Paralegal Studies is an Associate Degree program offered by Keiser University in Sarasota, FL. The program takes 2 Years to complete, with tuition of $12,908 per semester.
Program Overview
Keiser University’s Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies prepares students to support attorneys across transactional and litigation matters through comprehensive training in conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, managing cases, and understanding legal proceedings. The paralegal studies program combines general education courses with specialized legal courses covering civil litigation, criminal law, family law, contract law, tort law, and real property. Students gain practical knowledge of legal terminology, legal writing, and law office management while developing the research skills, writing skills, analytical skills, and organizational skills that legal assistants need in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. Through coursework emphasizing legal ethics, legal concepts, and professional standards, the degree program prepares students for entry level legal careers supporting attorneys in diverse practice areas including personal injury, intellectual property, commercial law, and family law. Successful completion of the paralegal studies associate degree equips graduates with the fundamental skills to contribute to legal teams, manage case files, draft legal memoranda, and assist with legal proceedings across the legal profession.
Program Mission
Keiser University’s Associate of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies prepares students to assist attorneys working in either transactional and litigation fields and to pursue a by providing quality instruction and practical training. Through our community partnerships, graduates will ethically and professionally make meaningful contributions to the legal profession as paralegals.
Program Goals
The following objectives guide the paralegal studies program at Keiser University:
- Educational Excellence: Deliver a curriculum that integrates the practical application of legal principles required for entry-level positions within the legal profession or upper-level studies.
- Analytical / Critical Thinking Skills: Equip students with the critical thinking skills necessary for entry-level positions within the legal profession or upper-level studies.
- Professional Competence: Foster a learning environment that promotes professionalism, ethical behavior, and effective communication for entry-level positions within the legal profession or upper-level studies
- Career Readiness: Prepare graduates for entry-level positions within the legal profession by offering exposure to industry-standard practices and technologies.
Prerequisites
None. Students can begin the paralegal studies program without specific prerequisites.
Program Highlights
- Small class sizes that allow personalized attention and mentorship
- Experienced faculty with backgrounds in legal practice and education
- Hands-on training in legal research tools and law office technology
- Exposure to multiple areas of legal practice through diverse coursework
- Flexible learning with on-campus, online, and hybrid class options for working adults and traditional students
Estimated Student Costs
Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.
Accreditation Statuses
Keiser University holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. While the paralegal studies program does not require specialized programmatic accreditation, the program provides a robust curriculum aligned with industry standards and prepares students for successful paralegal careers.
What sets this Program apart
Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Paralegal Career
- Legal research techniques and database navigation
- Legal writing and document drafting
- Case management and file organization
- Legal terminology across practice areas
- Civil litigation procedures and trial support
- Contract analysis and review
- Client communication and professionalism
- Law office technology and software applications
- Legal ethics and professional responsibility
- Time management and organizational skills
Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.
Admission Requirements and Process
Admission includes Keiser University's general requirements plus any program-specific requirements listed below, followed by the university’s application process.
Transfer credit. Credit for courses completed at another institution is subject to approval by Keiser University’s Dean of Academic Affairs, and those courses must be similar in content and duration to the courses in this program. Keiser University requires that a student complete at least the final 25% of a program through the University; active duty, reservist and National Guard service members may complete that 25% at any point in the program. Official transcripts must reach Keiser University by the end of the student’s first semester, and Keiser University makes no blanket promise to accept credits from any other institution.
General Requirements
- High School Diploma or GEDVerification of high school graduation (transcript, diploma, etc.), verification of GED completion (GED scores or GED diploma), or proof of graduation from a foreign institution…
- Entrance ExaminationApplicants must take Keiser University’s entrance examination or provide results of the SAT, ACT or ASVAB. The University requires a combined score of 910 on the SAT, a composite…
- Application and Registration FeesA one-time $55 application fee and a one-time $145 registration fee are charged upon enrollment.
- FAFSA (for Financial Aid)Students seeking financial aid complete the FAFSA using Keiser University’s federal school code, 015159.
Application Process
- 1Contact an Admissions CounselorContact one of Keiser University’s admissions counselors to talk through the program and your options.
- 2Attend an Open House or Campus VisitAttend an open house or plan a campus visit. Applicants are encouraged to visit the University in person.
- 3Meet With Your Admissions CounselorSchedule a convenient time to meet with your admissions counselor to determine if Keiser University is right for you.
- 4Submit an ApplicationSubmit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.Apply Now
Program Schedule
Keiser University students take one class at a time. Keiser University term lengths are 4-week, 8-week and 16-week.
Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 20 months and 60 credit hours.
Keiser University lists this program as available on campus, Online, and Hybrid.
Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.
- October 26th, 2026
- November 23rd, 2026
- January 11th, 2027
- February 08th, 2027
- March 08th, 2027
- April 05th, 2027
- May 10th, 2027
- June 07th, 2027
- July 05th, 2027
- August 02nd, 2027
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.
| Semester credit load | Tuition per semester |
|---|---|
| Full time (12 to 17.99 credits) | $12,908.00 |
| Three-quarter time (9 to 11.99 credits) | $9,681.00 |
| Half time (6 to 8.99 credits) | $6,454.00 |
| Less than half time (0 to 5.99 credits) | $3,227.00 |
| Full time + (18 to 24 credits, approval required) | $16,135.00 |
Required fees
- Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
- Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
- Education fee — $550.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources
Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.
Financial aid
Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.
Curriculum
The curriculum pairs a general education core with about 24 credit hours of specialized legal coursework spanning civil litigation, criminal law, family law, contracts, torts, real property, wills/trusts/estates, and legal research and writing. Representative courses are listed below.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Graduates of Keiser University’s paralegal associate degree prepare to pursue entry level positions throughout the legal industry. Legal assistants and paralegals work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and the federal government supporting attorneys in both civil and criminal matters. This paralegal degree opens doors to careers in legal services, real estate law offices, family law practices, and specialized areas like personal injury, intellectual property, and commercial law. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paralegal profession continues growing, with a strong job outlook for qualified legal professionals.
Career Pathways in Paralegal Studies
- Law firms
- Corporate legal departments
- Government agencies
- Federal government offices
- Legal services organizations
- Real estate law offices
- Family law practices
- Personal injury law firms
- Contract law specialists
- Administrative agencies
- Legal aid organizations
Placement Rate
Keiser University publishes the following in its 2025 Undergraduate Placement Rates report for AA Paralegal Studies.
| Eligible | Placed | In Field | Related Field | %Placed | %IF/RF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | 64 | 24 | 31 | 88.9% | 76.4% |
Keiser University’s notes on this report: “Does not include international campuses.” “Report as of April 2026, 16.43% has been verified through 3rd party.”
Although Keiser University provides employment placement assistance, it cannot promise or guarantee employment.
What to expect as a Keiser University student
How to Apply
- Submit your online application.
- Speak with an admissions advisor.
- Provide transcripts or transfer credits.
- Enroll and choose your start date.
Keiser University’s paralegal studies program gives you the legal education needed to launch a rewarding career supporting attorneys and legal teams. With flexible learning formats, experienced instructors, and comprehensive curriculum covering essential legal subjects, you gain the skills law firms and legal employers seek. Whether you plan to work in litigation support, transactional law, or specialized practice areas, our associate degree in paralegal studies provides the foundation for professional growth in the legal field.
School Information
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist and doctorate degrees.
The Keiser University catalog lists no separate programmatic accreditation for this program.
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Credits earned toward a respected credential
Testimonials


Top Questions About Earning a Paralegal Studies Degree
School Information
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist and doctorate degrees.
The Keiser University catalog lists no separate programmatic accreditation for this program.
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Credits earned toward a respected credential

