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 programsHow 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
All 21 paralegal programs in California approved for WIOA funding
Filters
21 programs
Business Information - Legal Office Specialist
College Of The Desert
Palm Desert
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$966Program website, Business Information - Legal Office Specialist at College Of The DesertMore 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
Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 22 wks.)
UCLA Extension
Los Angeles
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$8,780School website, Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 22 wks.) at UCLA ExtensionMore 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
Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
California State University, East Bay, University Extension
Based in Hayward, CA
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimated$27,100Price if you pay yourself$8,35010 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Paralegal Studies Certificate Program at California State University, East Bay, University ExtensionMore 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
ABA Approved Paralegal Studies-Accelerated
UCSD Division of Extended Studies
La Jolla
Accredited school
Bachelor's degree
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$8,395Program website, ABA Approved Paralegal Studies-Accelerated at UCSD Division of Extended StudiesMore 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
ABA Approved Paralegal Studies
UCSD Division of Extended Studies
La Jolla
Accredited school
Bachelor's degree
Earned a year, estimated$69,200Price if you pay yourself$6,63514 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, ABA Approved Paralegal Studies at UCSD Division of Extended StudiesMore 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
Paralegal Compressed (Online)
UC Irvine Continuing Education
Based in Irvine, CA
Accredited school
Bachelor's degree
Earned a year, estimated$62,000Price if you pay yourself$8,35012 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Paralegal Compressed (Online) at UC Irvine Continuing EducationMore 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
Paralegal Studies
SF State, College of Professional & Global Education
Based in San Francisco, CA
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$9,000Program website, Paralegal Studies at SF State, College of Professional & Global EducationMore 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
Paralegal Studies Certificate
UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education
Based in Davis, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$6,99511 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Paralegal Studies Certificate at UC Davis Continuing and Professional EducationMore 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
Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 48 wks.)
UCLA Extension
Los Angeles
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$8,780School website, Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 48 wks.) at UCLA ExtensionMore 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
Paralegal Studies Certificate (ABA Approved)
UCR University Extension
Based in Riverside, CA
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimated$68,100Price if you pay yourself$8,0006 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Paralegal Studies Certificate (ABA Approved) at UCR University ExtensionMore 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
Paralegal C.A.
Cuesta College
San Luis Obispo
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$2,106Program website, Paralegal C.A. at Cuesta CollegeMore 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
Paralegal / Legal Assistant
Downey Adult School
Based in Downey, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$64,800Price if you pay yourselfNot reportedSchool website, Paralegal / Legal Assistant at Downey Adult SchoolMore 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
Certified Paralegal (GES2034) (Voucher Included)
Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension
Based in Los Angeles, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$46,300Price if you pay yourself$2,89530 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Certified Paralegal (GES2034) (Voucher Included) at Loyola Marymount University - LMU ExtensionMore 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
Certified Paralegal (GES 2033)
Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension
Based in Los Angeles, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$2,4956 students trained with WIOA funding
School website, Certified Paralegal (GES 2033) at Loyola Marymount University - LMU ExtensionMore 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
Certified Paralegal (online, voucher included)
California State University San Marcos Extended Learning
Based in San Marcos, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$2,9955 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Certified Paralegal (online, voucher included) at California State University San Marcos Extended LearningMore 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
Paralegal (Hybrid)
Newport International United College
Woodland Hills
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$25,000Price if you pay yourself$6,5624 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Paralegal (Hybrid) at Newport International United CollegeMore 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
Paralegal/Legal Studies Certificate of Achievement
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$1,412More 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 Secretary Online
Loyola Marymount University - LMU Extension
Based in Los Angeles, CA
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$2,845Program website, Legal Secretary Online at Loyola Marymount University - LMU ExtensionMore 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
Paralegal A.A.
Cuesta College
San Luis Obispo
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$4,333Program website, Paralegal A.A. at Cuesta CollegeMore 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
Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 22 wks.) (Online)
UCLA Extension
Based in Los Angeles, CA
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$8,780School website, Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 22 wks.) (Online) at UCLA ExtensionMore 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
Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 48 wks.) (Online)
UCLA Extension
Based in Los Angeles, CA
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$8,780School website, Certificate in Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate 48 wks.) (Online) at UCLA ExtensionMore 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
No programs match these filters.
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
- CDL training104 programs
- CNA classes122 programs
- Medical assistant training185 programs
- Phlebotomy training61 programs
- Welding classes98 programs
- HVAC training45 programs
- Medical billing and coding training87 programs
- LPN programs43 programs
- EMT classes49 programs
- Electrician training39 programs
- Dental assistant programs69 programs
- Auto mechanic classes75 programs
- Pharmacy technician training78 programs
- Plumbing school10 programs
- CNC machinist training37 programs
- Carpentry classes8 programs
- Heavy equipment operator training12 programs
- Diesel mechanic training10 programs
- Cybersecurity training43 programs
- IT training167 programs
- Cosmetology school35 programs
- Barber school44 programs
- Esthetician school23 programs
- Nail tech school18 programs
- EKG technician programs21 programs
- Massage therapy school18 programs
- Fire academy32 programs
- Police academy26 programs
- Surgical tech programs12 programs
- Radiology tech programs12 programs
- Culinary school73 programs
- Home health aide training33 programs
- PTA programs12 programs
- Medical administrative assistant training66 programs
- Human resources training38 programs
- Industrial maintenance technician training30 programs
- Early childhood education programs65 programs
- Aircraft mechanic school11 programs
- Supply chain and logistics training28 programs
- Hospitality management programs17 programs
- Addiction counselor training26 programs
- Community health worker training2 programs
- Coding and software development courses69 programs
- Lineman school3 programs
- Sterile processing technician training10 programs
- Sonography school6 programs
- Data analytics courses55 programs
- Administrative assistant training77 programs
- Respiratory therapy programs2 programs
- Medical lab technician programs3 programs
- AutoCAD and drafting courses40 programs
- Digital marketing courses24 programs
- Web and graphic design courses83 programs
- Health information technology programs14 programs
- Vet tech programs17 programs
- Real estate school14 programs
- Security guard training40 programs
- Patient care technician training2 programs
- Crane operator training2 programs
- Interpreter and translator training14 programs
- Home inspector training5 programs
- Forklift certification7 programs
- Personal trainer certification9 programs
- Healthcare administration programs2 programs
- Customer service training3 programs
- Flight school22 programs
- MRI tech school1 program
- Cardiovascular technology programs1 program
- Mental health technician training11 programs
- Human services programs15 programs
- Manufacturing technician training20 programs
- Electronics technician training23 programs
- Business administration programs89 programs
- Criminal justice programs28 programs
- Teacher assistant certification13 programs
- Auto body repair classes15 programs
- Merchant mariner training1 program
- Sleep technician training1 program
- Solar and wind technician training13 programs
- Sheet metal training7 programs
- Water treatment operator training6 programs
- OSHA safety training17 programs
- Dialysis technician training4 programs
- Optician training6 programs
- Masonry training6 programs
- Construction training programs123 programs
- Dental hygiene programs6 programs
- Accounting and bookkeeping classes146 programs
- RN programs31 programs
- Project management certification72 programs
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
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
- US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
- 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)
- US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
- US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
- US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
- US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
- 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