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Freelance court stenographer education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a freelance court stenographer. Freelance court stenographers usually study legal support services, business, or finance. 70% of freelance court stenographers hold a associate degree, and 20% hold an high school diploma. We analyzed 48 real freelance court stenographer resumes to see exactly what freelance court stenographer education sections show.

The most common colleges for freelance court stenographers are the University of Detroit Mercy and the University of Detroit Mercy.

There are also many online freelance court stenographer courses to help get the education required to be a freelance court stenographer.

What education do you need to become a freelance court stenographer?

What degree do you need to be a freelance court stenographer?

The most common degree for freelance court stenographers is associate degree, with 70% of freelance court stenographers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are high school diploma degree at 20% and high school diploma degree at 10%.
  • Associate, 70%
  • High School Diploma, 20%
  • Bachelor's, 10%

What should I major in to become a freelance court stenographer?

You should major in legal support services to become a freelance court stenographer. 48% of freelance court stenographers major in legal support services. Other common majors for a freelance court stenographer include business and finance.

Most common colleges for freelance court stenographers

Freelance court stenographer common collegePercentages
University of Detroit Mercy50.00%
University of Connecticut50.00%

Best majors for freelance court stenographers

Best colleges for freelance court stenographers

The best colleges for freelance court stenographers are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Boston University.

A freelance court stenographer with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for freelance court stenographers. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become freelance court stenographers.

1. Bentley University

Waltham, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$49,880

Enrollment

4,177

2. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

3. Maria College of Albany

Albany, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$15,140

Enrollment

876

4. George Washington University, The

Washington, DC • Private

In-state tuition

$55,230

Enrollment

12,161

5. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

6. Daemen College

Amherst, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$28,580

Enrollment

1,712

7. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Alfred, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,570

Enrollment

3,721

8. Texas Wesleyan University

Fort Worth, TX • Private

In-state tuition

$30,300

Enrollment

1,445

9. Ball State University

Muncie, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,896

Enrollment

15,529

10. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

20 best online courses for freelance court stenographers

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1. International Law in Action: A Guide to the International Courts and Tribunals in The Hague

coursera

International Law in Action explains the functions of each international court and tribunal present in The Hague, and it looks at how these institutions address contemporary problems. On the basis of selected cases, and through interviews with judges and lawyers, you will explore the role of these courts and tribunals and their potential to contribute to global justice. The first module of the course will investigate how judicial settlement is different from other more political forms of...

2. Legal Tech and the Digital Transformation of Law

coursera

The digital revolution changed the way we communicate and trade. Now, it is coming into the world of law. This program will give you a broad overview of the main trends that are affecting the legal industry: - The birth of the legal tech market and the application of technology in law. - The role of artificial intelligence in the automation of the work of lawyers. - Blockchain technology and its impact on the way we sign and execute contracts. - Initiatives to ensure access to justice through...

3. Legal English

udemy
4.5
(1,299)

Legal language and communication skills...

4. Effective Legal Office Administration

udemy
4.5
(1,067)

Effective Legal Office Administration...

5. Introduction to Key Constitutional Concepts and Supreme Court Cases

coursera

This course offers an introduction to the U.S. Constitution and landmark Supreme Court cases interpreting it. It explores the Constitution’s origins, its amendment over the years, and methods of constitutional interpretation. Topics include the nature and structure of the federal government, the powers of the federal government, and individual rights...

6. International Law In Action: Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes

coursera

‘Investigating and Prosecuting International Crimes’ is the second course in Leiden University’s new series on International Law in Action. The first course covered international courts and tribunals in The Hague in general. This second course provides an insider perspective into the work of international criminal courts and tribunals. You will learn about the investigation and prosecution of international crimes in The Hague. Atrocities produce unspeakable forms of violence. We will explore...

7. Legal Writing Master Class

udemy
4.5
(258)

Learn with lawyers by learning the correct use of prepositions and articles, drafting contracts and writing letters...

8. Kickstart a Freelance Editor & Proofreader Career on Upwork

udemy
4.3
(1,089)

The Complete Guide to Satisfying Clients and Growing Your Freelancing Business...

9. Helping Families Avoid Negative Court Involvement Teach-Out

coursera

This course will teach learners how to understand when issues can become legal issues, encourage learners to recognize legal problems early, identify possible “legal soft spots” in their own situations, and act when issues are identified to avoid them escalating. This course will also teach and encourage learners to think preventatively and provide some tools to use with an eye toward preventing future legal issues. Finally, this Teach-out seeks to expand the idea of legal health checks to a...

10. ERPO: A Civil Approach to Gun Violence Prevention Teach-Out

coursera

Evidence shows that 1 life is saved for every 10-20 Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) issued. ERPOs are legally issued civil orders that allow people on the front lines to ask a court to prevent a person at imminent risk of harm to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing firearms during a critical period of risk. As of October 2020, ERPO laws have been enacted by nineteen states and the District of Columbia and while some aspects differ by state, the general process for applying...

11. Writing Proofreading Course: Proofread Punctuation & Grammar

udemy
4.2
(614)

Proofread Writing & Translation Like a Pro Be a Freelance Proofreader on Upwork Grasp Punctuation & Grammar...

12. Legal English Language Certificate (LELC) Level 1 - CPD

udemy
4.5
(360)

Learn from Lawyers - Learn the CORRECT use of articles, prepositions, legal terms & start writing your letter!...

13. Learn Online Transcription from Scratch

udemy
4
(271)

Online Transcription...

14. Freelance Bootcamp - The Comprehensive Guide to Freelancing

udemy
4.8
(486)

Learn how to build a profitable freelance business completely from scratch and gain the tools needed to succeed...

15. Upwork Transcription and Captioning Course: 2 Courses In 1

udemy
4.3
(290)

Become a Transcriptionist on Upwork Master Tools for Creating Video Captions and Subtitles...

16. Proofreading Power Basics

udemy
4.8
(959)

Learn to proofread from an experienced educator and subject matter expert...

17. Freelance Mastery: For Web Developers & Designers

udemy
4.7
(361)

Create a successful freelancing business with your web development skills...

18. Employment Law Compliance Made Easy

udemy
4.7
(1,575)

A comprehensive course for management to understand key employment law issues in the workplace...

19. The Complete Freelancing Course-Upwork Fiverr Home Business

udemy
4.3
(538)

The Deep-Dive, Comprehensive Course on Freelancing In the Era of Fiverr, Upwork and the Home Business...

20. The Guide to Freelancing in the Modern Gig Economy

udemy
4.5
(322)

Freelancing Masterclass - The Thorough Guide to Profitable Freelancing...

Top 10 most affordable universities for freelance court stenographers

The most affordable schools for freelance court stenographers are SUNY Farmingdale, california state university - bakersfield, and baruch college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for freelance court stenographers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for freelance court stenographers.

1. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

2. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

3. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

4. Clayton State University

Morrow, GA • Private

In-state tuition

$5,419

Cost of attendance

17,697

5. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

6. Trident University International

Cypress, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$9,240

Cost of attendance

17,912

7. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

8. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,238

Cost of attendance

21,567

9. University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,368

Cost of attendance

21,034

10. USF Sarasota-Manatee

Sarasota, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,587

Cost of attendance

13,043

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for freelance court stenographers

The hardest universities for freelance court stenographers to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Boston University.

Some great schools for freelance court stenographers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for freelance court stenographers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

3. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

4. George Washington University, The

Washington, DC • Private

Admissions rate

42%

SAT average

1,380

5. Bentley University

Waltham, MA • Private

Admissions rate

43%

SAT average

1,338

6. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

7. Tulane University

New Orleans, LA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,428

8. Georgetown University

Washington, DC • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,456

9. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

Admissions rate

40%

SAT average

1,376

10. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for freelance court stenographers

The easiest schools for freelance court stenographers to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, manor college, and lim college.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a freelance court stenographer without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for freelance court stenographers.

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Manor College

Jenkintown, PA • Private

Admissions rate

94%

SAT average

898

3. LIM College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,061

4. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

5. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

6. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

7. Ursuline College

Pepper Pike, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

1,102

8. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

9. Lewis-Clark State College

Lewiston, ID • Private

Admissions rate

100%

SAT average

1,009

10. Presentation College

Aberdeen, SD • Private

Admissions rate

97%

SAT average

1,050

Average freelance court stenographer salary by education level

According to our data, freelance court stenographers with a Doctorate degree earn the highest average salary, at $97,642 annually. Freelance court stenographers with a Master's degree earn an average annual salary of $86,351.
Freelance court stenographer education levelFreelance court stenographer salary
Master's Degree$86,351
High School Diploma or Less$52,402
Bachelor's Degree$67,274
Doctorate Degree$97,642
Some College/ Associate Degree$60,475

Freelance court stenographer education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.