What Are the Costs of a Paralegal Education?
by Robyn Tellefsen
Paralegals are in demand. In fact, employment of paralegals is projected to grow 22 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). So how much is a paralegal education going to set you back?
Regulation of the profession
First, realize that paralegals are not required to be licensed by their state and that standardization of paralegal education has yet to be established. About 1,000 schools offer formal paralegal programs, and the length and cost of these programs vary greatly.
Paralegal education programs
Paralegal certificate programs require the least time to complete -- between six months and a year. These programs are usually designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree. Ranging from 18 to 30 credits, certificate programs are shorter than degree programs, and therefore less expensive.
Paralegal programs that lead to an associate degree take about two years of full-time study, or 60 to 70 credits, to complete. Four-year degree programs, typically 120 to 130 credits, also offer paralegal studies as a major, concentration, or minor. Some schools even offer master's degrees in paralegal studies.
Paralegal program costs
According to 2007 figures from the College Board, a community college degree costs about $4,552 per year, while a public university charges about $15,488 per year and a private university about $34,063 per year. Don't forget to factor room and board, transportation, and books and supplies into your finances.
Financial assistance
Before panic sets in, remember that a school's sticker price is not the final word. If you enroll in an accredited paralegal program, you may be eligible for federal financial assistance to offset tuition. Beyond accreditation, find out whether the paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), the gold standard for the profession. Approximately 260 paralegal programs are approved by the ABA.
Paralegal earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2007, full-time paralegals had median annual earnings of $44,990, including bonuses. Plus, salaried paralegals also receive paid vacation, sick, and personal days; health and life insurance; retirement plans; and reimbursement for continuing paralegal education.
Paralegal certification
If you want to make even more money, consider pursuing paralegal certification from one of several professional organizations. The National Association for Legal Assistants awards the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), Certified Paralegal (CP), and Advanced Paralegal Certification (APC) credentials. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations awards the Registered Paralegal (RP) credential. NALS, the association for legal professionals, awards the Professional Paralegal (PP) credential. And the American Alliance of Paralegals awards the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential. Of course, applying for paralegal certification can be costly in itself -- exam fees are about $250.
Paralegal education can be costly, but it can also pave your path to a lucrative, in-demand career.
Regulation of the profession
First, realize that paralegals are not required to be licensed by their state and that standardization of paralegal education has yet to be established. About 1,000 schools offer formal paralegal programs, and the length and cost of these programs vary greatly.
Paralegal education programs
Paralegal certificate programs require the least time to complete -- between six months and a year. These programs are usually designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree. Ranging from 18 to 30 credits, certificate programs are shorter than degree programs, and therefore less expensive.
Paralegal programs that lead to an associate degree take about two years of full-time study, or 60 to 70 credits, to complete. Four-year degree programs, typically 120 to 130 credits, also offer paralegal studies as a major, concentration, or minor. Some schools even offer master's degrees in paralegal studies.
Paralegal program costs
According to 2007 figures from the College Board, a community college degree costs about $4,552 per year, while a public university charges about $15,488 per year and a private university about $34,063 per year. Don't forget to factor room and board, transportation, and books and supplies into your finances.
Financial assistance
Before panic sets in, remember that a school's sticker price is not the final word. If you enroll in an accredited paralegal program, you may be eligible for federal financial assistance to offset tuition. Beyond accreditation, find out whether the paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), the gold standard for the profession. Approximately 260 paralegal programs are approved by the ABA.
Paralegal earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2007, full-time paralegals had median annual earnings of $44,990, including bonuses. Plus, salaried paralegals also receive paid vacation, sick, and personal days; health and life insurance; retirement plans; and reimbursement for continuing paralegal education.
Paralegal certification
If you want to make even more money, consider pursuing paralegal certification from one of several professional organizations. The National Association for Legal Assistants awards the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA), Certified Paralegal (CP), and Advanced Paralegal Certification (APC) credentials. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations awards the Registered Paralegal (RP) credential. NALS, the association for legal professionals, awards the Professional Paralegal (PP) credential. And the American Alliance of Paralegals awards the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential. Of course, applying for paralegal certification can be costly in itself -- exam fees are about $250.
Paralegal education can be costly, but it can also pave your path to a lucrative, in-demand career.
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