Best Online Paralegal Programs in Colorado (CO)
Est. Time: 3 mins
Aspiring paralegals in Colorado have a wide range of opportunities to pursue their education. Read on for more about the best online paralegal schools in Colorado.
Are you looking to start your career as Colorado’s newest paralegal? Congratulations — you’ll be joining a field that, as of May 2022, had not only above-average demand which was only rising, but also a comfortable state average salary of $68,920. Paralegals are vital in our legal system, assisting attorneys and their clients with research, writing, case preparation and more.
Before you can get started, you’ll need a proper education. That’s where paralegal studies in Colorado come in. Whether you’re looking to study online or through a blended format, check out some of the Colorado paralegal programs on this page to see if one might be a fit for you.
Programs that might interest you:
Colorado Mountain College
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate27%
- Retention Rate43%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
- Tuition$
- % Excl. Online10%
- % Part. Online17%
Community College of Denver
Denver, Colorado
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Grant Aid
- Graduation Rate18%
- Retention RateN/A
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
- Tuition$
- % Excl. Online34%
- % Part. Online25%
Base Methodology for STEP’s “Best Online College Rankings”
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Online learning metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by affordability and student outcomes/academic quality metrics.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs
- Percent of total students enrolled exclusively in distance education courses
- Percent of total students enrolled in some but not all distance education courses
Affordability
- Average amount of federal, state, local, or institutional grant aid awarded
- Tuition and fess
Student Outcomes
- Full-time retention rate
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Graduation rate
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2024.
Types of Paralegal Degrees You Can Earn in Colorado
There’s more than one way to complete your paralegal education in Colorado. Continue reading to learn more about the types of paralegal programs offered in Colorado.
Undergraduate Paralegal Degrees in Colorado
Paralegal Associate Degrees
An associate degree is one of the most popular choices for aspiring paralegals in Colorado, as evidenced by all the options available. You’ll study the foundations of the legal system and prepare to work as a paralegal over the course of this two-year degree program.
Accredited Colorado Colleges with an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies
- Arapahoe Community College (On-Campus)
- Community College of Denver (On-Campus, Online)
- Colorado Mountain College (Online)
Certificate Programs
Paralegal certificate programs in Colorado are one of the fastest, and often most affordable, ways to complete your paralegal education. Whether you already have some postsecondary qualifications, or just want to start working as quickly as possible, a certificate program can often be completed in a year or less.
Accredited Colorado Colleges with Paralegal Certificate Programs
- Arapahoe Community College (On-Campus)
- Front Range Community College (On-Campus)
- Colorado Mountain College (Online)
Paying for Your Paralegal Degree in Colorado
Before you enroll in a paralegal school in Colorado, take some time to consider how you’ll pay for your education. In addition to filling out your FAFSA on time to ensure you’ll be considered for federally-supported grants and loans, check out the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI). Sponsored by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, this program provides a wide range of scholarship opportunities for Colorado students. You may also be eligible for financial aid from your school, and remember to look into scholarships from private organizations, such as charitable foundations. Note the deadlines to apply and eligibility requirements as you research options.
Salary and Growth for Paralegal Grads in Colorado
Once you’ve graduated from your Colorado paralegal program, it’s time to get to work. While employment as a paralegal can be intellectually challenging and personally fulfilling, you should also be aware of what your salary and career options will look like. Fortunately, you’ll be entering a strong job market — according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegal jobs in Colorado are growing at a healthy rate of 5.3%, well above the national average for all jobs and paralegal jobs.
Wages for paralegals are rising at a rate of 3.4%, with a 2022 average salary for Colorado paralegals at $68,920, above the $59,200 national average paralegal salary for 2022. Colorado paralegals earn a mean hourly wage of over $33 per hour.
Colorado Paralegal Professional and Student Resources
- Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association
This non-profit, founded over 50 years ago, serves as the leading professional organization for paralegals in the Rocky Mountain region, providing continuing education, pro bono opportunities, networking and more. - Pikes Peak Paralegals
An affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), Pikes Peak Paralegals is a professional association for Colorado paralegals, aiming to advance legal education, offer fellowship among members, and promote professionalism in the paralegal community. - Colorado Freelance Paralegal Network
For paralegals not working with a single firm or organization, the Colorado Freelance Paralegal Network is here for you. Founded in Colorado over 15 years ago, the organization has now expanded operations throughout the country. - Colorado Bar AssociationWith about 17,000 members, the Colorado Bar Association is the primary legal professional body in the State of Colorado. Check out their website and create an account for legal resources, membership, and more.
- Legal Assistants of the Western Slope
Since 1995, Legal Assistants of the Western Slope has been a NALA-recognized association of paralegals and other legal assistants based in Durango but operating throughout Colorado. They provide continuing education and networking opportunities.