Accredited Paralegal Schools

There are over 1,200 campus-based and online paralegal schools to choose from, which can make the selection process a bit overwhelming. Make sure know what to look for when choosing a paralegal school. Factors such as your geographic location, your financial situation, the school's accreditation and your future career interests are very important.

Paralegal School Accreditation

Paralegal program approval by the American Bar Association (ABA) can be very important for some lawyers and much less important for others. Some law firms consider the reputation of a paralegal school more important than its ABA accreditation—or lack thereof. You should take the initiative to go online and see what law firms are requiring of their paralegals. Contact employers that interest you to find out what is most important in the paralegal hiring decision. Read more about ABA vs. Non-ABA accredited paralegal schools.

Your Geographical Location

Geographic location can often rule out ABA-approved paralegal schools, since there are only around 250 in the United States. In this case, institutionally accredited schools are another option. Many non-ABA-approved paralegal schools offer curricula that meet the ABA standards, even though these schools have decided not to pursue ABA approval. The ABA approval process is time-consuming and rigorous, and some high-quality schools choose to forgo ABA accreditation. Online paralegal schools are another option for those who are currently employed or cannot conveniently attend class.

On the other hand, many paralegals and lawyers recommend getting your degree at ABA-accredited paralegal schools. If you can—and if you find that job listings in your city require it—request school information from one of the ABA-approved paralegal schools below.

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Types of Paralegal Schools and Programs

The type of paralegal degree or certificate you choose depends on your previous work experience and education. A paralegal with many years of paralegal experience may want to earn a paralegal certificate to enhance their skills and advance their career opportunities. Those individuals holding a bachelor's degree in another field and looking to enter the paralegal profession may want to pursue a post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate. On the other hand, a high school graduate may want to earn an associate's or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies. There are various specializations in the paralegal field, such as real estate, family law, litigation, intellectual property, and many others.

Find Accredited Paralegal Schools

Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies and Colorado Technical University offer highly rated paralegal programs. These paralegal schools are very reputable and institutionally accredited. Everest College, formerly Florida Metropolitan University, was ranked in the top 100 paralegal schools by www.paralegal100.com.

— Fully Accredited Criminal Justice Degree Programs —

Online Paralegal Schools

star= Staff's Picks

starKaplan 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
Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies

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

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

Hodges University: Graduates of the Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam.

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Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Jones College: Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

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Associate's - Legal Assistant
Bachelor's - Legal Assistant

Keiser University: E-Campus Online Programs. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education.

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Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Minnesota School of Business Online: The Minnesota School of Business is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

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Certificate in Paralegal
Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Post University Online: Post University is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

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Certificate in Paralegal
Associate's in Legal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Rasmussen College: Accredited by the The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education.

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Associate's in Paralegal Studies

South University: The South University Partially Online Associate's in Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association. Students are required to take the remaining classes at a South University campus or at an institution approved by South University. This is an excellent opportunity to pursue an ABA approved paralegal program and benefit from the flexibility offered by the online format.

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Associate's in Paralegal Studies (Partially Online)
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Virginia College: Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Westwood College: You can earn an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies in as little as 20 months. Westwood College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCS).

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Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Campus Based and ABA Approved Paralegal Programs

starEverest Institute: Everest Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is recognized by the United States Department of Education and is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Programs Offered: Paralegal

starEverest College: Everest College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is recognized by the United States Department of Education and is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Choose a campus location near you to learn more.

Programs Offered: Paralegal, Criminal Justice, Criminal Investigations

Brown Mackie College:

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

Center for Advanced Legal Studies:

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

Eagle Gate College:

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

Fremont College:

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

Hesser College:

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

Keiser University:

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

Platt College:

Programs Offered: Associate's in Paralegal Studies

South College:

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

South University:

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