Forms of Aid
Law School Grants
Law School grants are provided through the generosity of our alumni and friends of the Law School and University. Although a Law School grant does not impose a legal obligation to repay the funds, the Law School hopes that those who receive grants will recognize that continuation of the grant program for future students depends upon donation, when the recipients are financially able, of an amount at least equal to the assistance they were given.
Law School Loans
Law School loans are provided from Law School funds and loans have an interest rate of 7 percent. They are awarded in cases of special hardship on a case-by-case basis to students unable to meet their need through federal and other external loan programs. Repayment and interest begin one year after a student leaves the Law School.
Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are funded by the federal government through the Department of Education. Subsidized loans are limited to $8,500 per year and the recipient must demonstrate financial need to qualify. Unsubsidized loans may be as great as $20,500 per year and are available to students regardless of financial need. The total of subsidized and unsubsidized loans cannot exceed $20,500 per year.
Alternative Loans
Alternative loans targeted at law students are available from several entities, including the Department of Education Grad PLUS Program, Access Group, and CitiAssist. Typically, students must have a good credit history to be eligible for alternative loans. Alternative loans may be used to replace an expected parental ability-to-pay figure. Applications for these loans are available in the Financial Aid Office or can be obtained from your chosen lender. The loan comparison chart/FAQ [PDF] provides a sample list of alternative loan providers.
The Debt Management/Loan Forgiveness Program
Among the most progressive in the country, it provides graduates with maximum flexibility to choose jobs from any law-related area (excluding judicial clerkships), including modest-paying public interest positions, while still maintaining a reasonable lifestyle and remaining current on outstanding loan obligations. Graduates whose combination of income and debt make them eligible receive assistance in meeting their loan obligations incurred during Law School and annually earn forgiveness of Law School loans. Consult the Financial Aid Office or our website for more details.
Many other sources of institutional funding for both summer and post-graduate opportunities are available to our students; details are available on our website.