Paralegal Schools - how much does schooling cost?

In the US alone, there are over 250 paralegal courses available from around 1000 paralegal schools. The different paralegal degrees and other approved courses reflect the differing educational qualifications required by individual employers for paralegal jobs, and the various requirements of the local jurisdiction.

COSTS AND TIMESCALES - US
In the US most new Paralegals have an Associate Paralegal Degree, or an unrelated bachelor’s degree combined with a Certificate of Paralegal Studies

In the US paralegal certificate courses cost from around $1000, and advanced paralegal certificate around $1500. Courses are available in a number of formats to suit the candidate’s circumstances – 6 weeks of live lectures, 14 weeks of online lectures, and as DVD lectures for independent study at the candidates own pace.

COSTS AND TIMESCALES - UK
In the UK online courses leading to an accredited paralegal qualification are available from around £400, providing as two 6 week modules.

Distance learning courses leading to a BTEC in Law & Legal Work are available from around £800 pounds. Since the distance learning course is completed at the student’s own pace, timescales for completing the course will vary, but a suggested time to complete the BTEC course is around 6 months.

If your ambition and budget - both for time and money – reach further still various full time degree courses are available. The true cost of a full time course depends so much on personal circumstances, whether you would travel or board, etc. so check the IoP site for more information.

APL & APEL - If you already have some related educational qualifications or prior work experience look for ‘Approved Prior Learning’ (APL) and ‘Approved Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning’ (APEL) programs that will give credits or even exemptions from parts of the course

SUMMARY
The choice of education and qualification goals should be made with one eye on any previous qualifying education and employment, and the other on the rules and regulations governing employment in the jurisdiction where you intend to work.