2027 Is Rasmussen University's Online Associate's Degree - Paralegal Worth It? Salary, Outcomes, and ROI

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

What makes Rasmussen University's online Associate's Degree - Paralegal program stand out?

Choosing Rasmussen University's online Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies means weighing its flexible delivery against workforce realities, where time management is critical. For students balancing jobs or family, the asynchronous format allows progression without fixed class times, an advantage less common in traditional paralegal programs. However, the tradeoff is the need for significant self-discipline to maintain steady progress without live instructor cues, which can affect completion rates and skill retention.

The program's standout feature lies in its combination of small class sizes supported by 1,367 professionals for 8,823 students, promoting personalized attention uncommon in large online cohorts. This facilitates practical engagement through interactive content and real-world legal case studies, which better prepare students for employer expectations demanding applied knowledge over theoretical learning. Such resources make this degree more viable for learners who require direct academic guidance alongside flexible scheduling.

While the average graduation rate of 53% suggests challenges in student persistence typical in many online programs, Rasmussen University's focused academic advising, tutoring, and career support help mitigate these risks.

For students who require both adaptability and robust academic infrastructure, this program stands out as a potentially strategic choice that addresses real-world pressures within legal support roles while supporting meaningful skill development.

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Is it difficult to get admitted to Rasmussen University's online Associate's Degree - Paralegal program?

Admission to most associate-level paralegal programs involves varying degrees of competitiveness, with selective criteria like minimum GPA thresholds and standardized test scores often filtering the pool of applicants. Many programs attract applicants from a broad academic range, but some maintain firm benchmarks to prioritize candidates with proven academic preparation, which can narrow access and extend the timeline before enrollment.

In contrast, the admissions process for Rasmussen University's online associate degree in paralegal studies is notably less restrictive. Its open admission policy means applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, and acceptance rates are generally high without stringent academic screening. This reduces barriers, allowing individuals who may lack recent academic experience or traditional qualifications to pursue legal education more readily. The tradeoff could be a broader diversity in student readiness, requiring more self-directed effort once enrolled to meet course demands.

This open access model aligns with workforce realities where paralegal roles often welcome a variety of educational backgrounds, focusing hiring decisions more on demonstrated skills and certifications than strictly on competitive admission credentials. However, candidates should weigh the ease of admission against their own preparedness and the program's rigor to ensure successful progression and employability post-graduation.

One graduate recalled applying while working full-time and initially hesitating due to uncertainty about balancing new coursework with job demands. "The fact that I didn't have to wait months for acceptance or deal with test scores removed a big hurdle," she explained. "It let me jump in faster, though I quickly realized I needed to manage my time tightly to keep up. That upfront accessibility was a relief but came with the responsibility to stay on track."

Rasmussen University's online associate degree in paralegal studies curriculum reflects deliberate alignment with current legal industry demands by incorporating both substantive law and technological competencies. Graduates entering increasingly digital law environments must balance traditional legal knowledge with practical technology use—a dynamic well acknowledged in Rasmussen's design.

Below are key factors demonstrating how the curriculum maintains alignment with evolving employer expectations and legal practice realities:

  • Focused Legal Competencies: Core courses like Legal Research and Writing, Civil Litigation, and Contract Law emphasize foundational skills employers value for entry-level paralegals, such as precise drafting and case preparation. This ensures graduates have a substantive grasp of procedural law and ethics expected by many firms and corporate legal departments.
  • Technology Integration: Recognizing the growing importance of digital tools in legal workflows, the curriculum includes training on specialized legal software and electronic discovery processes. Such skills address real-world scenarios where paralegals manage electronic case files and navigate compliance and security protocols.
  • Practical Experience: Externships or hands-on projects bridge theoretical knowledge with workplace application, fostering adaptability and operational readiness. This experiential component aligns with employer demands for paralegals who can contribute immediately without extensive on-the-job training.

This curriculum alignment with legal industry standards is particularly crucial when considering the competitive nature of paralegal hiring today. While some online programs offer broad legal education, Rasmussen's concentration on practical skills and technology prepares students for tangible workforce contributions. Students weighing this program should also consider how these elements compare with other paralegal programs' offerings and the specific demands within their targeted job markets.

For those seeking wider labor market awareness, reviewing resources like top degrees for the future can provide additional context on career trajectories aligned with industry trends.

What Graduates Say About Rasmussen University's Online Associate's Degree - Paralegal Program

  • Ella: "Studying my associate's degree - paralegal at Rasmussen University gave me a solid foundation in legal terminology and document preparation, which was crucial when I started applying for positions. I quickly realized that employers valued practical experience, so I focused on building a portfolio of case summaries and took an internship during my last semester. While the degree helped me enter the field faster and offered flexible online classes that fit my schedule, advancement without additional certifications or a bachelor's degree has been slower than I initially expected."
  • Carly: "At Rasmussen University, the flexibility of the associate's degree - paralegal program allowed me to balance a part-time job with coursework, and that adaptability was a major factor in completing my studies. Once I graduated, I noticed that many employers prioritized real-world skills like familiarity with e-discovery software and internship experience over just the degree itself. The program definitely equipped me with those tools, but I also learned that I'd need ongoing certification and continuous professional development to compete for higher-paying roles and remote work opportunities in an evolving legal market."
  • Autumn: "Choosing Rasmussen University's associate's degree - paralegal program was a strategic decision to pivot my career after years in administrative support. The coursework was rigorous, and it gave me a practical understanding of litigation and client communication that I use daily. However, entering the job market revealed how competitive paralegal roles can be, with employers often looking for candidates who have internships or larger portfolios. Still, the program accelerated my path into the workforce, and now I'm focusing on gaining hands-on experience to open doors for future advancement."

Other Things You Should Know About Degrees

Does the online format limit networking opportunities compared to in-person paralegal programs?

While the online structure offers flexibility, it naturally reduces face-to-face interaction, which can impact building strong local professional networks. Rasmussen University includes some virtual group activities and instructor engagement, but online students should be prepared to independently seek internships, local paralegal associations, or mentorships to enhance real-world connections. Prioritizing outside networking efforts is advisable to compensate for the digital learning environment.

Are there any practical skills or hands-on experiences that may be lacking in Rasmussen University's online paralegal program?

The curriculum is comprehensive in legal theory and procedural knowledge but offers limited in-person practical components like courtroom observation or direct legal office experience. Students who want more immersive training should consider supplementing the program with externships or volunteering in legal settings. This helps address the gap between academic knowledge and the practical skills often expected by employers.

Does the program include an internship or externship requirement?

No, Rasmussen’s online associate degree in paralegal studies does not typically require an internship or externship as a graduation condition. Students complete online coursework instead, so anyone seeking supervised legal-office experience should confirm whether fieldwork is optional, available through a local placement, or must be arranged separately.