Best Online Bachelor’s in Law Programs

The field of law is home to many types of legal professions. Lawyers are well known. But there are dozens of others: mediators, paralegals, and attorneys, among others.

A bachelor’s in law or legal studies provides the base for many of these professions. But it’s more than a foundation — a bachelor’s in law can also be a precursor to attending law school, and the beginning of many years of exposure to law and legal topics.

Online law degrees are widely available, making it more flexible and convenient for students to complete their education while managing other responsibilities. Explore the rest of this page to find out more about online law degrees, costs and career outcomes.

Bachelor’s in law or legal studies programs include core coursework in law, legal research, and legal analysis. Enrollees may customize their degree with a specialization. Options include international law and business law. A business law concentration covers contract laws that govern commercial exchange.

Bachelor’s in law degrees require 120 credits total, including about 60 credits of general education coursework. See below for three common courses in bachelor’s in law programs.

The average annual tuition and fees of online bachelor’s in law and legal studies is $10,121, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Law and legal studies was the seventh least-expensive out of 21 online bachelor’s degrees in the NCES database.

The total cost of an online program may be less expensive than a campus-based program. Online programs typically do not charge fees associated with on-campus education, such as living accommodations, transportation and campus fees. However, they may face higher technology costs.

Tuition costs increase at the graduate level at law schools. According to data collected by the American Bar Association (ABA) in 2023, the average annual cost of tuition and fees for full-time, in-state law school students was $30,364. The average cost for full-time, out-of-state law school students was $38,959.

Students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including federal loans, scholarships, and grants to help make their online law education more affordable. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial step to receiving financial aid.

FAFSA determines each student’s eligibility for need-based aid. But, the cost of an online law degree can vary based on individual financial situations and the amount of financial aid received.

In addition to federal financial aid, some law schools and organizations offer Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs) for graduates working in public interest or government positions. Other options include work-study programs, need-based grants offered by states, fellowships and school-based scholarships.

Institutional accreditation is an important factor to consider when choosing an online law degree.

Institutional accreditation ensures a school meets educational standards and successfully prepares students for their careers. The U.S. Department of Education limits federal financial aid (such as Pell grants and federal student loans) to students enrolled in accredited institutions. Many graduate and law schools admit only students who graduated from an accredited college or university. Before enrolling in an online law degree program, check that the school is accredited.

At the undergraduate level, the American Bar Association does not “accredit” legal studies programs, though they do “approve” them. ABA approval means the program meets the standard for legal education and ensures students are ready to enter the legal profession.

Enrolling in a bachelor’s program with ABA approval is not a typical education requirement for undergraduate-level legal positions, such as paralegals. Most law school admissions do not require it either.

The ABA only accredits law schools (e.g., J.D. programs). Attending an ABA-accredited law school is a requirement in most states, for those who wish to sit for the bar exam.

To be admitted into an online bachelor’s in law program, students typically need proof of high school graduation or its equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Some schools may also require entrance exams (e.g., ACT or SAT) or higher GPAs.

Transfer students may need to have earned at least 24 credit hours with a minimum GPA of 2.0 from an accredited institution. They may also need to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Admission offices may review applicants individually if they do meet certain requirements. Not all online programs are available to residents of all U.S. states, so it’s important to check with an admissions representative for more information.

Law majors have many career options, including roles as paralegals, court clerks, court reporters, probation officers, journalists, and investment bankers. To become a lawyer or judge, further education and advanced law degrees are necessary.

Legal occupations earned a median annual wage of $95,170 in May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The wage is more than two times higher than the median for all occupations, $46,310.

The reason the legal profession’s median wage is so much larger than the national wage is education. Those working in the legal field often hold a doctoral (e.g. Juris Doctor) or professional degree, which commands a higher salary..

Lawyers complete about seven years of postsecondary study. Learners can begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in law or legal studies from an accredited school.

Students may also major in related disciplines such as social science, political science, criminal justice, or history. Graduates then complete the LSAT and apply to law school. Most lawyers complete a three-year JD program accredited by the American Bar Association.

JD programs usually include internships or clerkships that prepare students for law careers. Professionals with a JD qualify to take the bar exam. This state licensure exam permits lawyers to practice law.

Lawyers must pass a background check. They must also complete continuing education hours every 1-3 years to keep their professional license current.

The value of an online law degree depends on your career goals and personal situation. While useful for professionals who need legal knowledge in fields like HR or compliance, these degrees don’t qualify you to practice law. However, online law degrees can be the foundation for law school.

A pre-law student is someone who is preparing for law school. Pre-law students typically focus on developing key skills and acquiring knowledge in legal studies. This includes critical thinking, writing, and understanding law and policy.

Law schools do not require any specific major, though students may prefer to choose areas they’re interested in and will help them develop law-related skills and knowledge.

Law schools generally accept any bachelor’s degree, online or not. The key is that the school is legitimate and has programmatic or institutional accreditation. Though, it may depend on the law school. Some law schools with more competitive admission standards may prefer applicants with a traditional degree.

Legal apprenticeships or law clerk programs in states like Maine and Washington can help you become a lawyer without attending law school. These legal apprenticeships last several years and provide educational and practical experience needed to be eligible to take the bar exam.

However, you may need to meet specific state requirements, such as supervision by a practicing attorney for a set duration. New York also offers this path but requires some law school education in addition to the apprenticeship.

It depends on your strengths and weaknesses as a student. Legal studies is reading and writing intensive. If you struggle in these areas, legal studies may be a more difficult major for you.