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Paralegal programs in California

21 paralegal programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

14 schools offer these paralegal programs, and California has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Paralegals support lawyers: they keep case files in order, research the law and draft documents. Most have an associate degree or a certificate in paralegal studies, though some employers prefer a bachelor's degree; certification isn't required.1

In California, 2 of the 21 programs take students without a high school diploma, 8 ask for a diploma or equivalent, 8 ask for earlier courses first and 3 ask for a bachelor's degree.

By kind, the 21 programs here are paralegal certificate or diploma (15 programs), paralegal exam prep or short course (3 programs), legal assistant or legal secretary (2 programs) and paralegal (associate degree, 1 program).

See the 21 programs

How much do paralegal programs cost in California?

$2,882 to $8,491 is what most paralegal programs in California cost if you pay yourself

That is the middle half of the 20 programs with a price. All of them: $966 to $9,000

In the typical program

Finished the program
90%
Working 6 months later
24%
Earned a year, estimated
about $62,000
Length
32 to 52 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in California may also offer paralegal programs. How these figures are made

Are there free paralegal programs in California?

All 21 paralegal programs in California approved for WIOA funding

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21 programs

  • Legal assistant or legal secretaryHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Business Information - Legal Office Specialist

    College Of The Desert

    Palm Desert

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    College Of The Desert, Palm DesertLegal assistant or legal secretary · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$966
    Program website, Business Information - Legal Office Specialist at College Of The Desert
    More details about Business Information - Legal Office Specialist at College Of The Desert
    Finished
    88%
    Working at 6 months
    4%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 13 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $97
    Students counted
    8,692
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $966
    Program website, Business Information - Legal Office Specialist at College Of The Desert
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaIn personEducation and courses

    Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 22 wks.)

    UCLA Extension

    Los Angeles

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    UCLA Extension, Los AngelesParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$8,780
    School website, Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 22 wks.) at UCLA Extension
    More details about Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 22 wks.) at UCLA Extension
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    22 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,662
    Students counted
    413
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $8,780
    School website, Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 22 wks.) at UCLA Extension
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaOnlineEducation and courses

    Paralegal Studies Certificate Program

    California State University, East Bay, University Extension

    Based in Hayward, CA

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    California State University, East Bay, University Extension, based in Hayward, CAParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolOnline · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$27,100
    Price if you pay yourself$8,350

    10 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Paralegal Studies Certificate Program at California State University, East Bay, University Extension
    More details about Paralegal Studies Certificate Program at California State University, East Bay, University Extension
    Finished
    73%
    Working at 6 months
    32%
    Earned in a quarter
    $6,776
    Length
    48 weeks, 24 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    410
    Earned a year, estimated
    $27,100
    Price if you pay yourself
    $8,350
    students trained with WIOA funding
    10
    Program website, Paralegal Studies Certificate Program at California State University, East Bay, University Extension
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaHybridBachelor's degree

    ABA Approved Paralegal Studies-Accelerated

    UCSD Division of Extended Studies

    La Jolla

    Accredited school

    Bachelor's degree

    UCSD Division of Extended Studies, La JollaParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · Bachelor's degree

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$8,395
    Program website, ABA Approved Paralegal Studies-Accelerated at UCSD Division of Extended Studies
    More details about ABA Approved Paralegal Studies-Accelerated at UCSD Division of Extended Studies
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    12 weeks, 32 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $150
    Students counted
    374
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $8,395
    Program website, ABA Approved Paralegal Studies-Accelerated at UCSD Division of Extended Studies
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaHybridBachelor's degree

    ABA Approved Paralegal Studies

    UCSD Division of Extended Studies

    La Jolla

    Accredited school

    Bachelor's degree

    UCSD Division of Extended Studies, La JollaParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · Bachelor's degree

    Earned a year, estimated$69,200
    Price if you pay yourself$6,635

    14 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, ABA Approved Paralegal Studies at UCSD Division of Extended Studies
    More details about ABA Approved Paralegal Studies at UCSD Division of Extended Studies
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    13%
    Earned in a quarter
    $17,312
    Length
    45 weeks, 19 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,220
    Students counted
    373
    Earned a year, estimated
    $69,200
    Price if you pay yourself
    $6,635
    students trained with WIOA funding
    14
    Program website, ABA Approved Paralegal Studies at UCSD Division of Extended Studies
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaOnlineBachelor's degree

    Paralegal Compressed (Online)

    UC Irvine Continuing Education

    Based in Irvine, CA

    Accredited school

    Bachelor's degree

    UC Irvine Continuing Education, based in Irvine, CAParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolOnline · Bachelor's degree

    Earned a year, estimated$62,000
    Price if you pay yourself$8,350

    12 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Paralegal Compressed (Online) at UC Irvine Continuing Education
    More details about Paralegal Compressed (Online) at UC Irvine Continuing Education
    Finished
    54%
    Working at 6 months
    17%
    Earned in a quarter
    $15,500
    Length
    12 weeks, 25 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,575
    Students counted
    330
    Earned a year, estimated
    $62,000
    Price if you pay yourself
    $8,350
    students trained with WIOA funding
    12
    Program website, Paralegal Compressed (Online) at UC Irvine Continuing Education
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaOnlineNo diploma needed

    Paralegal Studies

    SF State, College of Professional & Global Education

    Based in San Francisco, CA

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    SF State, College of Professional & Global Education, based in San Francisco, CAParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolOnline · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$9,000
    Program website, Paralegal Studies at SF State, College of Professional & Global Education
    More details about Paralegal Studies at SF State, College of Professional & Global Education
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    65 weeks, 6 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,670
    Students counted
    302
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $9,000
    Program website, Paralegal Studies at SF State, College of Professional & Global Education
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Paralegal Studies Certificate

    UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education

    Based in Davis, CA

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, based in Davis, CAParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$6,995

    11 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Paralegal Studies Certificate at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education
    More details about Paralegal Studies Certificate at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education
    Finished
    79%
    Working at 6 months
    6%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    26 weeks, 14 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $925
    Students counted
    229
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $6,995
    students trained with WIOA funding
    11
    Program website, Paralegal Studies Certificate at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaIn personEducation and courses

    Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 48 wks.)

    UCLA Extension

    Los Angeles

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    UCLA Extension, Los AngelesParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$8,780
    School website, Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 48 wks.) at UCLA Extension
    More details about Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 48 wks.) at UCLA Extension
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 7 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,662
    Students counted
    219
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $8,780
    School website, Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 48 wks.) at UCLA Extension
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaOnlineEducation and courses

    Paralegal Studies Certificate (ABA Approved)

    UCR University Extension

    Based in Riverside, CA

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    UCR University Extension, based in Riverside, CAParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolOnline · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$68,100
    Price if you pay yourself$8,000

    6 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Paralegal Studies Certificate (ABA Approved) at UCR University Extension
    More details about Paralegal Studies Certificate (ABA Approved) at UCR University Extension
    Finished
    35%
    Working at 6 months
    67%
    Earned in a quarter
    $17,030
    Length
    65 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $250
    Students counted
    96
    Earned a year, estimated
    $68,100
    Price if you pay yourself
    $8,000
    students trained with WIOA funding
    6
    Program website, Paralegal Studies Certificate (ABA Approved) at UCR University Extension
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaHybridPrerequisite courses

    Paralegal C.A.

    Cuesta College

    San Luis Obispo

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Cuesta College, San Luis ObispoParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,106
    Program website, Paralegal C.A. at Cuesta College
    More details about Paralegal C.A. at Cuesta College
    Finished
    54%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    54 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $2,169
    Students counted
    76
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,106
    Program website, Paralegal C.A. at Cuesta College
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Paralegal / Legal Assistant

    Downey Adult School

    Based in Downey, CA

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Downey Adult School, based in Downey, CAParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$64,800
    Price if you pay yourselfNot reported
    School website, Paralegal / Legal Assistant at Downey Adult School
    More details about Paralegal / Legal Assistant at Downey Adult School
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    14%
    Earned in a quarter
    $16,200
    Length
    48 weeks, 13 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    65
    Earned a year, estimated
    $64,800
    Price if you pay yourself
    Not reported
    School website, Paralegal / Legal Assistant at Downey Adult School
  • Paralegal exam prep or short courseOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Certified Paralegal (GES2034) (Voucher Included)

    Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension

    Based in Los Angeles, CA

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension, based in Los Angeles, CAParalegal exam prep or short course · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$46,300
    Price if you pay yourself$2,895

    30 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Certified Paralegal (GES2034) (Voucher Included) at Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension
    More details about Certified Paralegal (GES2034) (Voucher Included) at Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension
    Finished
    50%
    Working at 6 months
    34%
    Earned in a quarter
    $11,582
    Length
    52 weeks, 4 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,365
    Students counted
    61
    Earned a year, estimated
    $46,300
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,895
    students trained with WIOA funding
    30
    Program website, Certified Paralegal (GES2034) (Voucher Included) at Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension
  • Paralegal exam prep or short courseOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Certified Paralegal (GES 2033)

    Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension

    Based in Los Angeles, CA

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension, based in Los Angeles, CAParalegal exam prep or short course · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,495

    6 students trained with WIOA funding

    School website, Certified Paralegal (GES 2033) at Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension
    More details about Certified Paralegal (GES 2033) at Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension
    Finished
    53%
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    52 weeks, 4 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,090
    Students counted
    37
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,495
    students trained with WIOA funding
    6
    School website, Certified Paralegal (GES 2033) at Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension
  • Paralegal exam prep or short courseOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Certified Paralegal (online, voucher included)

    California State University San Marcos Extended Learning

    Based in San Marcos, CA

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    California State University San Marcos Extended Learning, based in San Marcos, CAParalegal exam prep or short course · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,995

    5 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Certified Paralegal (online, voucher included) at California State University San Marcos Extended Learning
    More details about Certified Paralegal (online, voucher included) at California State University San Marcos Extended Learning
    Finished
    91%
    Working at 6 months
    100%
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    40 weeks, 5 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    29
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,995
    students trained with WIOA funding
    5
    Program website, Certified Paralegal (online, voucher included) at California State University San Marcos Extended Learning
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Paralegal (Hybrid)

    Newport International United College

    Woodland Hills

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Newport International United College, Woodland HillsParalegal certificate or diplomaHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$25,000
    Price if you pay yourself$6,562

    4 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Paralegal (Hybrid) at Newport International United College
    More details about Paralegal (Hybrid) at Newport International United College
    Finished
    92%
    Working at 6 months
    100%
    Earned in a quarter
    $6,252
    Length
    36 weeks, 13 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $388
    Students counted
    26
    Earned a year, estimated
    $25,000
    Price if you pay yourself
    $6,562
    students trained with WIOA funding
    4
    Program website, Paralegal (Hybrid) at Newport International United College
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaIn personEducation and courses

    Paralegal/Legal Studies Certificate of Achievement

    City College of San Francisco

    San Francisco

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    City College of San Francisco, San FranciscoParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,412
    More details about Paralegal/Legal Studies Certificate of Achievement at City College of San Francisco
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    54 weeks, 9 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,412
  • Legal assistant or legal secretaryOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Legal Secretary Online

    Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension

    Based in Los Angeles, CA

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension, based in Los Angeles, CALegal assistant or legal secretary · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,845
    Program website, Legal Secretary Online at Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension
    More details about Legal Secretary Online at Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    52 weeks, 7 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,845
    Program website, Legal Secretary Online at Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension
  • Paralegal (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed

    Paralegal A.A.

    Cuesta College

    San Luis Obispo

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Cuesta College, San Luis ObispoParalegal (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$4,333
    Program website, Paralegal A.A. at Cuesta College
    More details about Paralegal A.A. at Cuesta College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    72 weeks, 9 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $6,420
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $4,333
    Program website, Paralegal A.A. at Cuesta College
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaOnlineEducation and courses

    Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 22 wks.) (Online)

    UCLA Extension

    Based in Los Angeles, CA

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    UCLA Extension, based in Los Angeles, CAParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolOnline · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$8,780
    School website, Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 22 wks.) (Online) at UCLA Extension
    More details about Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 22 wks.) (Online) at UCLA Extension
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    22 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,662
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $8,780
    School website, Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 22 wks.) (Online) at UCLA Extension
  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaOnlineEducation and courses

    Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 48 wks.) (Online)

    UCLA Extension

    Based in Los Angeles, CA

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    UCLA Extension, based in Los Angeles, CAParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolOnline · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$8,780
    School website, Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 48 wks.) (Online) at UCLA Extension
    More details about Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 48 wks.) (Online) at UCLA Extension
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    48 weeks, 7 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1,662
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $8,780
    School website, Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 48 wks.) (Online) at UCLA Extension

How to pay for paralegal programs in California

WIOA funding can pay for paralegal programs in California

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for paralegal programs

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.67

GI Bill for paralegal programs

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.8

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Quick facts: Paralegal programs in California

programs with a price cost under $3,000
7 of 20
lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
16th of 23
other states where the typical program's graduates earned less
12 of 12
paralegal programs here, against the typical state's 6
21 vs 6

State comparisons use the same figures as the paralegal programs by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).

Paralegal programs in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Luis Obispo and other California cities

Choosing an area filters the program list above. 12 programs are online.

Other training in California

How paralegal programs compare with the rest of business and office work: Business and office training in California

Where the California paralegal program numbers come from

Which California paralegal programs are on this list?

These are the paralegal programs California approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).9 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what California offers.

How the prices and results of California paralegal programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

Sources for the facts about paralegal programs in California

Show the 9 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Paralegals and Legal Assistants
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  5. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  6. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  8. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  9. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List