 | Associate's Degree: $600-$5,400 Per Year |
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 | Private or Vocational School: $5,000-$12,000+ |
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 | State College or University: $5,000-$23,000 Per Year |
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| Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, provide support to lawyers in many aspects of legal proceedings. Most have either an associate's degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree in another field and a certificate in paralegal studies. While paralegals aren't required by law to be certified, various local and national paralegal organizations offer certifications. | | |
| Typical costs: | - The most common method of paralegal training is through a community college paralegal program leading to an associate's degree. Full-time tuition and fees for a two-year degree, based on two 15-unit semesters, is about $600 to $5,400 per year. California has one of the lowest per-unit rates, $26, while the Community College of Vermont is at the top of the scale with a per-credit cost of $205 for in-state residents. See How Much Does Community College Cost for more information.
- Some state colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in paralegal studies. These programs cost about $5,000 -$23,000 per year, depending on whether the student is an in-state or out-of-state resident. The New York City College of Technology, run by The City University of New York, offers a four-year bachelor's degree course in Legal Assistant Studies approved by the American Bar Association. Its in-state tuition and fees are $4,600 per year; out-of-state tuition and fees are $12,450 per year. See How Much Does College Cost for more details.
- For those who already have a college degree in another field, a certificate in paralegal studies is considered sufficient training and costs $3,000 -$8,000 or more. UCLA Extension offers a five-month classroom course for $5,500 plus a nonrefundable $150 application fee.
- Various private business and vocational schools offer both associate's degree courses and certificate programs in paralegal studies, for $5,000 -$12,000 or more. Studying with the Center for Advanced Legal Studies in Texas costs $10,500 for a certificate in paralegal studies that can be completed in seven months. An associate's degree in paralegal studies costs $21,700 and can be completed in 15 months.
- Correspondence or online courses for a certificate in paralegal studies cost $3,000 to $10,000 or more. UC Berkeley offers a two-part online course. Each part costs $1,750 and must be completed within three months.
- Some employers offer on-the-job training for paralegals. Check with prospective employers such as law firms, corporate legal departments, and various levels of government.
What should be included: | - According to the US Department of Labor, Paralegal associate's and bachelor's degree courses usually combine paralegal training with classes in other academic subjects.
- Most paralegal certificate programs provide intensive paralegal training for those who hold college degrees in other fields.
- Paralegal training should include courses in legal research and the legal applications of computers.
- Some paralegal training courses offer internship work experience in a private law firm, corporate legal department or government agency.
Additional costs: | - The National Association of Legal Assistants, The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc., and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations all offer paralegal certifications based on experience and/or passing an exam. The costs are about $75 to $400. Most employers do not require membership in one of these groups, according to US Department of Labor.
- Books and supplies for associate's degree studies cost about $759 at the City University of New York: Bronx Community College. At California community colleges, books cost about $1,500, according to CaliforniaColleges.edu.
- Costs for room and board range from about $2,000 per year at Hinds Community College in Mississippi to $9,920 at Ilisagvik College in Alaska, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Discounts: | - Financial aid is available from most community colleges and universities. Check their specific websites for eligibility and application requirements. The College Board also offers information on financial aid.
Shopping for paralegal training: | |
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Article updated December 2010 |
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