Paralegal is a Certificate program (100% Online) offered by Graduate America in Addison, TX. The program takes 640 clock hours — 22 weeks full time, 30 weeks part time to complete, with a total tuition of $8,100.
Program Overview
The Paralegal certificate program consists of 640 clock hours delivered 100% online through asynchronous distance education at Graduate America Addison (TWC S6523). Employment, earnings, licensure, certification and financial aid are not guaranteed.
What you'll learn.
- Conduct legal research using Westlaw and LexisNexis
- Draft legal documents, pleadings, and correspondence
- Manage case files using legal practice management software
- Assist attorneys with litigation and discovery preparation
- Apply legal ethics and professional responsibility standards
- Prepare for NALA Certified Paralegal examination
What sets this Program apart
Fully online. Certificate programs delivered 100% online through asynchronous distance education. Each program is 640 clock hours.
Online in NC-SARA states. Graduate America participates in NC-SARA for online programs; the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved Graduate America for SARA participation on November 12, 2025.
Career services from day 1. We don't wait until graduation to help you job-hunt. Resume building, mock interviews, and employer introductions start immediately.
Admission Requirements and Process
Graduate America maintains an open admissions policy for applicants who meet the following criteria: be at least 17 years of age (some programs may require 18+), provide proof of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent, complete an enrollment agreement, and meet program-specific requirements.
Required documentation. A valid government-issued photo ID; a high school diploma, transcript, or GED certificate; a Social Security card (for financial aid applicants); and proof of residency (for state authorization purposes).
International students. International students must provide additional documentation including visa status and translated educational credentials.
Transfer credit. Graduate America may accept transfer credits from other accredited institutions on a case-by-case basis: courses must be comparable in content and clock hours, a grade of C or better is typically required, transfer credits are limited to 50% of program requirements, and official transcripts are required. Military training is evaluated for potential credit based on ACE recommendations.
Online enrollment. Online programs are open to residents of NC-SARA states; California residents may not enroll in online programs.
General Requirements
- Minimum ageBe at least 17 years of age; some programs may require applicants to be 18 or older.
- Proof of educationProvide proof of high school graduation, GED, or equivalent: a high school diploma, transcript, or GED certificate.
- Photo identificationProvide a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Proof of residencyProvide proof of residency, which the school uses for state authorization purposes.
- Enrollment agreementComplete and sign an enrollment agreement.
Application Process
- 1Information sessionMeet with an admissions representative to learn about programs, career opportunities, and financial options.
- 2Submit your applicationComplete the enrollment application and provide required documentation.
- 3Entrance assessmentComplete any required entrance assessments for your program of interest.
- 4Financial planningMeet with a financial aid advisor to explore payment options, including federal financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans.
- 5Enrollment agreementReview and sign the enrollment agreement, which outlines program details, costs, and policies.
- 6OrientationAttend new student orientation before your program start date.
Program Schedule
640 clock hours. 22 weeks full-time (30 clock hours/week); 30 weeks part-time.
Asynchronous. The program is delivered 100% online through asynchronous distance education; students complete weekly online assignments by posted deadlines.
Office hours. The Addison office at 3939 Belt Line Rd., Suite 550 is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited school means its training has been reviewed against independent standards that protect students.
This school: Graduate America is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), which lists Addison as an additional location of the Houston main campus. Addison is approved by the Texas Workforce Commission (S6523).
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Reviewed against independent standards
- Recognized by employers and licensing boards
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition and fees. Tuition is $8,100. One-time fees are a $150 registration fee, a $50 application fee and a $50 graduation fee, and books and supplies are $500, for a total program cost of $8,850.
Fee correction. The program page still shows a $100 miscellaneous fee; the catalog's owner correction of October 22, 2026 replaced it with the $50 application and $50 graduation fees. The total is the same.
Financial aid. Graduate America lists Paralegal among the Addison programs on its Title IV financial aid page and in its Net Price Calculator. Financial aid is available for those who qualify, including federal student loans, grants and institutional payment plans. The school's page gives this program's federal identifier as OPE ID 01248802, a number not found in the U.S. Department of Education's Federal School Code list or DAPIP for Addison.
Refunds. Refunds follow Texas Education Code §132.061: a full refund if you cancel within 72 hours of signing, and for asynchronous distance education, refunds computed on the number of lessons, with not more than $50 retained if you do not begin the program.
Curriculum
Paralegal is 640 clock hours of training.
Graduate America publishes the programme's length but not a course-by-course curriculum; ask the school for its course outline.
Career Outcomes
Career preparation. The program prepares students to prepare for NALA Certified Paralegal examination.
Placement assistance. Graduate America provides resume development, interview preparation and coaching, job search strategies, introductions to hiring employers, career fairs and access to employer job postings. Career services begin during the program and continue after graduation; the school does not guarantee employment or specific salary levels.
Employer partnerships. The school maintains relationships with employers who participate in curriculum advisory committees, offer externship and internship opportunities, recruit its graduates, and provide industry insights.
What to expect as a Graduate America student
Attendance. Students must attend all scheduled classes and participate in coursework, and maintain a minimum cumulative attendance rate of 80%. Students are responsible for all material covered during absences.
Online course components. Students must complete weekly online assignments by posted deadlines; participation in discussion forums counts toward attendance; failure to log in for 14 consecutive days may result in administrative withdrawal.
Grading. A is 90-100% (4.0), B 80-89% (3.0), C 70-79% (2.0), D 60-69% (1.0) and F below 60%. Additional designations are I (Incomplete, resolved within 30 days), W (Withdrawal), P (Pass) and TR (Transfer Credit). Honor Roll is a 3.5-3.74 GPA, Dean's List 3.75-3.99 and President's List 4.0.
Graduation. To graduate and receive a certificate, students complete all required clock hours, achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C average), pass all required examinations and competency evaluations, complete all practical skill requirements, satisfy all financial obligations, complete exit counseling (for financial aid recipients), return all school property, and complete the graduation application. Certificate programs award a certificate of completion and official transcript.
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