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Paralegal programs in Chicago, Illinois

23 paralegal programs with results and funding that can make them free

15 schools offer these paralegal programs with classes in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area, and every one is approved for workforce funding. Each shows how past students did; Illinois files no usable prices.

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 Chicago, 2 of the 23 programs take students without a high school diploma, 4 ask for a diploma or equivalent, 16 ask for earlier courses first and 1 asks for an associate degree.

By kind, the 23 programs here are paralegal certificate or diploma (13 programs), paralegal (associate degree, 8 programs), paralegal exam prep or short course (1 program) and legal assistant or legal secretary (1 program).

See the 23 programs

All 31 paralegal programs in Illinois, including online programs

How much do paralegal programs cost in Chicago?

Not reported

Illinois files no usable prices, so none can be shown.

In the typical program

Finished the program
Not reported
None of the 23 programs report it
Working 6 months later
70%
Earned a year, estimated
about $42,100
Length
32 to 64 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 Chicago may also offer paralegal programs. How these figures are made

Are there free paralegal programs in Chicago?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 23 paralegal programs in Chicago approved for WIOA funding

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23 programs

  • Paralegal (associate degree)HybridEducation and courses

    Legal Studies AAS Degree

    College Of DuPage

    Glen Ellyn

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    College Of DuPage, Glen EllynParalegal (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$44,100
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Legal Studies AAS Degree at College Of DuPage
    More details about Legal Studies AAS Degree at College Of DuPage
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    76%
    Earned in a quarter
    $11,032
    Length
    96 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    122
    Earned a year, estimated
    $44,100
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Legal Studies AAS Degree at College Of DuPage

  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaHybridEducation and courses

    Legal Studies Certificate

    College Of DuPage

    Glen Ellyn

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    College Of DuPage, Glen EllynParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$44,100
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out

    4 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Legal Studies Certificate at College Of DuPage
    More details about Legal Studies Certificate at College Of DuPage
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    76%
    Earned in a quarter
    $11,032
    Length
    72 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    122
    Earned a year, estimated
    $44,100
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    students trained with WIOA funding
    4
    Program website, Legal Studies Certificate at College Of DuPage

  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaIn personEducation and courses

    Legal Studies Certificate

    Harper College

    Palatine

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Harper College, PalatineParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$47,700
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Legal Studies Certificate at Harper College
    More details about Legal Studies Certificate at Harper College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    72%
    Earned in a quarter
    $11,936
    Length
    32 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    115
    Earned a year, estimated
    $47,700
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Legal Studies Certificate at Harper College

  • Paralegal (associate degree)HybridPrerequisite courses

    Paralegal Studies (AAS)

    McHenry County College

    Crystal Lake

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    McHenry County College, Crystal LakeParalegal (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimated$40,100
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    School website, Paralegal Studies (AAS) at McHenry County College
    More details about Paralegal Studies (AAS) at McHenry County College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    68%
    Earned in a quarter
    $10,029
    Length
    64 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    59
    Earned a year, estimated
    $40,100
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    School website, Paralegal Studies (AAS) at McHenry County College

  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaHybridNo diploma needed

    Paralegal Studies Certificate

    McHenry County College

    Crystal Lake

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    McHenry County College, Crystal LakeParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$40,100
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Paralegal Studies Certificate at McHenry County College
    More details about Paralegal Studies Certificate at McHenry County College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    68%
    Earned in a quarter
    $10,029
    Length
    32 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    59
    Earned a year, estimated
    $40,100
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Paralegal Studies Certificate at McHenry County College

  • Paralegal (associate degree)HybridEducation and courses

    Paralegal AAS

    Wright College - North Campus

    Chicago

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Wright College - North Campus, ChicagoParalegal (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimated$29,800
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Paralegal AAS at Wright College - North Campus
    More details about Paralegal AAS at Wright College - North Campus
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    55%
    Earned in a quarter
    $7,455
    Length
    Left out
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    50
    Earned a year, estimated
    $29,800
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Paralegal AAS at Wright College - North Campus

  • Paralegal (associate degree)HybridEducation and courses

    AAS Legal Studies Degree

    Harper College

    Palatine

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Harper College, PalatineParalegal (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, AAS Legal Studies Degree at Harper College
    More details about AAS Legal Studies Degree at Harper College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    64 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, AAS Legal Studies Degree at Harper College

  • Paralegal exam prep or short courseHybridPrerequisite courses

    Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course

    Governors State University

    University Park

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Governors State University, University ParkParalegal exam prep or short course · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    School website, Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course at Governors State University
    More details about Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course at Governors State University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    42 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    School website, Advanced Paralegal Certificate Course at Governors State University

  • Paralegal (associate degree)In personNo diploma needed

    Legal Office Admin Technology Professional AAS

    Elgin Comm. College District #509

    Elgin

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Elgin Comm. College District #509, ElginParalegal (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Legal Office Admin Technology Professional AAS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
    More details about Legal Office Admin Technology Professional AAS at Elgin Comm. College District #509
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    72 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Legal Office Admin Technology Professional AAS at Elgin Comm. College District #509

  • Legal assistant or legal secretaryHybridEducation and courses

    Legal Secretary Certificate Course

    Northeastern Illinois University

    Chicago

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Northeastern Illinois University, ChicagoLegal assistant or legal secretary · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Legal Secretary Certificate Course at Northeastern Illinois University
    More details about Legal Secretary Certificate Course at Northeastern Illinois University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    7 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Legal Secretary Certificate Course at Northeastern Illinois University

  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaHybridPrerequisite courses

    Legal Studies Cert 22PB

    College of Lake County

    Grayslake

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    College of Lake County, GrayslakeParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Legal Studies Cert 22PB at College of Lake County
    More details about Legal Studies Cert 22PB at College of Lake County
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Legal Studies Cert 22PB at College of Lake County

  • Paralegal (associate degree)HybridPrerequisite courses

    Paralegal (AAS)-SS600

    Joliet Junior College

    Joliet

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Joliet Junior College, JolietParalegal (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Paralegal (AAS)-SS600 at Joliet Junior College
    More details about Paralegal (AAS)-SS600 at Joliet Junior College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    72 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Paralegal (AAS)-SS600 at Joliet Junior College

  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaHybridPrerequisite courses

    Paralegal (CCO)-SS601

    Joliet Junior College

    Joliet

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Joliet Junior College, JolietParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    School website, Paralegal (CCO)-SS601 at Joliet Junior College
    More details about Paralegal (CCO)-SS601 at Joliet Junior College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    40 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    School website, Paralegal (CCO)-SS601 at Joliet Junior College

  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaIn personEducation and courses

    Paralegal / Legal Assistant Certificate

    South Suburban College

    South Holland

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    South Suburban College, South HollandParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Paralegal / Legal Assistant Certificate at South Suburban College
    More details about Paralegal / Legal Assistant Certificate at South Suburban College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    80 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Paralegal / Legal Assistant Certificate at South Suburban College

  • Paralegal (associate degree)HybridEducation and courses

    Paralegal AAS

    Waubonsee Community College

    Sugar Grove

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Waubonsee Community College, Sugar GroveParalegal (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Paralegal AAS at Waubonsee Community College
    More details about Paralegal AAS at Waubonsee Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    64 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Paralegal AAS at Waubonsee Community College

  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Paralegal Certificate Course

    Governors State University

    University Park

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Governors State University, University ParkParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Paralegal Certificate Course at Governors State University
    More details about Paralegal Certificate Course at Governors State University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    14 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Paralegal Certificate Course at Governors State University

  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaIn personEducation and courses

    Paralegal Certificate Program

    DePaul University

    Chicago

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    DePaul University, ChicagoParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Paralegal Certificate Program at DePaul University
    More details about Paralegal Certificate Program at DePaul University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    17 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Paralegal Certificate Program at DePaul University

  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaHybridAssociate's degree

    Paralegal Post Associate Degree Certificate

    Waubonsee Community College

    Sugar Grove

    Accredited school

    Associate's degree

    Waubonsee Community College, Sugar GroveParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · Associate's degree

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Paralegal Post Associate Degree Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
    More details about Paralegal Post Associate Degree Certificate at Waubonsee Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Paralegal Post Associate Degree Certificate at Waubonsee Community College

  • Paralegal (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Paralegal Studies A.A.S

    Moraine Valley Community College

    Palos Hills

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Moraine Valley Community College, Palos HillsParalegal (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Paralegal Studies A.A.S at Moraine Valley Community College
    More details about Paralegal Studies A.A.S at Moraine Valley Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    64 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Paralegal Studies A.A.S at Moraine Valley Community College

  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Paralegal Studies Certificate

    Moraine Valley Community College

    Palos Hills

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Moraine Valley Community College, Palos HillsParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Paralegal Studies Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College
    More details about Paralegal Studies Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    64 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Paralegal Studies Certificate at Moraine Valley Community College

  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaHybridPrerequisite courses

    Paralegal Studies Program

    Roosevelt University

    Schaumburg

    Accredited school

    Prerequisite courses

    Roosevelt University, SchaumburgParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · Prerequisite courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Paralegal Studies Program at Roosevelt University
    More details about Paralegal Studies Program at Roosevelt University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    18 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Paralegal Studies Program at Roosevelt University

  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaIn personEducation and courses

    Paralegal Studies Program Certificate

    Oakton College

    Skokie

    Accredited school

    Education and courses

    Oakton College, SkokieParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolIn person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Paralegal Studies Program Certificate at Oakton College
    More details about Paralegal Studies Program Certificate at Oakton College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    64 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Paralegal Studies Program Certificate at Oakton College

  • Paralegal certificate or diplomaHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Paralegal/Legal Assistant through Advanced Paralegal

    Northeastern Illinois University

    Chicago

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Northeastern Illinois University, ChicagoParalegal certificate or diploma · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Paralegal/Legal Assistant through Advanced Paralegal at Northeastern Illinois University
    More details about Paralegal/Legal Assistant through Advanced Paralegal at Northeastern Illinois University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    21 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Paralegal/Legal Assistant through Advanced Paralegal at Northeastern Illinois University

How to pay for paralegal programs in Chicago

WIOA funding can pay for paralegal programs in Chicago

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.

Other training in Chicago

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

Where the Chicago paralegal program numbers come from

Which Chicago paralegal programs are on this list?

These are the paralegal programs with classes in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area that are 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. Online programs are left out here; they are on the Illinois page. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what the area offers.

How the prices and results of Chicago 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.

How reliable are the Illinois figures?

The US Department of Labor's own results site lists Illinois among the states with "known data quality concerns".10 We leave out the share who finished for Illinois: only a few programs report it, and those at a typical 11%. We leave out prices for Illinois: the state files a code in place of each price, so no price can be shown.

Sources for the facts about paralegal programs in Chicago

Show the 10 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
  10. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: search page, note on states with known data quality concerns