Paralegal Training Cost

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^[1] , 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^[2] 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^[3] 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^[4] 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.

• According to the US Department of Labor^[5] , 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.

• The National Association of Legal Assistants^[6] , The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc.^[7] , and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations ^[8] 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^[9] .
• 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^[10] .
• 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.

• Financial aid is available from most community colleges and universities. Check their specific websites for eligibility and application requirements. The College Board^[11] also offers information on financial aid.

• The American Bar Association ^[12] offers a directory of approved paralegal programs.
• The American Association of Community Colleges^[13] offers a national directory of community colleges.
• The American Association of Colleges and Universities offers an online list of state colleges.
• The US Department of Education maintains an online College Navigator^[14] which locates schools by zip code and degree requirements.

1.  www.citytech.cuny.edu/academics/deptsites/legalstudies/programs.shtml
2.  www3.uclaextension.edu/index.cfm?href=/departmentalPages/index.cfm&department=/aat...
3.  www.paralegal.edu
4.  extension.berkeley.edu/spos/paralegal.html
5.  www.bls.gov/ooh/Legal/Paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm
6.  www.nala.org/Default.aspx
7.  www.aapipara.org
8.  www.paralegals.org/index.cfm
9.  www.bls.gov/ooh/Legal/Paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm
10.  /secure.californiacolleges.edu/finance/how-much-does-college-cost.asp
11.  /bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-101/financial-aid-can-he...
12.  apps.americanbar.org/legalservices/paralegals/directory/
13.  www.aacc.nche.edu/pages/ccfinder.aspx
14.  nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/

Check Out All Costs for Schools & Job Training		How Much Does Community College Cost?		How Much Does Pharmacy Technician School Cost?		How Much Does Elementary School Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost. The hot summer weather is here. How much does central air conditioning cost? Usage of streaming services is skyrocketing. We list the latest offerings and deals. Staying cool during the summer also means on the road. We cover the cost of car air conditioning. A BBQ grill can come in handy during the summer.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Low cost baby shower Paid: 600.00 I spent about $200 on food/snacks/simple decor- where I served Packaged desserts (due to covid) and deli sandwiches, bbq chicken and Bread/cheese/fruit... [more] -Mommy to be Baby Shower Cost TSLIM Insulin Pump Paid: 1131.20 I have Federal Blue Cross, the most expensive Self Plan. The insurance company paid $5,584.20 for the TSLIM, and I paid $1,131.20 out of pocket. Medtronic Insulin pump was quoted at the same price... [more] -Read by EOB Insulin Pump Cost Prescription Eye Glasses Paid: 380.00 Eye exam was less than $60. Frames alone were about $118. Extra-wide progrssive lenses an additional $80. Polycarbonate thin lens with blue light filter, UV protection, anti-glare, 1-year warranty on frames & lenses... [more] -Lady 70 Eyeglasses Cost About the free dog food Paid: 100.00 I'm a 70 year old retired senior citizen I have two dogs Lily is Irish Terrier weighs about 15 lb very good dog Jade is a blue nose pitbull and she's 5 months old and weighs about 55 lb cost me $100 or better a month to feed them I like to ... [more] -Robert moneyhan Dog Food Cost DIY Front End Paid: 965.00 Front: 2xCV axel, 2xball joints, 2x Sway bar end links,sway bar bushings, 2xrotors, 2x brake pads. $500Rear: brake pads. $35New Tools (yay!):3 ton floor jack, 20v impact wrench, 2x Jack stands, tube lock-tite, can of pb blaster. $430.$965... [more] -Mr. Gillis Car Suspension Cost Fujitsu split single unit Paid: 3400.00 I was charged 3400 which include electrical work. The contractor was referred to me by a neighbor. I asked about a rebate and was informed the cost included any rebate money and he (the contractor) would take care of it... [more] -A wary lake resident Ductless Air Conditioner Cost