A career in the legal field can be exciting, fast-paced, and rewarding, both personally and financially. A career in the legal field also begins in the classroom, and that is where the importance of finding great paralegal associate degree programs joins the conversation.
To help eliminate some of the unnecessary chatter and to make finding the right school easier we have compiled a list of the top programs. With a focus on accreditation and scoring values such as tuition and program length (credit hours), and without further ado – here is our list of the top paralegal associate degree programs.
1. Hutchinson Community College (97 points)
It might seem a bit surprising to find a trade/technical/community college program among the top spots on the list of the top paralegal programs, but that is exactly where Hutchinson Community College of Hutchinson, Kansas finds itself. An eye-popping tuition rate doesn’t hurt its cause and also is a big reason why this program is in the top spot.
Tuition: $4,350 per year
Program credit hours: 64
2. Southwest Virginia Community College (96 points)
Another surprising school at the top of our list is the Southwest Virginia Community College in Richlands, Virginia. While this program doesn’t have stunning tuition rates, they are very manageable, and this 60 credit hour program has proven to be a great place to begin a career in the legal field.
Tuition: $10,706 per year
Program credit hours: 60
3. Alexandria Technical & Community College (94 points)
This post-secondary institution offers a Paralegal Associate in Applied Science degree, that is both comprehensive and practical. Helping this program to climb our list of the top schools for a paralegal associate degree is a very impressive tuition rate too. A bright spot in the city of Alexandria, Minnesota, it is also a great spot to embark upon and begin a legal career.
Tuition: $5,565 per year
Program credit hours: 72
3. University of North Georgia (94 points)
The University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Georgia, offers an A.A.S Paralegal degree that provides a solid foundation and the tools required to begin a career in the legal arena. A reasonable tuition rate and a typical 60 credit hour program doesn’t hurt its cause and helps to earn this excellent program a spot on our list.
Tuition: $13,776 per year
Program credit hours: 60
5. Northern Michigan University (92 points)
This great legal program is offered by Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, and affords students the education and skills they need to pursue a career in the legal field. While this program doesn’t have the most affordable tuition rates on our list, this standard 60 credit hour program is strong enough to find a place on our list of the top paralegal associate degree programs.
Tuition: $16,751 per year
Program credit hours: 60
6. Eastern Kentucky University (90 points)
Well regarded as an esteemed and reputed post-secondary institution, this Richmond, Kentucky school also offers a great paralegal associate degree program. While students will most likely seek financial aid to assist with tuition, they can expect to complete the program with 60 credit hours.
Tuition: $19,948 per year
Program credit hours: 60
7. University of Toledo (89 points)
One of the pride and joys of the city of Toledo, Ohio is the University of Toledo. One reason for that pride may very well be a result of its excellent paralegal associate degree program. Tuition rates here will typically require some type of financial aid but this program is a worthy investment.
Tuition: $20,010 per year
Program credit hours: 60
8. Mississippi College (87 points)
Not only is this school a wonderful place to earn a paralegal associate degree it is also the oldest school in the state. This Clinton, Mississippi institution didn’t offer specific information on the program credit requirements, but its tuition rates will mean getting some assistance.
Tuition: $18,800 per year
Program credit hours: unavailable
9. University of Central Florida (85 points)
While our list is void of some of the major big-name schools, colleges like the University of Central Florida make up for in student size. That size also enables this program to provide excellent resources for students of its paralegal associate degree program.
Tuition: $22,467 per year
Program credit hours: 64
9. Morehead State University (85 points)
No stranger to accolades, the Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky is one of the state’s proudest post-secondary institutions. It has also been home to many successful careers for students seeking a paralegal associate degree. This program requires 60 credit hours to complete and will probably require help for its considerable tuition fees too.
Tuition: $23,100 per year
Program credit hours: 60
11. University of Cincinnati (84 points)
This southwest Ohio school is one of many excellent colleges in the state of Ohio and the Midwest, and it is a wonderful place for students with aspirations of a career in the legal field. Stout tuition rates will require some financial assistance but this program has proven to be worth its weight in gold – or dollars and cents.
Tuition: $26,994 per year
Program credit hours: 60
11. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (84 points)
This is one of the lesser-known schools, even among the smaller schools on our list, but this great program is worth a look for students seeking a paralegal associate degree program. While a healthy tuition rate isn’t as attractive as some other schools, a demanding program that only requires 45 credit hours to complete looks very good.
Tuition: $30,500 per year
Program credit hours: 45
13. Marian University (79 points)
This excellent paralegal associate degree program from Marian University in Indianapolis makes up for in quality what it lacks in affordable tuition. With the right income bracket or with good financial assistance, however, this isn’t a program that should be overlooked.
14. University of Evansville (77 points)
Few small schools are as well known and recognized as the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana. While this paralegal associate degree program can compete with any, it is sizeable tuition costs that prevent the University of Evansville from ranking higher on our list.
Tuition: $37,466 per year 32
Program credit hours: 72 45
15. Rockhurst University (75 points)
This program doesn’t offer a true paralegal associate degree, but they do afford students a great paralegal studies certificate program. This school is also one of the first to offer such programs and in addition to offering flexible scheduling, the course can be completed in one year. Chunky tuition rates don’t do this program any favors, but it didn’t seem right to omit the Rockhurst University paralegal program from our list.
Tuition: $38,760 per year
Program credit hours: N/A
School Rankings and Methodology
The schools on our list included trade schools, technical and two-year programs, as well as traditional four-year schools so long as the paralegal associate degree programs are accredited. The ranking system used a 100-point scale, with each category accounting for one half of the total score. Where schools didn’t have applicable information or data available, those programs were assigned the lowest weighted point total.
We check and double-check our information and data, and we strive to provide the most useful and accurate information. Readers, however, should still note that this information and data is always in flux and these numbers are only approximations. If you find errors or outdated information, please let us know. For questions or concerns about the information, schools, or anything else, please contact us for help, and good luck in your educational pursuits.