Paralegal

U.S. Career Institute’s self-paced, online Paralegal Certificate Program will prepare you for a role as a paralegal in as little as 4 months.

The Paralegal Program provides theoretical and practical instruction that enables students to gain competency as an entry-level paralegal or legal assistant. Students are trained on the principles of law and how to conduct legal research; they gain skills in legal writing, interviewing and investigations and civil and criminal law procedures.

• 5-day money-back commitment
• DEAC Accredited
• 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
• Complete in 4-8 months, part-time
• One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
• Start learning today - no waiting period!
• A+ BBB Rating, 45 years in distance education, and 97% of students would recommend U.S. Career Institute to a friend.
• The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.

Lead instructor/course expert. Kelly earned her Master of Arts in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma and her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. She also has a diploma in Paralegal studies with an emphasis on litigation. She holds added education in conflict resolution, crisis management and motivational management, among others.

To qualify for enrollment in the program, an applicant must:

• Certify that she/he is a high school graduate, holds a state-approved Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) or its equivalent, or has completed college-level coursework; or otherwise demonstrate ability to perform postsecondary-level coursework (including test evidence).
• Submit a completed enrollment application with the required payment.
• Be at least 16 years of age.

IMPORTANT! This program does not include instruction in state-specific laws. Students should review the requirements of the state in which they intend to work to determine whether any additional state-specific requirements apply.

U.S. Career Institute is an open enrollment school: as long as the applicant meets the admissions requirements for minimum education and age, they will be accepted into the school. Students must be able to read, write and speak English fluently. Students aged 16 and 17 may be admitted provided their parent or guardian signs the enrollment agreement; students under the age of 16 cannot be admitted. Applicants who do not meet the high school diploma or equivalent requirement are allowed to use test evidence to show they can benefit from the program: the first five grades the student receives serve as the basis for test evidence, and a “C” GPA meets the minimum education requirement. Most professional certification agencies have minimum age requirements (typically 18) to sit for a certification exam.

The Paralegal program is 420 clock hours, delivered in 25 lessons with 25 quizzes. Students can complete it in 4-8 months, studying part-time. Classes are 100% online and self-paced, on your phone or computer, with no due dates or deadlines.

The program is designed for guided independent study through distance learning, and is self-paced. Each program is designed to be completed in 12 months or less; the student has 12 months after enrollment to complete the program, and a student who needs more time should follow the leave of absence procedure. The school accepts enrollments 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and upon enrollment students have immediate access to their program online. All quizzes are open book.

U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your paralegal education affordable. Start a new career that you’ll love and find fulfilling without a mountain of debt!

• Option 1, pay in full: $789 (save $200); the application charge is waived.
• Option 2, monthly auto payments: $989 in total at $69 a month, with a first payment of $69, plus a one-time $29 application charge.

First payment includes $40 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.

5-day money-back commitment. After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to decide if our program is the best route for you.

Funding. U.S. Career Institute participates in military education benefit programs and the MyCAA spouse support tuition program; specific questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the Veterans Administration by calling 1-888-GIBILL1. U.S. Career Institute also participates in various employer-paid and Vocational Rehabilitation programs. U.S. Career Institute does not participate in other financial aid programs.

All enrollments are assessed a one-time $29 application charge (2026 catalog price list). Students who wish to purchase textbooks or manuals may do so for an additional charge.

Upon graduation from our program, you will receive your U.S. Career Institute Certificate of Completion attesting to your accomplishment. Choose a career that opens the door to a wide variety of opportunities. You might choose to work for a law firm, paralegal service, government agency or legal aid service. Or perhaps you'd rather work for a corporation in their legal department, in industries such as real estate, banking, insurance, entertainment, taxes, healthcare—the list goes on and on—the choice is yours!

Today, Paralegals are as important as ever to our legal system. They are responsible for preparing more and more of the legal documentation that lawyers, judges, prosecutors, and public defenders must have to do their jobs. You'll be a well-respected professional playing a crucial role on the legal team. You’ll meet fascinating people and find great satisfaction in performing services that truly help people.

Beginner-Friendly Lessons. Classes are designed for anyone to easily learn, and are broken up into digestible sections that build as you progress through our program. No due dates or deadlines.

Engaging Curriculum. Reading lessons, supplemental videos, interactive games, flashcards, note taking, read-aloud and disability features, and open note multiple choice quizzes with no time limit.

Student support and coaching. Your tuition includes access to instructors via phone and email, student services, tutoring, resume and job interview support, and one-on-one career coaching (a $400 value).

Learning materials included. Your tuition includes e-books, study guides, supplemental videos, and interactive exercises. Hard copy books are also available for under $50. Everything is included - no hidden fees after enrollment.

Grading and graduation. To graduate, students must submit all quizzes, attain a final average of 70% or higher, have a signed enrollment agreement on file and have paid tuition in full; U.S. Career Institute then releases the Certificate of Completion. Students with a grade point average of 93 or higher are awarded a seat on the Dean’s List.

Graduate support. U.S. Career Institute provides continuing employment instruction and advice, including training in job-search techniques, résumé and letter writing, interviewing and presentation skills, available to all graduates whenever they request it. The school cannot promise or guarantee employment and does not provide job placement services.