- The mission of Center for Advanced Legal Studies is to provide students with the skills and practical and ethical knowledge necessary to excel as paralegals and meet the needs of the legal, governmental, and corporate communities.
School Highlights
Center for Advanced Legal Studies serves 271 students (100% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 34:1 is same as the state community college average of 34:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 75%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 271 students
- Private-state tuition: $9,300
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Student-teacher ratio: 34:1
- Minority enrollment: 70%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Center for Advanced Legal Studies ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Texas for:
Category
Attribute
Selectivity
School Overview
The teacher population of 8 teachers has declined by 57% over five years.
Center for Advanced Legal Studies
(TX) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Nontraditional
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private for-profit
Public
Total Faculty
8 staff
73 staff
Number of Programs Offered
3
8
Student Body
The student population of Center for Advanced Legal Studies has grown by 11% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 34:1 has increased from 13:1 over five years.
The Center for Advanced Legal Studies diversity score of 0.69 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
271 students
1,385 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
34:1
34:1
# Full-Time Students
271 students
869 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
271 students
1,335 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
271 students
837 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
6 students
39 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
2%
6%
% Hispanic
29%
47%
% Black
37%
13%
% White
30%
25%
Diversity Score
0.69
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
57%
54%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$39,200
$34,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The private state tuition of $9,300 is less than the state average of $13,462.
Private State Tuition Fees
$9,300
$13,462
Tuition Notes
Includes tuition, fees, and access to textbooks through Cengage Unlimited. Tuition for certificate program only. Please contact admissions for information regarding degree program.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
83%
88%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,500
$10,630
Median Debt for Dropouts
$3,337
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
50%
75%
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
Center for Advanced Legal
Studies (CALS), founded in 1987, is an accredited college in
Texas that specializes in paralegal education and training.
- CALS offers a Paralegal Certificate program designed for individuals who have previously earned a college degree, and an Associate of Applied Science Degree program for those in search of their first college degree. Both programs are accredited and provide a comprehensive skills-based approach to paralegal studies.
- Both paralegal programs are offered 100% online using technology whereby students can see and hear their instructors in real-time.
- Specializing solely in paralegal education gives CALS the freedom to design our classrooms, library, and other resources to meet the specific needs of our paralegal students and faculty. Our classrooms are spacious, comfortable, and provide our students with ample room to take notes and arrange their materials.
- CALS' library is equipped with resources specific to the study of law, has generous work areas, Westlaw access, and provides a quiet atmosphere for research and study.
- Graduates are assisted by a full-time Director of Career Services who helps students prepare for their job search and assists in setting up job interviews with historical employers of CALS graduates.
- Center for Advanced Legal Studies is accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and Council on Occupational Education (COE).
- The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board authorizes the Associate of Applied Science Degree Program at Center for Advanced Legal Studies.
- CALS is approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission, Career Schools and Colleges, Austin, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Center for Advanced Legal Studies cost?
Center for Advanced Legal Studies's private state tuition is approximately $9,300.
What is the acceptance rate of Center for Advanced Legal Studies?
The acceptance rate of Center for Advanced Legal Studies is 50%, which is lower than the state average of 75%. Center for Advanced Legal Studies's acceptance rate is ranked among the top community colleges in Texas with low acceptance rates.
What is Center for Advanced Legal Studies's ranking?
Center for Advanced Legal Studies ranks among the top 20% of community college in Texas for: Lowest acceptance rates.
In what neighborhood is Center for Advanced Legal Studies located?
Center for Advanced Legal Studies is located in the Briar Forest neighborhood of Houston, TX.
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