Information for Students

The Institute for Paralegal Studies offers a variety of In-Person, Blended, and Online courses. 

Most students complete the certificate in about 18 months. Full-time students can complete the certificate in less than a year. The schedule is flexible and can be adjusted to fit your needs.

Yes, the program meets all requirements of the American Bar Association. Learn more about ABA-approval: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/

Typically, classes meet once per week for three hours during an 8-Week Session.

Current students and individuals with LOCUS IDs: Request your official transcripts through LOCUS. Others should complete this form.

Historically, 80% of graduates are employed within six months of completing their paralegal credential. Recently, it’s been closer to 90%.

For Certificate students, only federal student loans are available. You must complete a FAFSA to determine eligibility.

You should complete the FAFSA during the application process if you plan to apply for financial aid. It may take up two weeks for Loyola to receive and process your financial aid award.  The earliest you can complete the FAFSA is October 1 for the following academic year.

Loyola’s code is 001710.

• You must be considered at least “part-time” in order to qualify for federal student loans. This requires enrolling in at least 6 credits (3 PLST courses) per semester.  The three courses may be split between two sessions within the same semester.
  
  
• For Financial Aid purposes, the Post-Baccalaureate certificate is considered a 5^th year undergraduate degree.

For Bachelor’s Degree students, there are scholarships available as well as federal student loans and other grants.