NCES. Out-of-state tuition costs are provided for reference purposes only.

Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point

Student: Faculty Ratio

Finally, a school’s student: faculty ratio acts as a window through which we can see the learning environment of each institution. In most cases, colleges and universities with high ratios tend to have larger class sizes. Those with low ratios are typically known for offering smaller, more personal settings. When considering student: faculty ratios, ask yourself what it is you are looking for in your academic experience. Do you want to develop close relationships with your professors or to blend into the background without too many interactions with others. There are pros and cons to both large and small institutions. For the purpose of this ranking, the schools with the lowest student:faculty ratios, as reported by NCES, earned the most points.

Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point

Ranking Top 15 Best Affordable Colleges for a Paralegal Studies Degree

15. University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Points: 3
Program Website

Located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi is a public research university. At Southern Miss, students have their choice of one of two affordable degrees in paralegal studies: an affordable Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies with concentrations in either paralegal or pre-law. The top-value paralegal track is the state’s oldest paralegal education program approved by the American Bar Association. The pre-law track is designed for aspiring lawyers and attorneys. Students are required to complete 120 to 124 hours of study, depending on the track. The low-cost paralegal studies degree provides coursework in:

• property law
• title searching and loan document preparation
• equity practices
• legal drafting
• legal research
• civil litigation
• law office computing and management
• commercial skills for paralegals

Students in both tracks benefit from rigorous coursework in practical legal skills as well as access to networking opportunities and internships. The paralegal studies concentration prepares graduates for employment in:

• government offices
• businesses
• private law firms.

Degree Options:
Legal Studies (Paralegal) BA
Legal Studies (Pre-Law) BA
In-State Tuition: $8,624
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,624
Student: Faculty Ratio: 17:1

14. Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, Minnesota

Points: 3
Program Website

Minnesota State University Moorhead, established in 1887, is a public university and a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. The inexpensive paralegal studies degree is one of only five American Bar Association-approved four-year program of its kind in Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Students are required to complete 120 credits of study, including a 42-credit liberal arts core. This top-value paralegal studies degree familiarizes students with all aspects of the paralegal field, including:

• an emphasis on research and writing
• commercia
• law
• litigation
• law and probate
• elder law

Students may choose one of two emphasis areas: litigation or transactions. Required internships provide students with real-world, practical experience to prepare them for law school or legal careers. Students are encouraged to actively engage in volunteer services in the Moorhead-Fargo community. This helps them develop experience and citizenship qualities. About 95 percent of students attend law school or find related employment after graduating. 

Degree Options:
BS in Paralegal
In-State Tuition: $8,496
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,906
Student: Faculty Ratio: 19:1

13. SUNY College of Technology at Canton

Canton, New York

Points: 3
Program Website

The State University of New York (SUNY) at Canton is a public college located in Canton, New York. The University offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies. It’s the only four-year undergraduate program of its kind in the 64-campus SUNY System. It’s recognized as being among the top affordable colleges for a paralegal studies degree. The curriculum covers legal writing and legal research as well as various areas of law such as:

• trusts and estates
• wills
• real property law
• negligence and intentional torts
• family law
• criminal practice
• constitutional law
• civil litigation
• business law

This program also includes an internship option. Students use their real-world exposure to begin their careers and network while pursuing their degree. Instructors include practicing or former attorneys. This allows students to learn from the experience of professionals from the private sector and from governmental agencies. Students may also choose to pursue a 3+3 program. This saves on one full year of tuition by completing a bachelor’s at SUNY Canton and a law degree at the University at Buffalo School of Law. Students can graduate in six years instead of seven.

Degree Options:
Legal Studies – B.S.
In-State Tuition: $8,389
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,379
Student: Faculty Ratio: 17:1

12. Brandman University

Road Irvine, California

Points: 4
Program Website

Brandman University is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education within the Chapman University System. It’s located in Irvine California. and dedicated to providing programs for working adults. Brandman is an accredited university for a paralegal studies degree. Students may earn a top-value Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies, Paralegal Profession. It prepares ethical problem-solvers who apply research, analytical, and critical thinking skills in legal contexts. The core curriculum consists of coursework in:

• alternative dispute resolution
• trial preparation
• litigation
• foundations of law.

It also provides students with the knowledge they need to support lawyers by:

• organizing materials for court presentations
• drafting formal documents
• conducting legal research

Students who complete the B.A. in Legal Studies with a concentration in paralegal are eligible to sit for the Certified Paralegal Exam and the Paralegal Core Competencies Exam. The are also prepared to seek employment as a paralegal in the state of California.

Degree Options:
BA in Legal Studies, Paralegal Profession
In-State Tuition: $12,380
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,380
Student: Faculty Ratio: 15:1

11. Washburn University

Topeka, Kansas

Points: 4
Program Website

Established in 1865, Washburn University is a public institution of higher education in Topeka, Kansas. It offers affordable undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional programs in a variety of fields. Students seeking a low-cost paralegal studies degree may earn a Bachelor of Legal Studies that includes 27 hour of general education requirements and 12 hours of university requirements. There are also 30 credits in the major. Areas of study include:

• litigation
• interviewing and investigation
• legal writing
• legal research
• law office technology
• introduction to paralegal studies

An internship and legal studies capstone are also required. Students may then focus their degree through 21 credit hours of electives in areas such as:

• elder law
• personal injury law
• wills and estate administration
• family law

Other topics in legal studies include courses in:

• diversity
• the judicial process
• critical reasoning
• mass media law
• constitutional law

• Graduates are prepared to assist practicing lawyers in settings such as private law firms, businesses, and government agencies.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Legal Studies
In-State Tuition: $8,312
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,560
Student:Faculty Ratio: 15:1

10. CUNY New York City College of Technology

Brooklyn, New York

Points: 4
Program Website

CUNY New York City of Technology, also known simply as City Tech, is a public institution located in Brooklyn, New York. It’s recognized as one of the most affordable colleges for a paralegal studies degree. The school offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Legal Assistant Studies, the first baccalaureate paralegal studies degree of its kind offered at any public institution in New York. In the 120-credit program, students complete 21 credits in general education requirements as well as 51 credits in program-specific classes. Areas of study include:

• legal technology
• civil law and procedure
• legal ethics
• legal research
• real estate law
• wills, estates and trusts
• criminal law
• legal document preparation

Students may also take either advanced legal research or an internship. Upper-level coursework introduces students to more specialized areas of law and increases computer and communication skills. Students also have the added advantage of developing their knowledge of legal research and familiarity with the law before entering law school or graduate school. 

Degree Options:
Legal Assistant Studies – BS
In-State Tuition: $7,120
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,790
Student: Faculty Ratio: 18:1

9. East Central University

Ada, Oklahoma

Points: 4
Program Website

East Central University is an affordable college for paralegal studies. It’s located in Ada, Oklahoma. ECU is one of six schools that make up Oklahoma’s Regional University System. It enrolls around 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students. The College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at ECU offers an affordable 124-hour Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies. It includes 44 hours of general education requirements and 54 credits in the major. Required coursework includes topics in:

• civil procedure and litigation
• legal systems applications
• legal research and writing
• legal ethics, professional responsibility, and advanced litigation.

Students are also required to gain hands-on experience through a legal internship. Electives are available to help further focus the program through studies in:

• administrative law
• criminal law
• family law
• real estate law
• contracts
• evidence
• torts
• wills, estates, trusts, and probate.

Most legal studies classes at ECU are based on focused projects and lectures. This allows students to investigate the connection between politics and law.

Degree Options:
Legal Studies – B.S.
In-State Tuition: $6,810
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,020
Student: Faculty Ratio: 18:1

8. The University of West Florida

Pensacola, Florida

Points: 4
Program Website

The University of West Florida is a mid-sized public university located in Pensacola, Florida. UWF is a designated space-grant institution. It sits on a 1,600-acre main campus, the third-largest in the State University System of Florida. UWF provides an affordable Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies. It’s for students considering law school or seeking employment as an office administrator or paralegal. The low-cost curriculum provides students with a broad understanding of the function and role of the legal system, as well as the basic principles of law. This high-value program covers:

• persuasive writing
• oral advocacy
• ethical awareness
• research skills
• substantive law

Students pursuing this cost-effective paralegal studies degree benefit from small classes and high-quality, experienced faculty dedicated to the success of their students. Students can participate in clubs and organizations, complete internships, and conduct research. 

Degree Options:
Legal Studies, B.A.
In-State Tuition: $6,360
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,241
Student:Faculty Ratio: 21:1

7. Utah Valley University

Orem, Utah

Points: 4
Program Website

Utah Valley University is an affordable university for a paralegal studies degree. It offers low-cost undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 40,000. UVU offers a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies. It focuses heavily on the technical and applied aspects of the legal profession. It provides dynamic offerings on many in-demand topics in clinical practice and law. The American Bar Association-approved curriculum is provided by the Woodbury School of Business. It includes a variety of subjects critical to success in the legal field, including:

• business law
• family law
• criminal law and procedure
• technology law in practice
• legal research and writing
• civil litigation

Graduates are prepared for such careers as:

• court clerks
• litigation specialists
• legal assistants
• paralegals
• law clerks.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
In-State Tuition: $5,726
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,296
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1

6. University of North Georgia

Dahlonega, Georgia

Points: 4
Program Website

The University of North Georgia is a public institution and a member of the University System of Georgia. It was established in 2013 through a merger of Gainesville State College and North Georgia College & State University. UNG operates campus locations in:

• Blue Ridge
• Cumming
• Dahlonega
• Gainesville
• Oconee

At its Gainesville campus, the school offers a best-value paralegal studies degree with the Bachelor of Applied Science. It is one of only seven programs in the state to be approved by the American Bar Association. Students complete 42 hours in core curriculum requirements, taking classes in:

• law office management
• legal research and writing
• criminal procedure and litigation
• paralegal ethics and professional responsibility
• business law
• interviewing and investigating techniques

This program also includes 21 hours electives through which students can focus on their personal interests and professional goals. Graduates are prepared to seek employment in the legal field, working under the supervision of a licensed attorney. 

Degree Options:
Paralegal Studies (B.A.S.)
In-State Tuition: $4,692
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,514
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1

5. St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg, Florida

Points: 4
Program Website

With the lowest tuition on our list, St. Petersburg College is recognized as one of the most affordable colleges for a paralegal studies degree. Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, the college was founded in 1927. It’s a member of the Florida College System and a designated state college. SPC offers an inexpensive Bachelor of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies degree. It’s approved by the American Bar Association. The program prepares graduates for careers as paralegals and legal assistants in:

• corporate legal departments
• governmental entities,
• law firms

The affordable 120-credit curriculum includes major core courses in areas such as:

• comparative legal systems
• logic and the law
• a legal writing seminar
• U.S. constitutional law
• computers and the law office
• a seminar in professional responsibility

The program culminates in a required final course in the form of a paralegal studies capstone. 

Degree Options:
Paralegal Studies B.A.S. Degree
In-State Tuition: $2,682
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,286
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1

4. John F. Kennedy University

Pleasant Hill, California

Points: 5
Program Website

John F. Kennedy University is a private institution of higher education established in 1964. It was established to offer continuing opportunities for nontraditional and working students. Students seeking an affordable paralegal studies degree may pursue a low-cost Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies. It’s the only American Bar Association-approved bachelor’s degree in northern California. It can be completed in conjunction with an ABA-approved paralegal certificate program. The curriculum requires a minimum of 180 quarter-units of study. This includes eight units of electives, 47 upper-division units in the legal studies area, and 21 units of core requirements. Students may complete the inexpensive degree program in seven quarters of full-time study or eight quarters of part-time study. Students also have the option to pursue a four-course, 12-unit concentration in advanced legal technology. This will help them gain project management and software skills specifically geared toward the legal profession. Optional internships are available with:

• community law clinics
• nonprofit organizations
• government agencies
• local law firms

Approximately 82 percent of graduates are employed after graduating. More than 30 percent of graduates move onto law school after earning their degree.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
In-State Tuition: $8,500
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,500
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1

3. University of Houston-Clear Lake

Houston, Texas

Points: 5
Program Website

The University of Houston-Clear Lake is a four-year state university and one of four schools that make up the University of Houston System. Founded in 1971, the school enrolls nearly 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Those seeking a high-value paralegal studies degree can pursue an affordable Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and explore. Students can pursue various areas of law to obtain employment as a paralegal professional. The curriculum focuses on:

• research
• writing
• communication
• critical reasoning and analysis

Students develop valuable skills in three core areas:

• the critical role of trial by jury, dispute resolution, and the appellate process
• legal writing, research, and critical thinking skills
• the legal principles that underpin procedural and substantive areas of law

At UHCL, students also have opportunities to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations by:

• joining the Legal Studies Association
• helping to plan and implement the school’s annual Constitutional Law Day Program
• participating in the national competition orchestrated by the American Mock Trial Association
• attending seminars sponsored by the State Bar of Texas for credit.

Degree Options:
Legal Studies B.S.
In-State Tuition: $7,002
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,954
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1

2. Mississippi University for Women

Columbia, Mississippi

Points: 5
Program Website

Students seeking an affordable university for a paralegal studies degree may considerMississippi University for Women. It’s a coeducational public institution located in Columbus, Mississippi. The school was founded as a women-only institution, admitting its first male students in 1982 Men now make up around 20 percent of the MUW student body. Students may pursue a comprehensive, four-year, low-cost Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies degree. It’s one of only two in the state approved by the American Bar Association. This inexpensive degree program has a solid foundation in critical legal concepts and the analytical skills students need to perform as effective members of a legal team. Outside of the classroom, students may participate in:

• Lambda Epsilon Chi
• a national honorary fraternity for paralegals
• Bench & Gavel, a club open to all students pursuing a degree in legal studies.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
In-State Tuition: $6,940
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,940
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1

1. Lewis-Clark State College

Lewiston, Idaho

Points: 5
Program Website

Lewis-Clark State College tops our list of the best affordable colleges for a paralegal studies degree. It’s a public college located in Lewiston, Idaho. It was founded in 1893. LCSC offers more than 130 low-cost degree programs. It offers a top-ranked paralegal studies degree at both the associate and bachelor’s levels. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Paralegal program requires 50 credits from the Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal program. It also requires 37 credits in general education coursework and 33 credits of upper-division coursework for a total of 120 credits of study. Topics covered at the bachelor’s level include:

• tort law
• family law
• business organizations
• advanced civil litigation
• real estate law and procedures
• and wills, estates, and trusts

Students select an additional 10 upper-division credits to round out the program and participate in an internship in law before earning their degree.

Degree Options:
Paralegal BAS
In-State Tuition: $6,618
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,236
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies Degree?

According to U.S. News & World Report, becoming a legal assistant or paralegal does not require a strict educational requirement. In fact, many paralegals seek employment with simply a high school diploma. While an associate degree in paralegal studies is typically the minimum education requested by most employers, those who have earned a Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies may be considered for better positions, additional responsibilities, and higher salaries. Career options for students with a Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies degree include:

• Paralegals
• Legal Assistants
• Administrative Assistants
• Legal Secretaries
• Information Clerks
• Court Reporters
• Claims Adjusters
• Title Examiners
• Law Clerks

As the amount of legal work increases, lawyers and attorneys are relying on paralegals for certain tasks previously reserved for legal secretaries and entry-level lawyers in an effort to reduce costs. Tasks that a paralegal may be expected to perform include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Real estate transactions
• Exhibit research
• Legal research
• Case management
• Client interviews
• Contract preparation
• Fact evaluation and investigation

What is the Salary Potential for a Paralegal Studies Degree?

When considering the salary potential for a graduate with a paralegal studies degree, keep in mind that earning potential will depend on several factors such as the:

• city and state of employment
• size of the employer
• certification level,
• level of education

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual median pay for paralegals and legal assistants was $50,940 per year, or $24.49 per hour, as of May 2018. The lowest 10 percent of paralegals reported earnings of less than $31,400, while the highest 10 percent brought in more than $82,050.

In addition, the median annual wages for legal assistants and paralegals in the top industries in which they were employed were as follows:

• Federal government: $67,340
• Finance and insurance: $62,020
• Local government, excluding hospitals and education: $50,400
• Legal services: $48,880
• State government, excluding hospitals and education: $46,970

The BLS also reports that employment of legal assistants and paralegals is expected to increase 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. This increase may be attributed to the fact that employers looking to increase service efficiency and reduce costs may turn to paralegals.

Paralegals can take on a “hybrid role.” In other words, paralegals can provide not only traditional paralegal duties but also tasks previously assigned to legal support workers such as legal secretaries. Paralegals are also a less costly alternative to entry-level lawyers, which ultimately helps law firms attempting to reduce billing costs for clients who are pushing for more affordable legal services.

What Courses Will You Take in a Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies Degree Program?

While the specific curriculum provided by each school will vary, most programs consist of 120 credits of study. Students should expect to gain a strong foundation in legal research and writing as well as an understanding of various practice areas of law. Concentrations may also be available in areas such as:

• corporate law
• labor law
• healthcare law
• criminal law

Sample courses that may be offered in a Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies degree program include:

• Law Office Technology
• Introduction to the Legal System and Law
• Criminal Law and Procedures
• Civil Law and Procedures
• Legal Ethics and Responsibilities
• American Politics
• Family Law, Probate, and Tort
• Business Law
• Legal Research and Legal Writing
• Wills and Estates

Depending on the coursework and the school’s requirements, most students can complete their Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies in three to four years. Keep in mind that practicum experiences and internships may extend the length of time to completion. Students considering a Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies may wish to pursue a program accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), the top organization for American lawyers and paralegals. 

Some programs may pave the way for paralegals to become certified through one of three nationally recognized paralegal professional organizations:

• the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS)
• the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
• the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).

As you begin to research affordable paralegal studies degrees, we hope that our list helps you to narrow down your options and select the school that best meets your needs and professional goals.

AS Staff

This concludes our ranking of the top 15 best affordable paralegal studies degrees (bachelor’s).

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