Paralegal Schools in Costa Mesa, California

Updated January 26, 2026 Table of Contents

Paralegal programs in Costa Mesa, California 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 Costa Mesa, California

#1

Coastline Community College

Fountain Valley, CA 3.5 miles away

Coastline Community College is a Public, 2-year in Fountain Valley, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, CA 6.4 miles away

Santa Ana College is a Public, 4-year in Santa Ana, CA serving about 22,011 students and accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $1,180
  • Out-of-state tuition: $9,460
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

Irvine Valley College

Irvine, CA 7.7 miles away

Irvine Valley College is a Public, 2-year in Irvine, CA serving about 9,577 students and accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $1,156
  • Out-of-state tuition: $10,996
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

University of Massachusetts Global

Irvine, CA 8.3 miles away

University of Massachusetts Global is a Public, 4-year in Irvine, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

Fullerton College

Fullerton, CA 14.5 miles away

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

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#6

South Coast College

Orange, CA 14.5 miles away

South Coast College is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Orange, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#7

Fremont University

Cerritos, CA 17.5 miles away

Fremont University is a Private for-profit, 4-year in Cerritos, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#8

Cerritos College

Norwalk, CA 18.4 miles away

Cerritos College is a Public, 2-year in Norwalk, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#9

Downey Adult School

Downey, CA 21 miles away

Downey Adult School is a Public, 2-year in Downey, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#10

Mt San Antonio College

Walnut, CA 26.7 miles away

Mt San Antonio College is a Public, 2-year in Walnut, CA. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Comparing Paralegal Schools Near Costa Mesa

There are 10 schools within 27 miles of Costa Mesa.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Coastline Community College3.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Santa Ana College6.4 mi$1,180N/APublic, 4-year
Irvine Valley College7.7 mi$1,156N/APublic, 2-year
University of Massachusetts Global8.3 miN/AN/APublic, 4-year
Fullerton College14.5 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
South Coast College14.5 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Fremont University17.5 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 4-year
Cerritos College18.4 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Downey Adult School21 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Mt San Antonio College26.7 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year

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

Paralegal Salary in California

Entry-level paralegals and legal assistants in California earn around $48,000 per year. The median salary is $72,960, which is 19.6% above the national median of $61,010. Top earners make up to $105,350 per year.

California vs. National Paralegal Wages
MetricCaliforniaNational
Median salary$72,960$61,010
Average salary$76,920$66,510
25th percentile$57,040$48,190
75th percentile$95,910$78,280
90th percentile$105,350$98,990

California employs approximately 45,740 paralegals and legal assistants (2.5 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 1.06).

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 California, the concentration of paralegals and legal assistants is near the national average (location quotient: 1.06), which may reflect strong local demand for this trade.

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 California?

The median annual salary for paralegals and legal assistants in California is $72,960. Wages range from $48,000 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $105,350 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many paralegal schools are near Costa Mesa?

There are 42 Paralegal schools within commuting distance of Costa Mesa. The closest is Coastline Community College, approximately 3.5 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 Costa Mesa?

Annual tuition for paralegal programs near Costa Mesa ranges from $1,156 to $1,420. 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 California?

Demand for paralegals and legal assistants in California is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 1.06. The state employs 2.5 paralegals and legal assistants per 1,000 workers.