Paralegal Schools in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Paralegal programs in Fort Smith, Arkansas can help you prepare for a skilled career path. Many programs include classroom instruction and supervised hands-on learning to help you build practical skills before entering the workforce.

Paralegal Schools Near Fort Smith, Arkansas

#1

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR 2.4 miles away

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith is a Public, 4-year in Fort Smith, AR. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across AR.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Bentonville, AR 70.5 miles away

NorthWest Arkansas Community College is a Public, 2-year in Bentonville, AR. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across AR.

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#3

Community Care College

Tulsa, OK 100.6 miles away

Community Care College is a Private nonprofit, 2-year in Tulsa, OK. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across OK.

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#4

Tulsa Community College

Tulsa, OK 106.1 miles away

Tulsa Community College is a Public, 2-year in Tulsa, OK. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across OK.

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#5

University of Arkansas Grantham

LIttle Rock, AR 121.4 miles away

University of Arkansas Grantham is a Public, 4-year in LIttle Rock, AR. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across AR.

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#6

University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College

North Little Rock, AR 123.4 miles away

University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College is a Public, 2-year in North Little Rock, AR. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across AR.

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#7

Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies

Springfield, MO 142.6 miles away

Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies is a Private nonprofit, 4-year in Springfield, MO. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across MO.

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#8

Texas A & M University-Commerce

Commerce, TX 170.5 miles away

Texas A & M University-Commerce is a Public, 4-year in Commerce, TX. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TX.

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#9

Neosho County Community College

Chanute, KS 171.4 miles away

Neosho County Community College is a Public, 2-year in Chanute, KS. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across KS.

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#10

Rose State College

Midwest City, OK 171.6 miles away

Rose State College is a Public, 2-year in Midwest City, OK. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across OK.

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Comparing Paralegal Schools Near Fort Smith

There are 10 schools within 172 miles of Fort Smith.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith2.4 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
NorthWest Arkansas Community College70.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Community Care College100.6 miN/AN/APrivate nonprofit, 2-year
Tulsa Community College106.1 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
University of Arkansas Grantham121.4 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College123.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies142.6 miN/AN/APrivate nonprofit, 4-year
Texas A & M University-Commerce170.5 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Neosho County Community College171.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Rose State College171.6 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Paralegal Salary in Arkansas

Entry-level paralegals and legal assistants in Arkansas earn around $34,740 per year. The median salary is $46,940, which is 23.1% below the national median of $61,010. Top earners make up to $77,330 per year.

Arkansas vs. National Paralegal Wages
MetricArkansasNational
Median salary$46,940$61,010
Average salary$62,540$66,510
25th percentile$38,460$48,190
75th percentile$57,660$78,280
90th percentile$77,330$98,990

Arkansas employs approximately 1,400 paralegals and legal assistants (1.1 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 0.46).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Paralegal Job Outlook

0.2% growth (2024–2034)

Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 0.2% from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. This represents a change from 376,200 to 376,800 jobs nationwide. About 39,300 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, driven by workers transferring to other occupations, retiring, or leaving the labor force.

In Arkansas, the concentration of paralegals and legal assistants is lower than the national average (location quotient: 0.46), which suggests typical demand for this trade in the state.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do paralegals and legal assistants make in Arkansas?

The median annual salary for paralegals and legal assistants in Arkansas is $46,940. Wages range from $34,740 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $77,330 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many paralegal schools are near Fort Smith?

There are 23 Paralegal schools within commuting distance of Fort Smith. The closest is University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, approximately 2.4 miles away. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to prepare graduates for entry-level positions.

What is the job outlook for paralegals and legal assistants?

Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 0.2% from 2024 to 2034. About 39,300 job openings are projected each year on average, including positions from growth and replacement needs.

What does paralegal training cost near Fort Smith?

Annual tuition for paralegal programs near Fort Smith ranges from $2,160 to $2,160. Costs vary based on program length, institution type, and whether the school is public or private. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset costs.

Is a paralegal in demand in Arkansas?

Demand for paralegals and legal assistants in Arkansas is lower than average compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 0.46. The state employs 1.1 paralegals and legal assistants per 1,000 workers.