Paralegal Schools in Sacramento, CA
Getting through law school, passing the bar, and becoming an attorney in California can take a long time - and a lot of money. It is not something that is for everybody. But there is a less time-intensive and costly road to working in this demanding, satisfying, and well-paying field for those intrigued by the law and the legal profession; becoming a paralegal.
Paralegals in Sacramento have a lot to be satisfied with. The job options are extensive, as paralegals are employed in almost every law office as well as in corporate legal departments, within government agencies, with non-profit organizations and much more.
Featured Paralegal Programs
Paralegal Job Outlook and Salaries in Sacramento
Salaries for paralegals in Sacramento, CA are extremely competitive too. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average a paralegal in Sacramento, CA earned $61,180 per annum in 2020. Starting salaries for new paralegals averaged $32,450 and the most experienced commanded upwards of $90,000 a year.
To work as a paralegal in California, there are no legal minimum qualification or credential standards. For all the actions of their paralegal employees, a paralegal's managing attorney must take full responsibility.
For this reason, although paralegal programs may not be a state-mandated prerequisite, the vast majority of employers tend to recruit individuals who have at least some formal education in areas of law and legal practice as they apply to a paralegal's duties.
Paralegal Schools in Sacramento
American River College
A.A. in Paralegal Studies
American River College is one of the schools that makes up the Los Rios Community College District and offers a wide range of educational programs to Sacramento area residents at a reasonable cost.
For those interested in becoming a paralegal the school offers two options. For those who already have a minimum of a two-year college degree but are interested in switching careers and moving into the paralegal field, their Paralegal Studies Certificate is a specialty focused 30-unit program that provides a broad overview of the specific knowledge and skills require of an entry level paralegal.
For those just beginning their educational career the school's A.A. in Paralegal Studies is the perfect entrance into the profession. This two-year degree program arms its graduates with the tools and knowledge require to obtain an entry level paralegal position in almost any branch of the law.
To be admitted to the A.A. in Paralegal Studies program students must hold a high school diploma or GED and meet minimum educational standards.
The cost of the course will vary according to a student's personal situation, but according to the school for local in district residents living with their parents the annual cost of the A.A. in Paralegal Studies averages $16,544 per school year, including all books, supplies, and incidentals. That cost rises to an average of $24,902 per year for independent students. The course runs for four semesters, or two years.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify, as are a limited number of local grants.
Humphreys University
AAS Degree in Legal Studies
Humphreys University is a private university offering a wide variety of educational programs at all levels, from diplomas to master's Degrees. Its Legal Studies program - which is offered at both the two-year Associate Degree and four-year bachelor's degree levels are often the choice of those planning to head to law school to become an attorney, but it does also provide a good foundation for those interested in becoming a paralegal.
Admission is competitive, and for the AAS Degree in Legal Studies students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement in high school and hold a high school diploma. Candidates for the BS in Legal Studies continue on to that program after the completion of their AAS.
This campus-based program covers a broad range of legal issues and concepts and meets the guidelines for paralegal education as set out by the California Bar Association. Course costs are charged on a standard per credit basis, and as that cost differs according to a student's personal situation those interested should meet with an admissions rep to determine theirs.
Federal and state financial aid is available to those who qualify to help cover the expense of pursuing either degree.
MTI College
AAS Degree in Paralegal Studies
MTI College is a private, for profit college that offers a wide range of vocational career programs at both diploma and AAS degree level.
For those interested in becoming a paralegal they offer an AAS Degree in Paralegal Studies that takes 18-24 months to complete and can be completed on campus or hybrid in person/online option they call the Partial Online Paralegal Program. This program takes slightly longer to complete than the full-time campus-based offering but covers almost all the same material.
The AAS degree offered MTI gives students a broad introduction to both the law in general and the duties and responsibilities of a paralegal. Upon graduation students are offered job placement assistance to help them find their first paralegal position too.
To enroll, students must hold a high school diploma or GED and meet minimum education standards as set by MTI. The estimated cost of the program breaks down as follows:
Year One
Tuition and Registration: $18,390
Books and Supplies: $1,557
Year Two
Tuition and Registration: $16,250
Books and Supplies: $2,068 – $2,175
Traditional federal financial aid is available to those who qualify, or a student may consider taking out a private student loan via a lender like Sallie Mae.
UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education
Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
The paralegal program offered at UC Davis is a 6 month, online only Paralegal Studies Certificate Program. This 'fast track' program can be completed at a student's own pace - provided it is completed in six months and offers a broad overview of the paralegal profession and the skills needed to work in it. It is not, however, as broad as an AAS degree.
Admission to the program calls for a high school diploma or GED and minimum scores on a school set test. The estimated tuition cost, which cannot be covered by traditional financial aid, is $6,995 plus an estimated $800 in books and fees. A payment plan is available, but the entire cost must be paid prior to graduation.