We know law school is expensive, and we are here to help you receive all of the financial aid for which you are eligible. Fortunately, there are a variety of financial options available to qualifying students. Our goal is to provide personal financial assistance and counseling to fit your needs so that you can focus on your law school education.
Students not eligible for Federal Direct Loans may apply for private loans to help defray the cost of attending the law school. Students may choose any lender they wish, but here is a link with some available lenders: http://www.finaid.org/loans/privatestudentloans.phtml#loanchart
Installment Plans
Students may set up installment plans in advance of the payment deadline to make tuition payments.
Quick Links
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Types of Aid
Loans
Financial Aid provided by either the federal government or private lenders. Interest accrues once the loan disburses and the federal loans have origination fees. This is financial aid that must be repaid.
Federal Stafford Loans are low interest loans available to eligible students, in the JD program, to assist them with costs related to their education. These loans are made by the federal government and are known as “Direct Stafford Loans”. The annual maximum Stafford loan for law students is $20,500. The current interest rate for this loan is fixed at 6.08%. Repayment begins six months after the borrower graduates, leaves school, or drops to less than half-time enrollment. Since the entire Stafford loan is unsubsidized, interest accrual begins once the loan is disbursed.
To apply for a Federal Stafford loan, complete the Stafford loan request form or come in to the Financial Aid Office for more information.
All eligible JD students may borrow a Graduate PLUS Loan in addition to the Stafford loan to help pay for living expenses. A credit check is required and performed by the federal government. You must be enrolled at least half-time, be a US Citizen, US National, or Permanent Resident, and pass the government’s credit check to be approved for the loan. The interest rate is fixed at 7.08% and the loan is deferred while enrolled in law school. Your income and credit score will not affect your eligibility. The maximum amount is calculated to be the total cost of attendance minus any other financial aid. To apply for the Grad Plus loan, go to https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/.
Private student loans are available to help defray the cost of attending the Graduate Programs. Students may choose any lender they wish, but here is a link with some available lenders: https://finaid.org/loans/privatestudentloans/
Limited institutional scholarships are available for graduate LLM, MSL and JSD candidates.
Select scholarships are available through private organizations and affiliations for JD students.
- JD Applicants – Limited institutional scholarships are available for select JD candidates. Learn more HERE.
- Graduate Applicants - Limited institutional scholarships are available for graduate LLM, MSL and JSD candidates.
Select scholarships are available through private organizations and affiliations for JD students: https://www.tjsl.edu/admissions/financial-aid/types-aid/outside-scholarships
This need-based program is designed to provide jobs to help students with educational expenses. In addition to the regular eligibility requirements, the program requires that participants be in good academic standing. The pay rate is $14.00 per hour. Federal work study students can earn money at eligible on or off-campus employment. Work study does not need to be repaid but is considered taxable income.
How to Apply for Federal Aid (Eligible Students)
Applicants can help ensure their financial aid applications are given maximum consideration by carefully reading the following instructions and submitting all materials to the Financial Assistance Office or the appropriate agency as early as possible.
Step 1
Complete a FAFSA online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa (school code is 013780).
Step 2
Students who want to receive Federal Stafford loans should complete a Stafford loan request form. Completed forms may be faxed, scanned/emailed or mailed to the Financial Aid Office.
Applying for a Graduate PLUS loan requires students to go online to begin the loan process. The website is https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/. This loan is credit-based and the federal government will determine your eligibility.
Step 3
New borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling to receive federal loans. This is done online at https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/. There are 2 separate MPN’s (Stafford and Grad PLUS). Both will need to be completed if requesting both loans.
