2020 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Law Degrees

Western Carolina University (WCU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Law degree completion program. The 120-credit program includes 42 credits of liberal studies, 36 credits of business core, 6-15 general electives, and 18 credits for the business law minor. Students are provided with a background in business, including business application and theory, and a foundation in pre-law to prepare for law school. Law electives include International Business Law, Hospitality Law, Labor and Employment Law, and a business law internship. Students who want to complete their degree in eight semesters can follow a prescribed program; most students take 6-9 credits per semester.

Online coursework is hosted on the Blackboard learning management system and may follow a blended synchronous and asynchronous format. WCU offers a separate distance learning tuition and fee rate for online students. The NC Promise Tuition Plan provides both residential and online undergraduate students with reduced tuition rates with no eligibility requirements. Additionally, various merit- and need-based scholarships are available. Online students have access to tutoring support, library and technology resources, career services, and a distance orientation.

Prospective students are expected to have some credits before enrolling. Transfer students must complete an online application and submit transcripts from previously attended colleges/universities.

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Pre-Law concentration. The 124-credit program focuses on training students for law school by providing a foundation in the legal system and issues. It also prepares students to take the LSAT exam. The curriculum includes 55 credits of general education, ten credits of modern language, two credits of free electives, and 25 credits of upper-division courses, including classes such as Introduction to Law, Constitutional Law, and American Civil Liberties. To graduate, students must complete a political science seminar and an internship. Other hands-on learning opportunities are available, including campus organizations or study abroad/travel options that vary in length from a semester-long experience to a faculty field trip.

Online courses may include both asynchronous and synchronous elements and are delivered through the Blackboard learning management system, where students have access to lectures, seminars, mock trials, and simulations. FHSU offers a general transfer credit policy through their Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program, where students can earn credit for work, volunteering, community service, certifications, workshops, or prior military experience. To earn these academic credits, students must take an exam, provide documentation, or submit a portfolio for review. FHSU also offers scholarships specifically for first-year online students that include awards of $1,000, $500, or $250. To be considered, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit an essay about their educational goals.

To apply, students must submit an online application (with fee), and official transcripts from high school or previously attended college/universities. First-year students must have completed the Kansas Qualified Admissions Pre-College Curriculum with a minimum 2.5 GPA and must meet the minimum ACT/SAT score or rank in the top 1/3 of their graduating class.

Abraham Lincoln University (ALU) offers a fully-online Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies. The 120-credit program can be completed in 10 semesters. The curriculum consists of 30 credits of general education and 45 credits of core courses, including Legal Research, Litigation and Trial Practice, Criminal Law, and a senior capstone class. Additionally, students take 15 credits of elective courses that focus on specific areas of interest. Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the National Association for Legal Assistants (NALA) Certificate exam.

Online students utilize email to communicate with instructors and Microsoft Word to complete assignments. Students have access to enrollment and academic advisors, and electronic library resources. ALU offers several benefits for military and veteran students, including military tuition assistance, academic credit for prior military training and experience, and fee waivers for application and registration. Prospective students are awarded transfer credit from prior college-level courses, professional coursework, or examinations. ALU also offers a zero-interest monthly payment plan, which can be extended beyond graduation.

To apply, students must submit an online application, official transcripts, and a resume. Unofficial transcripts may first be submitted to expedite the transfer credit review process.