Discover Top Online Paralegal Programs in New Jersey (NJ)

Does working in a law firm or other legal organization sound exciting, but you don’t think law school is right for you? Law firms, nonprofits, and government organizations all over New Jersey need paralegals, and you might be a good fit to join their ranks.

As a specialized administrative role, you need specific training to become a paralegal. The results can be rewarding both personally and materially, since not only will you help the legal system deliver justice but be in a field set to grow by 4% over the next decade and earning an average salary of $72,320 in the greater Newark area and $59,200 nationally. Continue reading to learn about some of the best paralegal schools and programs in NJ.

Top Online Paralegal Degree Programs in New Jersey

If you prefer to study in an online or hybrid program, there are plenty of paralegal schools in NJ that can provide a high-quality education from the convenience of home and without the hassle and expense of moving. Many of these programs are for working professionals and have flexible, asynchronous, and night and weekend classes. Below is our ranking of the top online paralegal programs in New Jersey to help you begin your search.

Rowan University

Rowan University offers an affordable online course to prepare you for a career as a paralegal with its fully online, one-year Certified Paralegal course through its career training programs. One of the only paralegal programs in NJ working in partnership with the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), this course not only provides the academic foundation necessary to work as a paralegal but also prepares you to take the Certified Paralegal (CP) Exam.

You also get full access to NALA’s CP Exam prep materials. This course costs less than $2,500 regardless of residency status and can be completed entirely online. Month-by-month financing is available, and other forms of financial assistance are also available.

Raritan Valley Community College

At Raritan Valley Community College, you have a variety of options for earning your paralegal qualifications through either a certificate program for those who already have associate or bachelor’s degrees and an associate degree for those who don’t. All programs have the option of studying online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format for your ABA-approved qualifications. Evening classes are also available for students with professional or family responsibilities.

Students at Raritan Valley have access to the school’s wide network of contacts, something it prides itself on. This means that during your studies, the school can assist you with internship and job placement regardless of which paralegal program you’re enrolled in.

Mercer County Community College

Mercer County Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) as well as a certificate program for students looking for even greater flexibility in their schedules. Both programs are approved by the ABA, and both have synchronous instruction with remaining classes available either in-person or online with evening and weekend options available. While the paralegal certificate course offers exclusively legal studies-related coursework, those earning an AAS at Mercer through its paralegal program need to also complete core liberal arts requirements, including a course on college readiness. Your faculty advisor can help you plan your course schedule.

Types of Paralegal Degrees You Can Earn in New Jersey

Whether you’ve just finished high school or already hold a postsecondary degree, there are paralegal programs in NJ that can give you the qualifications you need to begin a paralegal career. The different types of paralegal degrees you can earn are described below along with example programs from schools that offer them.

Undergraduate Paralegal Degrees in New Jersey

Paying for Your Paralegal Degree in New Jersey

Before you begin your paralegal education, have a plan in place for how you’ll pay for it. In addition to any personal savings you may use, fill out your FAFSA on time to get any federal government-subsidized loans and grants you qualify for. Also look into scholarship and aid opportunities from your school since many schools have both need-based and merit-based aid programs. Finally, look into external scholarship opportunities. Many New Jersey paralegal students qualify for scholarships from the state. One example is the NJ STARS scholarship, which covers tuition at any community college in New Jersey, including those offering paralegal programs, if you graduated in the top 15% of your high school class.

Salary & Growth for Paralegal Grads in New Jersey

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for paralegals in New Jersey rose by 7.7% in 2022, much faster than the national average of 4%. Further, New Jersey paralegals earned an average salary of $65,570 with a mean wage rise of 3.1%. This means that not only will you earn a solid wage in the average New Jersey paralegal job, but your income is likely to rise as you continue in the field. Finally, depending on where you live in New Jersey, you may have access to paralegal jobs by taking advantage of the large population centers, such as the Greater New York City area for those who live and work in or near Newark.

New Jersey Paralegal Professional and Student Resources

• Paralegal Association of New Jersey
  The main statewide professional association for New Jersey paralegals, this registered nonprofit with over forty years of experience is dedicated to promoting and advancing the paralegal profession across the state.
• South Jersey Paralegal Association
  For paralegals and students living and working in the southern part of New Jersey, this membership organization offers networking, continuing education, and mentorship opportunities for all paralegal career levels.
• NJ Paralegal Convention
  This annual event has been bringing New Jersey paralegals together for over 25 years. Meet fellow paralegals and other professionals in the field, make connections, and even win prizes.
• New Jersey State Bar Association
  This state bar association is the largest organization of legal professionals in New Jersey. It offers professional, educational, and networking opportunities across the legal field as well as online resources.
• Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey
  This is a professional organization for Black American women working in the legal field in New Jersey. New Jersey’s oldest women’s bar association, paralegals are welcome to join.