Do you Choose an ABA (American Bar Association) approved Paralegal School?

Finding the paralegal school that fits your lifestyle, career intentions and budget is a difficult task, then you have to figure out if you need to attend an ABA approved school or if attending a non-ABA approved school will get you where you need to go and is just as good. All the information out there arguing the importance of ABA approved schools versus non-ABA schools can make your decision that more difficult. We have prepared support arguments for each option in hopes that your choice will be made more clear.

ABA Approved Non-ABA Approved
  • Some Law Firms, State Bar Associations and Paralegal organizations support ABA approved schools and feel that it is a competitive advantage in the hiring process at more sought after and lucrative positions.
  • Provides employer an assurance that the paralegal has received the necessary training to be a competent hire.
  • Some state bar associations and paralegal associations, such as in the states of Colorado, Wisconsin and Nevada advocate preferences for graduates of ABA approved paralegal programs.
  • The International Paralegal Management Association members have reported that they look mor favorably upon job candidates that have graduated from ABA approved paralegal schools.
  • Research has found that law firms do not always consider graduation from an ABA approved paralegal school the most important factor in hiring a paralegal.
  • Nationwide, there are a large number of paralegal programs that meet the ABA standards but do not pursue approval based on the costs associated with the process. These approval costs are often passed on to students through higher tuition costs and cutbacks in student resources at ABA approved paralegal schools.
  • The ABA cannot formally accredit any paralegal program, but will approve a program that meets specific standards for a designated fee.
  • ABA approved paralegal schools generally have higher tuititions than non-ABA approved paralegal schools.
  • No ABA approved paralegal school has an online or correspondence option.
  • Based on the statistic that approximately 250 of 1200 paralegal programs nationally are ABA approved, it can be quite difficult to find and attend an ABA approved paralegal school, geographically speaking.

Find ABA Approved Paralegal Programs
Find Non-ABA Approved Online Paralegal Programs
Find Paralegal Programs by State

The paralegal school you choose should be based on your financial position, geographical location, specific career goals and where you actually want to work. Before you choose a school, find out what the most important hiring decisions are at your desired place of employment. If you choose to attend a Non-ABA approved paralegal school, make sure to check out their accreditation and that the school is recognized by the NFPA and the NALA so that you will be able to sit for the certification exams (the PACE and the CLA). Also, compare the course offerings at a non-ABA approved school you are interested in with an ABA approved school to see if the curriculum is similar. Finally, check on the the reputation of the school and how it ranks in the legal community you will be working in.

We offer non-ABA approved online paralegal programs (There are no online paralegal programs that are ABA approved). The Kaplan University and Colorado Technical University paralegal programs are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. These schools' accreditation, along with the required work experience, will make you eligible to site for the NFPA's PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam. We also can connect you with highley rated ABA approved paralegal programs throughout the country.

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Online Paralegal Schools and Training Programs

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pickKaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Kaplan University School of Legal Studies is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized by the NFPA and NALA. In addition to meeting the NFPA and NALA work experience requirements, graduates of the Kaplan University paralegal programs will be eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam. Request no obligation information from these paralegal programs today.

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AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Pathway to Paralegal Certificate
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies

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pickVirginia College: Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) which is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the US Department of Education. ACICS is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Request information from Virginia College to learn more.

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Associate's in Paralegal Studies

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Westwood College:

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Associate Degree - Paralegal

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Herzing University Online:

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AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal
BS in Legal Studies

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Colorado Technical University/Stonecliffe College: Stonecliffe College Online offers one of the most up to date and accredited paralegal associate degree programs in the country. Students are educated in document organization systems, handling document production, how to write legal correspondence and other relevant skills necessary for paralegal career preparation. Colorado Technical University paralegal programs are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam, with the required work experience.

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A.S. Paralegal Studies

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Everest University Online: The Everest College Online paralegal associate and bachelor degree programs are widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country. Everest College, formerly known as Florida Metropolitan University, ranked in the top 100 paralegal schools by www.paralegal100.com. Everest College Online is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which with the required work experience, makes graduates eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam.

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Paralegal Associate's Degree
Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

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George Washington University: This program is identical to the on-campus master's program offered at GW, but offered entirely online..

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Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

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Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today.

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Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

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Southwest Florida College Online: Request information from the associate's in Paralegal Studies program today.

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Associate's in Paralegal Studies

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Campus Based and ABA Approved Paralegal Programs

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starEverest Institute:

Programs Offered: Paralegal

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Pittsburgh, PA , Rochester, NY

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starEverest College:

Programs Offered: Paralegal, Criminal Justice, Criminal Investigations

Campus locations in Arlington, VA, Aurora, CO, Colorado Springs, Dallas, TX, Fort Worth, TX, Mesa, AZ, Ontario, CA, Phoenix, AZ, Paralegal Associate's Degree (ABA Approved), Portland, OR, Salt Lake City, UT, Springfield, MO, Thornton, CO, Vancouver, WA

Request free information from Everest College Paralegal programs.

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Brown Mackie College:

Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's | Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Paralegal

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Tucson, AZ, Indianapolis, IN, Miami, FL

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Center for Advanced Legal Studies:

Programs Offered: Associate's and Certificate | Paralegal Studies (ABA Approved and Accredited)

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Houston.

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Eagle Gate College:

Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's | Criminal Justice, Paralegal

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Salt Lake City, Layton, or Online.

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Fremont College:

Programs Offered: Associate's of Arts in Paralegal Studies American Bar Association (ABA) Approved

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Cerritos, CA

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Hesser College:

Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's | Criminal Justice, Paralegal

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Concord, Portsmouth, Manchester, Nashua

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Keiser University:

Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's | Criminal Justice, Crime Scene Tech, Criminal Justice, Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies

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Tampa, FL, Daytona Beach, FL, Sarasota, FL, Tallahassee, FL, Port St. Lucie, FL, Kendall, FL, Lakeland, FL, Melbourne, FL, West Palm Beach, FL.

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South College:

Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's | Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies

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Asheville, NC, Knoxville, TN (ABA Approved)

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South University:

Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, Legal Studies

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Montgomery, AL, Savannah, GA, West Palm Beach, FL, Columbia, SC

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