Trained paralegals are in high demand among law firms, legal departments, and nonprofits. Cost efficiency, increased legal workload, and complex regulations are the main reasons.
Paralegals can perform many legal functions, but are more affordable than lawyers. The increase in litigations means more paralegals must provide legal support services.
Of course, there’s also the fact that the paralegal profession pays well. Paralegals earn $61,010/year in median wages (BLS, May 2024). The highest 10% earned over $98,990/year – indeed, more than twice the median yearly wage for all occupations.
Paying for paralegal education is a challenge. It’s true whether you pursue a certificate or an undergraduate degree. You must account for direct and indirect costs. Tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, and living expenses add up.
Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of paralegal program financial aid opportunities. We’ll discuss your best financing options for paralegal certificates and degrees. Scholarships, employer support, and loans are a few examples.
Related:
- Top Best Value Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Paralegal Studies
- Best Free Online Paralegal Courses
- Top Affordable ABA Accredited Online Paralegal Programs
- Most Affordable Online Associate’s in Paralegal Studies Degree Programs
Cost of Paralegal Education
The actual cost of your paralegal education will vary depending on many factors. The college offering it, the type of program, and the delivery format are crucial. When you understand their impact on cost, you can make informed decisions, cost-wise.
Check with the paralegal programs you’re interested in for specific tuition and fees. In general, the average tuition and fees are as follows:
- Paralegal certificates cost between $3,000 and $10,000
- Associate’s degrees in paralegal studies costs range from $6,000 to $15,000
- Bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies cost range between $12,000 and over $25,000
Community colleges and public universities usually offer more affordable tuition and fees. There are more paralegal program financial aid opportunities, too.
Online programs are characteristically more affordable than on-campus programs. Students pay more affordable tuition and spend less on indirect costs.
ABA-approved programs are also more expensive, in general. But these programs are more respected by employers, too.
Don’t forget to consider the hidden costs of becoming a paralegal, too.
- Books and supplies
- Technology costs, such as a laptop and Internet connection for online programs
- Certification exams
- Internship expenses
With that said, your first step then is to find quality yet affordable paralegal programs. You’ll have lower out-of-pocket costs, especially when paired with financial aid.
Federal Financial Aid Options
The first paralegal program financial aid to apply for is federal financial aid. Check the school’s regional or national accreditation first.
Then, check if it’s approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in federal student aid programs. Use the Federal School Code Lists for this purpose. Most public universities and community colleges participate, as are many private colleges.
Check if the school you’re interested in is a Title IV eligible institution, too. No Title IV eligibility, no federal aid eligibility for students.
The types of federal financial aid for paralegal students are as follows:
- Pell Grants: need-based aid for undergraduate students with significant financial need.
- Federal direct subsidized loans: low-interest loans for undergraduate students with financial need.
- Federal direct unsubsidized loans: fixed interest rates for all students.
- Parent PLUS Loans: designed to help parents of dependent students cover remaining costs. A credit check and half-time enrollment are required.
All these are available via the FAFSA. Be sure to file your complete and accurate FAFSA on or before the deadline.
State Aid and Workforce Grants
Check if your state also offers grants for paralegal students. You may be able to get thousands of dollars in financial support.
Most states award grants to resident students enrolled in eligible programs. These include in-state public colleges and vocational programs.
Examples of states with student aid and workforce grants for paralegal students include:
- California Student Aid Commission Cal Grant Program
- New York Tuition Assistance Program
- Massachusetts Assistance for Student Success Grant Program
Look into the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), too. It is a federal program that offers free training funding in certain states. Paralegal programs are included in the program.
Eligible individuals include:
- Unemployed workers
- Low-income adults
- Displaced homemakers
- Youth facing employment barriers
You must complete an eligibility assessment before enrolling in an eligible program. Do it with your local workforce development board or American Job Center.
If you’re a displaced or unemployed worker, you may also qualify for tuition assistance. Check with your state’s higher education agency and labor department.
Scholarships for Paralegal Students
Free money since you don’t have to repay them: this is what scholarships for paralegal programs are, which makes them excellent options.
Here are the best national paralegal-specific scholarship programs.
- NFPA offers many merit-based scholarships to paralegal students.
- NALA provides scholarships for paralegal students in affiliated schools.
- AAfPE student scholarships are available to outstanding paralegal students. Essays on legal topics are usually required.
Check for community-based and school-specific scholarships, too. Notable examples include:
- San Diego Paralegal Association scholarships
- Cleveland Foundation Scholarships
- Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta
So, how to pay for paralegal school without spending most of your money? Scholarships and grants. But these are competitive, meaning you must put your best foot forward.
- Maintain good grades (i.e., at least 2.5).
- Tailor your application for every program.
- Submit strong letters of recommendation.
- Highlight your achievements and relevant experiences.
- Submit a complete application on or before the deadline.
- Proofread every document before submitting it.
Free money is, well, free, but it doesn’t come easy in this instance.
Private Loans and Payment Plans
Paralegal certificate student loans should be your last resort because of their risks. You can consider private student loans if you:
- Have exhausted all your funding options
- Aren’t eligible for federal funding, such as when you’re enrolled in a standalone program
- Need more money beyond what you received in federal loans
Only get student loans from reputable lenders. Consider banks and credit unions first. Then, explore your options on platforms like Sallie Mae and Discover.
Always read the fine print, including repayment terms and interest rates. Compare as many lenders as possible, too. The interest rates and repayment terms aren’t as flexible as in federal loans.
Before private loans, consider your school’s installment plans. There’s no credit check required, and you can avoid private loans. You can plan for the fixed payments, too.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement & Legal Employers
Many law firms and corporate employers offer paralegal tuition assistance, too. Their tuition assistance programs serve many purposes, including:
- Upskilling their workforce, such as legal assistants seeking paralegal certification
- Retaining their talented employees
- Maintaining their competitive edge in the legal industry
So, ask your human resources officer about employer tuition reimbursement. You’re likely to pay your tuition and fees first. Then, your employer makes a partial or full reimbursement, depending on the terms.
Employer reimbursements can result in a significant reduction in out-of-pocket costs. Amounts vary, but under current IRS guidelines, it can cover up to $5,250/year, tax-free.
Choosing an Affordable Paralegal Program
Quality yet low-cost paralegal training is possible with these tips.
- Look for the schools’ regional or national accreditation first.
- Ask about their programs’ ABA approval. While it’s a voluntary credential, it’s widely recognized by employers as a mark of quality.
- Consider affordable options first. Community colleges, state universities, public colleges, and online programs are best. Evening programs and part-time enrollment can also lead to cost savings.
- Check the tuition and fees for each program. Consider the financial aid opportunities that can offset these costs.
- Evaluate the quality and scope of student support services and career services.
- Ask about internship and practicum opportunities.
- Use cost comparison tools and net price calculators.
Most importantly, determine your financial resources and career goals first. Then, choose a paralegal program based on these factors.
Final Tips for Managing Education Costs
The rising cost of college education is no joke. Tuition inflation is 3.63% per year, on average, from 2010-2011 to 2022-2023 (EDI).
But it’s possible to manage your education costs by keeping these tips in mind.
- Create a realistic budget before enrolling. Include direct and indirect costs, create an emergency fund, and find extra income.
- Seek scholarships and grants first. Avoid unnecessary borrowing, especially from private lenders.
- Consider working part-time or studying online to save money. Explore your online paralegal program financing.
- Keep track of deadlines for aid and scholarships.
Conclusion
Paralegal education is a valuable investment. You can establish a rewarding career, pursue advanced education, and enjoy non-pecuniary benefits.
Paying for paralegal education isn’t easy for many people. We recommend exploring your paralegal program’s financial aid opportunities. With the right financing strategy, it can be accessible and affordable.
You must be proactive in your approach. Start by researching your options and applying for as many opportunities as you can. Every dollar adds up toward your education.
And don’t forget to work with a major resource – your college’s financial aid office. You’ll receive proper guidance and get access to helpful resources and services.
