Most Affordable Online Law Degrees 2024

Law is a continuously expanding and evolving field, and often, it is only the most studious and sharp of individuals that master it. If you’re the kind of person who knows how to use logic and semantics to work through tough issues, you might just be a lawyer at heart. With a degree in law, you can pursue careers in journalism, criminal defense, advertising, and so much more.

You might think a law degree is way out of your reach, but we’re here to prove you wrong. Online law degrees are becoming more and more accessible as technology improves. That means, no matter what circumstances you’re in, it is entirely possible to advance toward your dream career in law, even from the comfort of your own couch.

There’s no question that online schooling has become one of the most proficient and accessible modes of obtaining a modern education. The benefits of these programs are virtually endless. Not only are they both convenient and easy to use, but highly affordable, as well. In 2018, over 6 million students relied on remote learning opportunities to obtain their degrees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That’s a significant number of smart, motivated individuals with a clear focus on their futures. You have every capacity to be one of them.

Related Online Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

We understand how overwhelming it can be to sift through every potential college, weighing the pros and cons, calculating costs, and trying to make large-scale decisions about your future, all while juggling regular, everyday responsibilities. That’s why, for your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most affordable, highly-rated schools offering online law degrees out there. With these options in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect college for you and start on the path to your future sooner rather than later.

Methodology

All schools considered for these rankings

Are regionally or nationally accredited
Offer at least one fully online law degree (with no more than two weeks of required in-person work)
Were collected from official accrediting agency websites.

Schools are ranked solely by the average net price as released in the most recent IPEDs database collected in July of 2023.

Cheapest Schools for Online Law Degrees 2024

Rank	School	Graduate Tuition + Fees
#1	Fort Hays State University	$4,503
#2	Abraham Lincoln University	$5,040
#3	American Public University System	$7,050
#4	West Texas A & M University	$7,284
#5	Western Carolina University	$7,566
#6	Stevenson University	$8,340
#7	Liberty University	$8,405
#8	University of Central Florida	$8,872
#9	Peru State College	$9,120
#10	University of Maryland Global Campus	$9,522
#11	Herzing University-Brookfield	$10,450
#12	Ohio Christian University	$11,660
#13	Bellevue University	$12,090
#14	California University of Pennsylvania	$12,448
#15	Arizona State University	$12,914
#16	Campbell University	$15,557
#17	Oregon State University	$15,685
#18	Rowan University	$16,796
#19	University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth	$17,065
#20	Regent University Online	$17,628
#21	Southern New Hampshire University Online	$19,470
#22	Dominican University	$20,400

10 Cheapest Online Law School Degrees

1. Fort Hays State University

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $4,503

School Type: Non-Profit

School Accreditation: HLC

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) furnishes varied accredited online pre-law degrees, including:

The online BA in Political Science (Pre-Law) builds a robust understanding of the American legal system and sharpens law school-ready skills through constitutional, criminal, civil, and legal research/writing courses.

The online BA in Criminal Justice (Pre-Law) readies students for law enforcement, corrections, and criminal justice careers by honing criminal law/procedure, criminology, and victimology knowledge.

By blending business law foundations with contract law, ethics, and skills development, the online BBA (Pre-Law) prepares students for business law or corporate law professions.

Additionally, FHSU’s Pre-Law/Legal Studies Certificate opens to students of any major, delivering core legal knowledge and analysis proficiencies.

With Higher Learning Commission accreditation underscoring their quality, FHSU’s online pre-law credentials equip students for law school and legal field success.

2. Abraham Lincoln University

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $12,814

School Type: Non-Profit

School Accreditation: DEAC

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Abraham Lincoln University furnishes an unaccredited yet California-registered online Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, making graduates eligible for the California Bar Exam and law practice in the state.

Tailored for affordability and flexibility, ALU’s online law program accommodates working professionals through full-time or part-time options spanning four or five years.

The robust curriculum thoroughly covers core Bar Exam topics like constitutional law, civil procedure, contracts, criminal law, evidence, property, and torts. Electives in business law, environmental law, intellectual property, and other specialized sectors further augment learning.

Additionally, ALU provides other online law credentials accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, including:

Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
Master of Science in Law
Associate and Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Certificate in Criminal Justice

With a California-recognized online J.D. and additional accredited law offerings, ALU empowers legal career preparation through flexible and affordable online law education.

3. American Public University System

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $7,050

School Type: For-Profit

School Accreditation: HLC

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Through the American Public University System (APUS), students can pursue accredited online law degrees including:

The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies (BSLS) furnishes a comprehensive understanding of America’s legal system – its history, structure, principles, and facets like civil, criminal, constitutional, business, and international law. Students also build essential legal research and writing skills. Fully HLC-accredited and ABA-approved, the BSLS paves the way to take the LSAT and pursue further law school education.

Meanwhile, the Master of Arts in Legal Studies (MLS) enables law professionals to enrich their legal knowledge and expand career opportunities. Learners delve into advanced coursework in legal research, writing, ethics, and comparative law, with elective concentrations in criminal law, business law, environmental law, and more. This ACBSP-accredited, ABA-approved MLS also provides eligibility for the LSAT and law school admission.

Through flexible online access, APUS empowers legal career advancement at the bachelor’s and master’s levels with two ABA-approved degrees recognizing the LSAT pathway.

4. West Texas A & M University

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $7,284

School Type: Non-Profit

School Accreditation: SACS COC

Acceptance Rate: 97%

West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) offers an accredited online Legal Studies degree with a pre-law focus, readying students for law school and legal careers.

The flexible program builds a robust understanding of America’s legal system, sharpening skills in legal reasoning, research, and writing. Students also customize their studies with constitutional law, criminal law, business law, and other legal specialty courses.

WTAMU designed its online format to deliver affordable, self-paced Legal Studies education from anywhere.

With Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation, graduates gain credentials that meet rigorous quality standards and open doors to financial aid and employment opportunities.

To apply, students need a high school diploma or equivalent and a 2.0 GPA minimum. Relevant college credits may also transfer to the program.

WTAMU’s online curriculum covers core topics like:

American Legal System
Legal Reasoning/Writing
Constitutional Law
Criminal Law
Business Law
Torts
Property Law
Evidence
Civil/Criminal Procedure
Professional Responsibility

WTAMU empowers students to build legal expertise on their schedule through an accessible, accredited, and customizable online Legal Studies degree.

5. Western Carolina University

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $7,566

School Type: Non-Profit

School Accreditation: SACS COC

Acceptance Rate: 79%

Western Carolina University offers a variety of online law-related degrees, including:

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Administration of Justice This program is designed for criminal justice professionals who want to advance their careers in leadership and management. Students will learn about the latest trends and best practices in criminal justice administration, and they will also have the opportunity to complete a practicum or internship with a local criminal justice agency.
Business Administration and Law This program gives students a broad understanding of business law and how it applies to real-world business transactions. Students will learn about the legal principles that govern contracts, torts, property, and other areas of business law. They will also learn how to research and apply the law to specific business situations.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Administration of Justice This program is designed for criminal justice professionals who want to earn a master’s degree and further their careers in leadership and management. Students will learn about advanced topics in criminal justice administration, and they will also have the opportunity to complete a research project or thesis.

All of Western Carolina University’s online law-related degrees are taught by experienced faculty who are experts in their fields. The programs are designed to be flexible and affordable, and they can be completed at your own pace.

Here is some additional information about each program:

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Administration of Justice

Admission requirements: Applicants must have an associate’s degree or equivalent from an accredited community college, or have a high school diploma and at least two years of full-time work experience in a criminal justice or related field.
Program length: The program can be completed in four years of full-time study, or part-time at your own pace.
Courses: The program includes courses in criminal justice theory and practice, research methods, and leadership and management. Students will also complete a practicum or internship with a local criminal justice agency.

Business Administration and Law

Admission requirements: Applicants must have a high school diploma and a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Program length: The program can be completed in four years of full-time study, or part-time at your own pace.
Courses: The program includes courses in business law, contracts, torts, property, and other areas of business law. Students will also learn about legal research and writing.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Administration of Justice

Admission requirements: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Program length: The program can be completed in two years of full-time study, or part-time at your own pace.
Courses: The program includes courses in advanced topics in criminal justice administration, such as organizational behavior, strategic planning, and human resource management. Students will also complete a research project or thesis.

6. Stevenson University

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $8,340

School Type: Non-Profit

School Accreditation: IACBE

Acceptance Rate: 91%

At Stevenson University Online, students can earn a fully ABA-approved Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, developed to meet high professional standards with flexibility and convenience.

The robust curriculum explores core legal topics including:

American Government
Torts
Estates and Trusts
Contract Law
Legal Research and Writing
Business Organizations Law
Civil Litigation
Criminal Law
Constitutional Law
Evidence
Legal Ethics

Learners also customize studies with electives in environmental law, intellectual property, international law, immigration law, sports law, family law, and labor/employment law.

Taught by expert lawyers and judges, the program enables meaningful mentoring relationships.

Stevenson University Online designed its ABA-backed online Legal Studies degree to deliver comprehensive legal knowledge with real-world insight, preparing graduates to excel in legal careers or further studies.

7. Liberty University

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $8,405

School Type: Non-Profit

School Accreditation: SACSCOC

Acceptance Rate: 99%

At Liberty University, students can pursue various accredited online law degrees:

The Juris Master (JM) provides graduate-level legal knowledge and skills mastery through concentrations like general law, business law, international law, and tax law.

The post-JD Master of Laws (LLM) enables licensed attorneys to undertake specialized advanced study, with Liberty offering an international law focus.

For aspiring attorneys, Liberty furnishes a residential three-year Juris Doctor (JD) aligned with standard professional requirements.

With ABA accreditation underscoring their quality, Liberty’s online JM and LLM law programs allow flexibility in gaining legal expertise, while the on-campus JD prepares graduates for attorney licensing. Students can pursue reputable online legal training with focused specialization through Liberty.

8. University of Central Florida

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $9,217

School Type: Non-Profit

School Accreditation: SACS COC

Acceptance Rate: 36%

Through the University of Central Florida (UCF), students can pursue the state’s sole public fully online Bachelor of Arts/Science in Legal Studies – an accredited, flexible pathway preparing graduates for career success.

With self-paced courses and customizable scheduling, UCF designed its online program to fit student life demands. Learners can tailor studies through diverse electives in public law, litigation, criminal law, transactional law, and more.

The program features full-time faculty who graduated from ABA-approved law schools and actively practice/practiced law, imparting real-world insights. Faculty also actively advise students in planning personalized studies and post-grad goals.

As the only SACSCOC-accredited public online undergrad legal studies option in Florida, UCF offers a reputable flexible law education grounded in relevance and student support.

9. Peru State College

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $9,120

School Type: Non-Profit

School Accreditation: HLC

Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions

Peru State College Online proffers two law-focused degrees:

The online Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies readies students for diverse legal careers like paralegal, legal assistant, law office manager, and legal researcher. The curriculum explores constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, legal ethics, and more, while internships offer hands-on experience.

The online Master of Science in Education in Educational Administration with a Specialization in School Law equips students for school administration careers. Coursework dives into school law, policy, finance, and other facets, augmented by district internships.

Whether at the bachelor’s or master’s level, Peru State College Online blends robust legal knowledge with practical preparation, empowering graduates to excel in their chosen legal-related field. The programs deliver flexible and focused online credentials to advance law-centered careers.

10. University of Maryland Global Campus

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $9,522

School Type: Non-Profit

School Accreditation: MSCHE

Acceptance Rate: Open Admissions

Through University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), students can earn various online law credentials including:

The Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies delivers broad knowledge of America’s civil and criminal justice systems alongside legal research, writing, and analytical skills. Graduates can pursue careers in law enforcement, legal research, paralegal work, or further study in law school.

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice provides comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system’s components like crime, law enforcement roles, and ethical decision-making needed for the field. Graduates are prepared for criminal justice careers in law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole, and more.

UMGC also furnishes online minors in Legal Studies and Criminal Justice plus specialized certificates in Paralegal Studies, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity.

With diverse offerings at the bachelor’s, minor, and certificate levels, UMGC empowers students to gain legal expertise through customized online law-related education aligned with career goals.

Related Online Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Everything You Need to Know About Online Law Degree

Despite distance learning for higher education taking off rapidly, only a handful of law schools have adopted the online learning model. Just a few states allow students who have earned online law degrees to undertake the state bar exam to begin practice. Despite this, prospective law students still have the option to enroll in online law degree programs. All they need is to get an online law program that the American Bar Association accredits. However, they need to ensure that the state’s licensing board recognizes the certified program.

Online law degree programs are the quickest way of earning your law degree. The programs are highly flexible, allowing students to take classes at their convenience. Unlike typical law degrees that take four years to complete, online law programs take fewer years, especially for full-timers. The programs allow law students to attend class virtually and complete assignments virtually, without physically attending classroom lectures. They also interact with their professors remotely. The online law degree programs also prepare students to sit for their bar to gain a state practicing license. The programs also help students transition to law schools and, subsequently, online master’s degrees.

Although most prospective law students doubt the prospects of online legal studies programs, the programs aren’t any different from the traditional law programs. They train and prepare law students to take up various roles in the criminal justice system. If you seek to enroll in an online law degree program, you are in the right place. This article explores all the aspects of online law degrees, including:

Online courses for law and legal studies degree programs
Reasons to earn a law degree online
What you can do with a law degree earned online
Best online schools offering accredited law degree programs

Online Courses for Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of occupations in the legal field will grow by 5% within the next ten years. The projection has led to the increased demand for law and legal studies degree students who aspire to pursue law, criminal justice, and law enforcement careers. Law and legal studies programs examine law students on law and the contemporary issues in the criminal justice system.

The law degree programs allow students to choose a learning program that suits their lifestyle and professional objectives. They can choose to learn using the traditional learning format or the self-paced online format. However, in this article, we will focus more on online courses for law and legal studies degrees. The article will cover the objective of the online courses and the best online degree programs. Keep reading the subsequent sections to gain more insights.

What Are the Objectives of an Online Legal Studies Degree Program?

The question that comes to every aspiring law student’s mind is whether an online legal studies degree program is worth the hustle and investment. An online legal studies degree is worth your time and financial resources since it unlocks a world of new opportunities in various legal settings. You are likely to land employment in law firms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and regulatory offices. For a legal student to achieve a career, online legal studies degrees usually have various objectives to ensure every student achieves their career dream. The goals of an online legal studies degree program ensure students can demonstrate the American Association for Paralegal Education competencies, including:

Critical Thinking Skills

The online legal studies degree programs enable a student to learn and be able to:

Identify a legal program and evaluate alternative solutions to the issues at hand.
Determine logical solutions to legal issues and construct logical arguments in support of the identified solution
Determine the areas of law applicable to a particular situation
Organizational Skills

Legal students learn and develop organizational skills applicable to the law that will enable them to:

Sort information categorically
Prioritize client needs
Utilize time effectively
Manage, sort, and store information manually and digitally
Legal Research Skills

An online legal studies degree program expects students to learn and develop legal research skills that will enable them to apply the organizational, legal, and communication skills applicable to legal settings. They should be able to prepare and carry out legal research.

Communication Skills

Just like in any profession, communication skills are vital in the legal world. An online legal studies degree curriculum helps the student develop general communication skills needed to:

Interact effectively with clients, lawyers, court personnel, witnesses, and co-workers over the phone, in person, or through written correspondence
Interview clients, and witnesses, among others
Adapt to every situation

The online programs also enable students to familiarize themselves with procedural systems and standards used in the criminal justice and legal systems. They will also be able to understand and explain the constitutional rights of clients and witnesses. The online legal programs also introduce students to the technological advancements used in law firms, such as legal research databases and case management systems. Finally, the objective of the programs is to enable students to define and understand the ethical issues faced by the legal community and professionals.

What Kind of Degree Do You Need to Get into Law School?

Being a paralegal or other law professional requires a certain level of education. Those seeking to enroll in a law school and become lawyers probably want to know the law school entry requirements. They need to know the tips for successful admission. The essential requirement to join a law school to study a postgraduate degree, commonly referred to as Juris Doctor, is an undergraduate degree in law or any other related field. The undergraduate degrees give prospective legal students the foundational knowledge needed to earn a Juris Doctor degree and sit for their bar exams.

Notably, there are no prerequisite courses for aspiring law school students. However, they must first have an accredited four-year bachelor’s degree. The ABA requires students from nearly every field of study, ranging from mathematics to political science, for admission to law school. Some of the undergraduate degrees that can lead to a law school admission include philosophy, political science, economics, journalism, business, English, and legal studies. All a student needs are higher GPA scores in your area of study since law schools require hardworking and academically gifted students.

What Are the Online Courses for Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs?

Online courses for law and legal studies degree programs help prospective law students to develop analytical and research skills and gain an in-depth understanding of the law. At the beginning of the online law and legal studies program, students undertake introductory courses to get an overview of the country’s legal system, including a detailed description of the federal and state courts. They undertake online courses that give a foundation for the terminologies used in the legal world.

They also undertake online research courses that emphasize legal research, legal writing, and professional ethics. The online research courses train students on the legal research methodology and case analysis techniques, which will benefit their future practice as paralegals or law assistants. Additionally, the prospective legal studies students undertake online courses in legal ethics. The online legal ethics course introduces students to the ethical issues and professional standards that significantly impact legal professionals.

Under the law and legal studies degree programs, students take an online course on constitutional law. The constitutional law courses enable students to learn the constitutional rights protected by the Constitution. Concepts such as equal protection of rights, separation of powers, and common law interpretations are explored in detail. The students also take an online legal theory course which prepares students on the theoretical law foundation. The online law covers political theories, natural law, and the relationship between the law, ethics, and morality.

Comparative law is also a typical online course undertaken by students undertaking the online bachelor’s program. Under the comparative law course, students explore the legal systems of different countries across the globe and examine the similarities and the legal approaches between the countries’ systems and the U.S. legal system. The learners also explore online courses in criminal law. Criminal law examines topics such as legal policy, and criminology, among others.

Reasons to Earn a Law Degree Online

Although an online law degree is uncommon in most states, many prospective law students consider pursuing a law degree online because of the increased flexibility and convenience of the online programs. Online law degree programs are relatively cheaper than traditional law degree programs that involve physical learning. The online law degree programs are as rigorous as the on-campus degree programs.

There is no harm in earning a law degree online. All you need is to pursue an online degree accredited by the American Bar Association. Are you considering earning your law degree online? Well, there are various aspects you need to know before enrolling in an online law program. This article explores some of the common issues surrounding online law degrees in detail. Keep reading!

What Do Employers Think About Online Law Schools?

Although a few law graduates opt to practice independently after graduation, a more significant number seek employment opportunities in law firms, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and nonprofit organizations. The increasing prevalence of online law degree programs has sparked debates on whether online law degrees are as valuable as traditional law degrees. So heated is the debate as even employers have been dragged into the argument, a worrying trend for most prospective online law degree students who have begun doubting the potential of online law schools. Before choosing to pursue a law degree online, you need to get insights into employers’ thoughts concerning online law schools to help you make the right choices and eliminate the potential for future regrets.

In the past several decades, most employers didn’t view online law degrees with as much respect as on-campus law degrees. When distance learning sparked off, most employers doubted the training and curriculum of the law program. However, things have significantly changed over the past few years. Employers have begun to accept online programs to a greater extent. Unfortunately, some employers still have varied opinions on online law degrees despite their rapidly increasing popularity. With this, a few employers still hesitate to hire legal professionals with online law degrees.

Despite the varied opinions, legal experts continue to advocate for online law degrees. They argue that online programs are as rigorous as other learning alternatives. Currently, before shortlisting prospective employees for job interviews, employers verify the academic credentials of online law degree graduates to ascertain the programs are accredited and meet the high standards of quality set by ABA. This is a reprieve to most online law graduates, as they are now equally treated like their counterparts.

How Does a Law Degree Benefit HR Professionals?

It is not surprising that several HR professionals are enrolling in law schools to undertake advanced law degrees, such as the Juris Doctor. Others have opted to enroll in undergraduate four-year law degree programs to undertake legal studies and related fields such as MSW programs. But what could be the reason for this significant trend? HR professionals have to balance employee management and business operation.

There are several legal issues surrounding hiring, retaining, and firing employees. Hence, earning Juris Doctor gives HR professionals a solid foundation to assess and apply laws related to employee constitutional rights and obligations. Online JDs opportunities include higher earning potential and new career opportunities. Legal studies also ensure that HR professionals maintain compliance with statutory regulations and avoid errors.

Why Should You Earn a Law Degree Online?

Earning a law degree online has several significant benefits. Online law degrees are typically cheaper than traditional law degree programs. The online programs are also much more flexible than on-campus programs, making it easier to attach students to work while they study.

What You Can Do with A Law Degree Earned Online

An online law degree offers several professional and personal benefits to law students. The programs enable students to learn and hone skills such as analytical skills, communication skills, legal research skills, and problem-solving skills. Students graduating with online law degrees are well prepared to transition to law schools to study for a Juris Doctor degree and take bar exams. Those not considering enrolling in law schools are trained and ready to take several professional duties in the legal setting. Law degrees earned online enable legal professionals to advance their current careers or change to alternative jobs related to the legal field.

How Can You Get an Accredited Law Degree Online?

With the increased number of online law degrees, it is vital to ensure that a recognized accrediting body accredits the online program you are applying for, which is vital, especially when you want to enroll in a law school and sit for your bar exams. Getting an accredited law degree online can be straightforward. Once you identify a specific online law degree, research the ABA website to ensure the program is accredited by the organization.

The accreditation demonstrates the online law degree has met all the law education standards put in place by the accrediting body. Once the confirmation process is done, you can visit the college or university offering the online degree program to determine the program’s application process. Research determines the GPA requirements, the application process, and other relevant documents needed to gain admission.

What States Accept Online Law Degrees?

Despite the popularity of online law degrees, not all states accept online degrees. Unfortunately, this means that students who have earned law degrees online are unlikely to sit for bar exams and obtain a practicing license. Currently, only three states accept online degree programs. The states include California, New Mexico, and Minnesota. California, for instance, allows law students with a 100% law degree to sit for the bar examination. With only three states accepting online law degrees, the debate on whether online law degrees are worth it will continue to gain momentum. However, distance education experts are hopeful that more states will recognize online law degrees in the future.

What Can You Do with A Law Degree Earned Online?

A law degree earned online prepares law students for various career paths, including being a mediator and paralegal. Many of these career paths offer above-average salaries. Nonetheless, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a strong career growth for online law degree graduates. In addition, several other legal professions are limited to Juris Doctor degree holders. Hence, those seeking to pursue advanced careers must enroll in a law school to become lawyers after earning their online law degree. Let’s explore the job in detail.

Paralegal: Paralegals are legal professionals who perform various tasks such as drafting court correspondence and documents, filing court documents, communicating with clients, and conducting legal research. They make an average of $50,940 annually.
Mediator: Mediator assists conflicting parties in finding solutions to their conflicts. They listen and help clients develop a resolution plan to help them solve their issues out of court. They earn an average of $50,000 annually.
Arbitrator: Just like mediators, arbitrators help to dispute parties settle their conflicts outside of court. They hold private, confidential, informal hearings. An arbitrator earns an average salary of $63,930 per year.

Best Online Schools Offering Accredited Law Degree Programs

Online schools offering accredited law degree programs provide a flexible route to a career in the legal field. Distance learners enroll in online schools accredited by the American Bar Association to provide law degree programs. The accrediting institution has set out several restrictions on online schools. For instance, ABA requires online schools to offer some in-person courses. With this, you can hardly find a learning institution offering 100% online law degree courses. Online programs have become popular due to their flexibility.

They have hybrid enrollment options allowing students to study at their convenience. However, before enrolling in any online degree program, ensure that the ABA accredits the program. The confirmation process can be quite tedious, especially when you don’t know where to start. But, you need not stress yourself out. This article explores some of the best online schools offering accrediting law degree programs and where to find ABA-approved schools. Scroll downwards to the subsequent sections!

Where Are the ABA-Approved Online Law Schools?

If you’ve been shopping for an approved online law school, probably you’ve faced some serious hurdles in your quest. Despite online law programs existing for a while now, the American Bar Association has remained adamant about fully accrediting any online programs. However, things have rapidly changed in the last few years. The accrediting institution has begun allowing law students to complete some courses online. Several law schools have introduced hybrid online law programs to enable students to receive their Juris Doctor degrees remotely. The hybrid programs allow law students to complete many courses online and only a few through in-person classroom instruction. They receive similar degrees to those earned by on-campus law program students. Some of the law schools that ABA has granted waivers to provide Juris Doctor degrees online include:

Syracuse University: Syracuse University’s JDinteractive (JDi) was first approved by ABA in 2018. Initially, the enrollment limit for the flexible online program was 65 students. However, this has changed significantly. The online program offers different types of instruction; self-paced online learning, live online class sessions, and six in-person residential courses. The program takes approximately 39 months to complete. The schools boast a bar pass rate of 91.4% and a job acceptance rate of 52.1%.
Mitchell Hamline School of Law: Mitchel Hamline Law School was the first law school to be approved to provide online law degrees in 2015. students can complete the institution’s online program within four years. However, there is an accelerated program that takes three years to complete. The law offers a blended learning format. Law students can choose to learn fully online or partially online. The law school has a bar pass rate of 80.9% and an acceptance rate of 57.5%.
Southwestern Law School: Southwestern Law School was approved to provide an online law degree program in 2017. It launched to dispute its first part-time program in 2019. The program enables law students to learn both online and in person and takes approximately four years to complete. The bar pass rate is 52.3, and the graduate student’s job acceptance rate is 46.1%.
University of New Hampshire School of Law: The law school’s Hybrid JD program was approved in February 2019. Students can complete the program almost entirely online since it only requires four on-campus classroom instructions per year. Other courses are offered through live and recorded lectures, discussion board interactions, and reading and writing assignments. Learners can complete the program in approximately three and a half years. The law school’s bar pass rate stands at 91.9, while the acceptance rate is 61.2%.
Loyola University Chicago School of Law: The law schools offer Weekend JD programs that require students to attend eight in-person instruction per semester. Online courses are provided through live and recorded learning sessions. Learners can complete the program within four years of full-time study. The bar pass rate of law school graduates is 77.8%, while the legal field acceptance rate is 45.8%.

Other law schools approved by the American Bar Association to offer online law degrees include:

What GPA Do You Need to Get into Law School?

Students seeking admission to law schools must meet specific academic requirements. The most common educational provision that admission officers typically consider is the students’ GPA. The GPA helps admission officers determine the student’s intellectual capabilities and project future performance during the degree program. Most law schools require students to have a GPA of at least 3.5.

What Are the Best Online Schools Offering Accredited Law Degree Programs?

Are you seeking to pursue a law degree online but don’t know where to start? Here are some of the best online schools offering accredited law degrees and paralegal programs that you might consider:

Historically, the American Bar Association barred colleges, universities, and law schools from offering online law degree programs. However, with the change of time, and advancement in the education sector, the ABA-approved certain online schools to provide law degree programs online. Despite the approvals by ABA, some states are yet to recognize law degrees earned online, preventing graduate students from taking the bar exams. Additionally, employers continue to have mixed reactions to online law degrees. While others view online degrees with lots of respect, especially the accredited online law degree programs, others still doubt the potential of the programs.

Nonetheless, online law degrees are steadily becoming popular as more students learn remotely rather than attend on-campus programs. Online law degrees are highly flexible, allowing students to work while studying. Moreover, they are relatively cheaper than on-campus programs, making them suitable for several prospective law students. The online law degrees have also met the standards set by the accrediting organization. Hence, online students graduate with the same degrees as their counterparts undertaking on-campus law degree programs.