Financial concerns are always something to consider when making educational decisions. If you are working and plan to attend classes part-time, your tuition will technically be lower, but it will take longer to complete the course, and the overall cost will be higher. Certificate programs are less expensive in general, but there are fewer financial aid options available.
Tuition
Certificate programs: At the National Paralegal College, the certificate program consists of 24 units with tuition at $325 per unit. The total cost for the course is $7,995.
By comparison, the Center for Legal Studies’ program is 14 weeks (two seven-week courses), beginning at $2,095 depending on the school and the type of program (online, self-study, live lecture).
Not all schools offer online or hybrid courses, and factors like accreditation can affect the cost.
Degree programs are more expensive. The National Paralegal College will accept transfer credits, which can reduce your cost. The 60-unit course is $19,500 for the two-year program. If you had four legal courses that would transfer, your cost would be $15,000. Their bachelor’s degree program is a 120-unit course. The $39,000 cost can be reduced if you have legal or general education credits that transfer.
Financial Aid
All schools offer some type of financial aid. Two- and four-year colleges offer student loan applications. As of 2025, the status of student loans through the Department of Education is in flux, and students should think carefully before applying for any federal student aid.
Scholarships may be offered through the school itself or organizations like the American Bar Association or the state or local bar associations. When you reach out to schools, the admissions office can answer any questions you have about available grants and scholarships.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Deciding whether to get a certificate or a degree depends on what you plan to do once you have your education. If you want to go forward with your legal career, and especially if you want to continue your legal education, then you may want to consider your degree. Many professional organizations, like NALA, require a four-year degree to take their certification exam. If you intend to go to law school, you must have a bachelor’s degree.
If you have limited funds or time, and want to begin your legal career right away, the certificate gets you out of class and into the office in the shortest time for the least amount of money. The certificate can also give you some legal transfer credits if you decide to get your degree later.