In New York, the growth rate for paralegals is expected to increase to 15.5%.
This is a little bit higher than the national average rate of 12%.
The median annual salary for paralegals is $59,200.
Approximately 38,000 openings for paralegals are projected to open up every year over the next 10 years.
Most of these job opportunities will result from replacements for previous workers who are leaving, transferring, or retiring.
If you enjoy the legal field and have excellent legal research skills, you are invited to continue reading to learn about the schools in New York that offer education to become a paralegal.
1 Bronx Community College
About the School
Bronx Community College offers over 40 academic programs to help students prepare for a four-year university or start a new career.
Additionally, they offer various opportunities for students to create their very own class schedule and gain support from the entire community and faculty.
Bronx Community College enrolls students from over 100 countries.
Bronx Community College is accredited by MSCHE.
Courses Offered
If you’re interested in becoming a paralegal, you may find the college’s paralegal and legal studies AAS program beneficial.
The program features an internship with 75–100 hours to help students get familiar with working in a legal environment.
In order to qualify for this program, students must complete nine of their legal specialty credits and 50% of their legal specialty credits while attending Bronx Community College.
Some of the courses that students will take within this program include:
- World Cultures and Global Issues
- Individual and Society
- Family Law
- Business Law
There are various payment plans and financial assistance available offered through the school.
In state tuition costs $5,206 and out of state tuition costs $8,086.
Contact Information
- Address: 2155 University Avenue l Bronx, New York 10453
- Phone: 718-289-5100
- Website: Visit School Website
2 CUNY-LaGuardia Community College (Long Island City)
About the School
LaGuardia Community College proudly serves the residents of Long Island City and Queens.
The school offers over 50 different programs, certificates, and majors.
Additionally, the school offers over 68 continuing education programs.
They offer various programs and majors such as education and public service, business and entrepreneurship, health and wellness, and several others.
Laguardia Community College is accredited by MSCHE.
Courses Offered
Students interested in becoming a paralegal can enroll in their Paralegal Studies AAS program.
The certificate program is made up of four required courses and two to eight additional courses, for a total of 18 credits.
Some of the courses that students will take in the program include:
- Administrative Law
- Introduction to Paralegal Studies
- Civil Litigation
- Computer Applications for Paralegals
If you are a NYC resident and attending full-time, tuition costs $4,800 per year.
If you are attending part-time, tuition will cost $210 per credit.
Full-time tuition for out of city or state residents is $9,600 per year and $320 per credit for part-time students.
Contact Information
- Address: 31-10 Thomson Avenue l Long Island City, NY 11101
- Phone: 718-482-7200
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Genesee Community College
About the School
Genesee Community College is located between Buffalo and Rochester, New York.
Genesee Community College offers a variety of computer labs, science labs, and smart classrooms.
There are a variety of additional campuses besides Batavia.
These campuses are located in Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina, and Warsaw.
All programs here are approved by the State of University of New York. Additionally, Genesee Community College is proud to be a member of the American Association of Community Colleges.
Courses Offered
GCC offers a Paralegal Studies program.
It is a two-year program where students will earn their Associate’s degree in paralegal studies following completion.
This program will help students become familiar with the regulations, resources, and demands related to working as a paralegal.
Some of the classes that students will take within this program include:
- Real Estate Law
- Family Law
- Commercial Law
- Torts Law
- Introduction to Legal Studies
Full-time tuition for students is $5,150.
Additionally, students will need to pay for room, board, books, and transportation.
In total, students can count on paying $12.747 for a two-year program in paralegal studies here at Genesee Community College.
Contact Information
- Address: One College RD l Batavia, NY 14020
- Phone: 585-343-0055
- Website: Visit School Website
4 LIU Brooklyn
About the School
Whether you have an interest in pursuing pharmacy, paralegal studies, business, arts, or health sciences, you will be able to enroll in a program fit for you at LIU Brooklyn.
The campus here at LIU in Brooklyn has been providing students with educational programs for over 80 years.
LIU Brooklyn offers over 11,000 credit programs, all of which prepare students for various professions.
LIU Brooklyn is accredited by MSCHE.
Courses Offered
LIU Brooklyn offers a paralegal studies certificate program to help prepare students to work in a variety of legal settings including government agencies, law firms, financial institutions, and more.
Upon enrolling in the program, students will be responsible for completing 328 hours of online or onsite classes.
The courses will be divided into two academic semesters.
Students have the option to enroll in the paralegal program during the fall, spring, or summer semester.
Students will meet for classes two evenings each week.
Some of the courses that students will take include:
- Legal Research and Writing
- Introduction to Law
- Contracts
- Criminal Law
- Probate, Trusts, and Estates
- Trial Preparation and Litigation
Tuition costs $5,350.
In order for students to be admitted into the program, they must have an Associate’s degree or at least 60 credit hours from an accredited school.
Additionally, students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 University Plaza l Brooklyn, New York 11201
- Phone: 718-418-1011
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Jefferson Community College
About the School
Jefferson Community College is a proud-accredited school that has high job placement rates, and affordable tuition for all.
Jefferson Community College is located in Watertown, New York and is one of 64 campuses in the SUNY system.
They offer two year degree programs, certificate programs training, and single course options depending on the needs of the students.
Jefferson Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
Jefferson Community College offers an on-campus program for paralegal studies.
An A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies will prepare students for a career in a law-related profession.
By enrolling in this program, students will be ready to conduct work in business law, property law, civil litigation, and more.
Some of the courses you will take in this program are:
- Property Law
- Estates, Wills, and Trusts
- Legal Issues of Small Business
- Accounting Principles
- Legal Research & Writing
Upon completion of this program, you will have earned a total of 61 credit hours.
Tuition costs $6,048 per year, or $221 per credit.
The school also offers financial aid, grants, and scholarships.
Contact Information
- Address: 1220 Coffeen Street l Watertown, NY 13601
- Phone: 315-786-2200
- Website: Visit School Website
6 University of Buffalo
About the School
The University of Buffalo has a reputation as one of the most affordable universities in the entire world.
They are ranked #38 as the best public university in the country.
The north campus of the school is located in Amherst, NY.
The south campus is located in western New York in Buffalo.
They offer a variety of programs such as nursing, pharmacy, dental medicine, public health, and many more.
The university also has a downtown campus which is known as the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
The University of Buffalo is accredited by MSCHE.
Courses Offered
The paralegal studies program offered at the University of Buffalo is a 4 course continuing education program.
It is perfect for students looking to transition into a new career or looking to become employed in the legal field.
The courses are offered at a low cost.
All courses that are provided will help students learn everything they need to know about becoming a paralegal.
Students can take all courses online.
Financial aid is not available.
Students must possess 60 credit hours or an Associate’s degree in order to be eligible for this program.
Some of the courses that students will take include:
- Legal Research & Writing
- Civil Litigation
- Legal Ethics
- Wills, Trusts, & Probate
In state tuition is $10,782 and out of state tuition is $28,702.
Contact Information
- Address: 810 Clemens Hall l Buffalo, NY 12460
- Phone: 716-645-2711
- Website: Visit School Website
7 Nazareth University
About the School
For almost 100 years, Nazareth University has been inspiring both educators and students.
They offer more than 60 undergraduate majors, 70 minors, and more than 25 graduate programs.
The university also has close to 38,000 alumni across the country and within 53 countries.
Their goal here is to prepare students for the career of their choice and or via continued study.
They offer excellent academic programs.
Courses Offered
Nazareth University offers a legal program for graduates who are interested in studying law further.
This program introduces students to fundamental law concepts, the judicial system, and more.
Students will take required courses such as rhetoric, logic, ethics, and more.
Class sizes are relatively small here which provides for more personalized attention from staff.
Since this is a graduate program, students will pay $1,075 per credit hour.
Additionally, there is a registration fee of $30 per semester.
Financial aid is also accepted here.
Contact Information
- Address: 4245 East Avenue l Rochester, NY 14618
- Phone: 585-389-2525
- Website: Visit School Website
8 Monroe Community College
About the School
Monroe Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
They provide quality education at a price that is affordable.
The school also provides more than 100 academic programs ranging from Art/Music, to Human Services.
They also offer online learning and more.
Courses Offered
MCC offers a paralegal studies program.
The program consists of 17 different courses.
The courses range from one to three credit hours.
In total, the entire program takes 15 months for students to complete.
Some of the courses that students must take are computer support systems, Debtor-creditor law, personal injury law, contract law for paralegals, and more.
Students looking to enroll in this program must have an Associate’s degree, even though a Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
If you are a resident of New York, tuition is $2,450.
Non-residents must pay $4,900.
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 East Henrietta Rd l Rochester, New York 14623
- Phone: 585-292-2000
- Website: Visit School Website
9 Daemen University
About the School
Daemen University is considered a private university located in Amherst, New York.
The university offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Daemen University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
They offer various undergraduate programs ranging from accounting to business administration.
They provide nursing programs, and a host of graduate programs.
Courses Offered
If you’re interested in a certificate of paralegal studies, Daemen University offers just that.
The program requires students to earn a total of 21 credits.
Courses that students will take include Paralegal Internship, Advanced Litigation, Intellectual Property, Bankruptcy Law, and more.
Students must have a baccalaureate degree in order to enroll in this program.
Additionally, students may qualify for this program if they are currently enrolled in a different degree program.
Contact Information
- Address: 4380 Main St l Amherst, NY 14226
- Phone: 800-462-7652
- Website: Visit School Website
10 Nassau Community College
About the School
Nassau Community College offers more than 70 programs for students.
They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
They are also authorized to award students with Associate’s degrees in arts, science, and applied science.
In total, they offer 62 degree programs, 20 certificate programs, and more than 1000 options for students studying abroad.
Courses Offered
NCC offers both a paralegal studies certificate program and an Associate’s program for legal studies.
For the certificate program, students must have an associate’s or bachelor’s in order to be eligible for admission.
A total of 24 semester credit hours will be earned upon completion of this program.
Courses range from litigation to real property.
For the associate’s program, students will earn an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies upon completion.
Students will have earned anywhere between 64 and 66 total credit hours once the program is completed.
Courses in this program include accounting, business law II, law office management, litigation, and several others.
In state tuition is $6,330 and out of state tuition is $12,130.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 Education Dr l Garden City, NY 11530
- Phone: 516-572-7501
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Paralegal Salary Information
In New York, the average Paralegal salary is $71,363.
However, a paralegal’s salary can range anywhere between $63,306 and $80,736.
The amount of your salary may vary depending on the city you are working in.
It also depends on additional factors such as certifications, skills, education, and experience.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$63K |
|
$71K |
|
$80K |
Average Salary in New York
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $78,579 |
| Buffalo | $65,292 |
| Rochester | $65,925 |
| Yonkers | $77,085 |
| Syracuse | $66,511 |
| Albany | $67,865 |
| New Rochelle | $76,250 |
| Mount Vernon | $77,051 |
| Schenectady | $67,700 |
| Utica | $65,110 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 1,390 | $63,540 | $30.55 | $90,570 | $42,660 |
| Binghamton, NY | 220 | $60,990 | $29.32 | $78,300 | $42,640 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | 1,790 | $59,290 | $28.51 | $80,370 | $42,390 |
| Elmira, NY | 50 | $56,390 | $27.11 | $80,100 | $42,690 |
| Glens Falls, NY | 90 | $60,680 | $29.17 | $78,240 | $46,420 |
| Ithaca, NY | 70 | $64,980 | $31.24 | $88,010 | $47,430 |
| Kingston, NY | 120 | $66,270 | $31.86 | $101,300 | $47,890 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 32,460 | $80,240 | $38.58 | $128,840 | $50,810 |
| Rochester, NY | 1,170 | $60,860 | $29.26 | $89,510 | $35,160 |
| Syracuse, NY | 710 | $63,910 | $30.73 | $93,600 | $46,530 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | 150 | $63,970 | $30.76 | $91,020 | $46,130 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | 50 | $59,040 | $28.39 | $89,620 | $43,660 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Paralegal Programs by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
This post not only highlights the academic strengths of each program but also addresses factors like accreditation and industry reputation. It’s a comprehensive guide for prospective paralegal students.
I appreciate the emphasis on practical skills and experiential learning opportunities within these programs. It demonstrates their commitment to preparing graduates for the demands of the legal profession.
Thank you for discussing the benefits of each program and how they prepare students for successful careers as paralegals. It’s encouraging to see such a focus on academic rigor and professional development.
I recently completed my paralegal studies at New York University (NYU), and I can’t recommend their program enough. NYU’s paralegal program is comprehensive and well-structured, offering a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The instructors are experienced professionals who provide real-world insights, and the curriculum covers a broad range of topics, from legal research to contract law. The networking opportunities at NYU are also fantastic, with frequent guest lectures and events that connect students with legal professionals in the city. The career services team is incredibly supportive, helping with internships and job placements. If you’re considering a paralegal program in New York, NYU should definitely be at the top of your list.
Hunter College’s paralegal program is one of the best in New York for those seeking a cost-effective yet high-quality education. The program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), which is a significant credential. Hunter College offers a flexible schedule with evening and weekend classes, making it ideal for working professionals. The instructors are knowledgeable and approachable, and the coursework is designed to give students a strong foundation in various areas of law. The program also emphasizes the development of essential skills like legal research and writing. Graduates from Hunter College have a good track record of securing jobs in reputable law firms and legal departments across the city.
The paralegal program at Pace University is another top-notch choice in New York. Pace offers both certificate and associate degree options, catering to different levels of commitment and career goals. The program is ABA-approved and provides a solid grounding in legal principles and procedures. The faculty includes experienced legal practitioners who bring practical insights into the classroom. One of the highlights of Pace’s program is the internship opportunities available through its strong connections with law firms and legal agencies in the region. The program also offers excellent career services, helping students with resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement. For anyone serious about a career as a paralegal, Pace University is a great option.
CUNY’s paralegal program is highly regarded for its affordability and quality of education. The program is offered through multiple CUNY colleges, including Queens College and City College, providing flexibility in terms of location and scheduling. CUNY’s paralegal program is ABA-approved and covers a comprehensive range of legal subjects, from family law to corporate law. The faculty members are experienced professionals dedicated to student success. One of the significant advantages of CUNY’s program is its strong emphasis on hands-on training, with opportunities for internships and practical exercises. Additionally, CUNY provides robust support services, including career counseling and job placement assistance, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to enter the legal field.