Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Notary public education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
There are several educational requirements to become a notary public. Notary publics usually study business, criminal justice, or accounting. 38% of notary publics hold a bachelor's degree, and 27% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 1,125 real notary public resumes to see exactly what notary public education sections show.
The most common colleges for notary publics are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.
There are also many online notary public courses to help get the education required to be a notary public.
What education do you need to become a notary public?
What degree do you need to be a notary public?
- Bachelor's, 38%
- Associate, 27%
- High School Diploma, 14%
- Master's, 6%
- Other Degrees, 15%
What should I major in to become a notary public?
- Business, 28%
- Criminal Justice, 8%
- Accounting, 7%
- Other Majors, 51%
Most common colleges for notary publics
| Notary public common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| University of Phoenix | 15.22% |
| California State University - San Bernardino | 8.70% |
| University of California, Santa Barbara | 6.52% |
| Santa Monica College | 6.52% |
| California State University - Dominguez Hills | 5.43% |
Best majors for notary publics
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business | 27.8% |
| 2 | Criminal Justice | 8.2% |
| 3 | Accounting | 7.3% |
| 4 | Legal Support Services | 6.3% |
| 5 | General Studies | 5.5% |
Best colleges for notary publics
The best colleges for notary publics are Boston University, George Washington University, The, and Northwestern University.
A notary public with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for notary publics. 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 notary publics.
1. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$53,948
Enrollment
17,238
2. George Washington University, The
Washington, DC • Private
In-state tuition
$55,230
Enrollment
12,161
3. Texas Wesleyan University
Fort Worth, TX • Private
In-state tuition
$30,300
Enrollment
1,445
4. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred
Alfred, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,570
Enrollment
3,721
5. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$9,808
Enrollment
13,990
6. San Diego State University
San Diego, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,488
Enrollment
30,018
7. Ball State University
Muncie, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,896
Enrollment
15,529
8. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Enrollment
9,394
9. Bentley University
Waltham, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$49,880
Enrollment
4,177
10. University of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA • Private
In-state tuition
$52,610
Enrollment
3,215
20 best online courses for notary publics
Advertising disclosure
1. Systems Thinking In Public Health
This course provides an introduction to systems thinking and systems models in public health. Problems in public health and health policy tend to be complex with many actors, institutions and risk factors involved. If an outcome depends on many interacting and adaptive parts and actors the outcome cannot be analyzed or predicted with traditional statistical methods. Systems thinking is a core skill in public health and helps health policymakers build programs and policies that are aware of and...
2. Data and Health Indicators in Public Health Practice
Epidemiology is often described as the cornerstone science in public health. Epidemiology in public health practice uses study design and analyses to identify causes in an outbreak situation, guides interventions to improve population health, and evaluates programs and policies. In this course, we'll define the role of the professional epidemiologist as it relates to public health services, functions, and competencies. With that foundation in mind, we'll introduce you to the problem solving...
3. How to Become a Mobile Notary and Loan Signing Agent
Learn how to make over six figures as a Real Estate Loan Signing Agent and Mobile Notary...
4. Press Coverage, Publicity & Public Relations For Branding
Public relations to reach 100,000+ people with influencer marketing, publicity, and press coverage for personal branding...
5. Breastfeeding: Public Health Perspectives
Engaging in this course will provide you with the opportunity to think about breastfeeding and its public health implications. The Socio-Ecological Model will be the framework of the course as we think about how each level of the Model (individual, interpersonal, community, organizational, and public policy) impacts breastfeeding practices in the United States, and globally. Through short video lectures you will be introduced to relevant topics related to the public health perspectives of...
6. The People, Power, and Pride of Public Health
The People, Power, and Pride of Public Health provides an engaging overview of the incredible accomplishments and promise of the public health field. The first module includes interviews with legendary public health figures whose work led to millions of lives saved with vaccines, air bags and car seats, and the federal Women Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program. The second module brings key public health tools to life -- including use of data, communications, and policy - through...
7. Public Speaking for People Who Hate Public Speaking
Public Speaking for People Who Hate Public Speaking - Presentation Skills - Communication Skills and Storytelling...
8. Public Speaking for Beginners
Public Speaking Skills Developed From Scratch, in Little Time...
9. Fear of Public Speaking: Never Fear Public Speaking Again
Public Speaking Fear. You will deliver presentations/speeches with confidence and ease. Never be nervous again...
10. Public Speaking Training & Facilitator Certification
World-class public speaking training: Learn presentation skills, engage your audience, develop confidence, facilitate...
11. Become a Notary Loan Signing Agent
Learn 27 NSA terms, learn 35 documents typically used in a loan signing, common types of signing packages, and more!...
12. The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Notary Loan Signing Agent
Step-By-Step Blueprint on Creating a Thriving Mobile Notary Loan Signing Agent Business in Under 30 Days...
13. Public Speaking: Be a Professional Speaker
Public Speaking: Learn how to position yourself as a professional speaker and market yourself...
14. Time Management Public Speaking - Drastically Reduce Prep
Time Management Public Speaking: You don't have to spend hours preparing your public speaking...
15. Remote Online Notary 101
Everything you need to start a successful Remote Online Notary business...
16. The Art of Public Speaking
Master Public Speaking: Deliver Unforgettable Speeches & Presentations With The World's Most Decorated Public Speaker...
17. 2023 Complete Public Speaking Masterclass For Every Occasion
TJ Walker's Incredibly Thorough and Comprehensive Public Speaking Course for Every Situation, Audience and Skill Level...
18. Public Speaking Skills: Give a Great Informational Speech
Public Speaking - You can confidently present information in a way that is understandable and memorable...
19. Public Speaking: A tactical approach
This course will teach public speaking, communication skills and storytelling in an entirely new way...
20. Public Speaking for Kids (& Parents) Kids Can Speak!
Public Speaking: It's never too early to learn how to speak effectively and with confidence. An essential life skill...
Top 10 most affordable universities for notary publics
The most affordable schools for notary publics are SUNY Farmingdale, usf sarasota-manatee, and california state university - dominguez hills.
If the best universities for notary publics 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 notary publics.
1. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
2. USF Sarasota-Manatee
Sarasota, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,587
Cost of attendance
13,043
3. California State University - Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,942
Cost of attendance
14,469
4. Clayton State University
Morrow, GA • Private
In-state tuition
$5,419
Cost of attendance
17,697
5. Baruch College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,262
Cost of attendance
14,046
6. University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,368
Cost of attendance
21,034
7. Brigham Young University
Provo, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$5,620
Cost of attendance
18,136
8. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
9. SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,238
Cost of attendance
21,567
10. The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,360
Cost of attendance
16,595
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for notary publics
The hardest universities for notary publics to get into are Boston University, George Washington University, The, and Northwestern University.
Some great schools for notary publics 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 notary publics 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. Boston University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
22%
SAT average
1,420
2. George Washington University, The
Washington, DC • Private
Admissions rate
42%
SAT average
1,380
3. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
4. SUNY at Binghamton
Vestal, NY • Private
Admissions rate
40%
SAT average
1,376
5. Bentley University
Waltham, MA • Private
Admissions rate
43%
SAT average
1,338
6. University of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA • Private
Admissions rate
30%
SAT average
1,401
7. Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY • Private
Admissions rate
50%
SAT average
1,284
8. University of Denver
Denver, CO • Private
Admissions rate
56%
SAT average
1,300
9. Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA • Private
Admissions rate
28%
SAT average
1,429
10. University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK • Private
Admissions rate
41%
SAT average
1,321
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for notary publics
The easiest schools for notary publics to get into are Manor College, notre dame college, and gwynedd mercy university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a notary public 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 notary publics.
1. Manor College
Jenkintown, PA • Private
Admissions rate
94%
SAT average
898
2. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
994
3. Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
1,031
4. Nyack College
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
98%
SAT average
999
5. Curry College
Milton, MA • Private
Admissions rate
93%
SAT average
1,026
6. Felician University
Lodi, NJ • Private
Admissions rate
81%
SAT average
999
7. University of North Texas at Dallas
Dallas, TX • Private
Admissions rate
83%
SAT average
992
8. Grand View University
Des Moines, IA • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
1,060
9. Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,059
10. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, OK • Private
Admissions rate
68%
SAT average
964
Average notary public salary by education level
| Notary public education level | Notary public salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | $76,044 |
| High School Diploma or Less | $53,222 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $64,141 |
| Doctorate Degree | $71,536 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $56,356 |
Notary public education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common office and administrative questions.
Search for notary public jobs
Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025