AssociateRecommended

Associate of Paralegal Studies

Des Moines, United States
2 years
English
On campus
Associate

About the program

The ABA-approved degree prepares students to support lawyers and law firms with a working knowledge of the US legal system.

Program highlights

Internship available: no
Placement support: yes
Work during study: yes
Post-study work rights (0 year): no
PR pathway friendly: no

What you will learn

Apply concepts and methods in Paralegal Studies to solve relevant problems. Develop competence in paralegal studies concepts
Research methods and professional practice. Present findings clearly and consider professional or research ethics.

Career outcomes

Paralegal
Legal assistant
Support work for lawyers and firms in research
Trial preparation and document preparation

Curriculum

Broad grounding in the US legal system and entry-level paralegal skills in common practice areas
A paralegal portfolio is submitted at an exit interview before the degree is conferred.

Entry requirements

Academic

Age 16 or older
Completed international application
Proof of English proficiency (or English-medium secondary transcript or school letter)
Passport copy
Bank statement showing at least 23
700 USD (2026) for one academic year.

Accepted academic background

Age 16+, Secondary school completion or equivalent not separately required by the ISP page, Many transfer degrees lead to Washington four-year universities.

Language tests

IELTS 5.5
TOEFL iBT 54
Duolingo 90
PTE Academic 42

Documents you’ll need

Academic Transcripts
English Language Test Results (if applicable)
Passport Copy (if required).

How to apply

Check entry requirements and quarterly deadlines (international. Highline. Edu/future-students/dates/). Apply through the institution's admissions portal international. Highline. Edu/application and pay the 54 USD fee. Upload passport
Home address
Proof of English or English-medium transcript
A bank statement under 6 months old showing 23
700 USD (2026)
your educational plan. Receive the acceptance letter and I-20
Then pay the SEVIS fee. Apply for the F-1 visa. Arrive up to 30 days before start. Attend mandatory orientation. Insurance is billed with tuition.

Other costs

Tuition per year	$13,000 USD
Application fee	$54 USD
Deposit	$500 USD

Program details

Campus	Des Moines (main campus)
Faculty or school	Education, Human Services & Law
Department	Education, Human Services & Law
Teaching language	English
Credit value	60
Study pace	Fixed
Post-study stay	0 year
Scholarship note	_

Intakes and deadlines

Program starts
April 2027
Apply by
25 Nov 2026
11 days left
Program starts
January 2027
Apply by
25 Nov 2026
11 days left

Frequently asked questions

The program takes 2 years.