Financing Your Legal Education
Law School Scholarships and Grants
Law School scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of financial need, although scholarship or other factors may be considered with regard to certain awards. Scholarship amounts vary somewhat each year. Applications are mailed to admitted JD students with their letter of acceptance. To be eligible, you must meet the financial aid priority deadline as described above. Inquiries concerning Law School aid should be addressed to: Financial Aid Coordinator, University of Washington School of Law, William H. Gates Hall, Box 353020, Seattle, Washington 98195-3020; (206)543-4552;
Tuition Exemption and University Grants which come from Washington state revenue, are for Washington residentstudents in state-funded programs. These grants are awarded on the basis of need and do not have to be repaid. Most grant programs are from limited annual allocations and award priority is determined by financial need.
Loan Programs
Federal Direct Stafford Loan. A Federal Direct Stafford Loan is a subsidized, need-based loan. While borrowers are enrolled at least half-time, payment on the loan is deferred and the federal government pays the interest. Eligibility is based on financial need and eligible students may qualify for up to $8,500 per academic year.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. This loan is similar to the Federal Direct Stafford Loan, except that the student does not have to qualify for need-based assistance to receive this loan and that interest does accrue while the borrower is in school. Students may qualify for up to $12,000 per academic year or up to $20,500 if the student does not qualify for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan.
Federal Perkins Student Loan. The Federal Perkins Student Loan is a need-based, low-interest loan made available to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need through FAFSA analysis. No interest accrues while the student is enrolled in school and there is a nine month grace period before repayment begins. Perkins funds are limited.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan (GPLUS) lets graduate and professional students borrow a loan to cover the difference between the school’s determination of the cost of attendance and other assistance received. These loans are based on credit and not on need. Students must first apply for a Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loan before they can be considered for the GPLUS loan. Repayment on the GPLUS begins 60 days after the full amount borrowed for the school year has been disbursed. However, repayment of the principal can be deferred when the student is enrolled at least half-time. Interest is a fixed 7.9% (see Student Loan Program Chart) for details on rates and fees). Interest accrues on this loan during the time of enrollment and during periods of repayment or deferment and we recommend you pay the interest—even while you are in school. Loans borrowed through this loan program are borrowed directly from the federal government. The University will coordinate all paperwork for you (see Completing Paperwork for Loans). Repayment arrangements are handled by the Direct Loan Servicer (a servicer contracted by the federal government).
Note: The total amount a student receives from various sources (loans, scholarships, etc.), cannot exceed the amount of the University's Student Budget.
William H. Gates Public Service Law Scholarship Program
Five scholarships are awarded on an annual basis to first year students entering the UW School of Law J.D. program. Each Gates PSL scholarship award will cover tuition, books, other normal fees imposed for University and UW School of Law enrollment, costs of room and board and incidental expenses. Acceptance of a Gates PSL scholarship represents a commitment on the part of each recipient to work in public service for five years following graduation. Application for the Gates PSL scholarship is separate from both the JD Admissions application and application for other law school scholarships.
Debt Management Before Law School
Planning ahead and making informed choices can make a difference in the degree to which your education financing choices will have an impact on your future. Try to accumulate some savings from work, investigate alternatives to borrowing, budget your income and expenses, and recognize that you will need to make adjustments to your lifestyle.
Managing your law school debt should begin before you enter law school. Make every effort to enter law school with little or no consumer debt. Law School is not the time to have high credit card or car payments. Debt management before and during law school is very important for many reasons. For example:
- Controlling your level of indebtedness before you enter law school will reduce your need to borrow during your enrollment. Excessive borrowing during law school can limit your career choices when you graduate.
- Your credit history reflects how you manage repayment of your debts, and a good credit history is needed to borrow certain types of educational loans.
Before you enter law school, it is important to:
- Design and implement a budget/financial plan to guide and limit spending, and make the most of non-loan resources;
- Pay off or reduce your consumer credit debt;
- Save money to apply toward education costs, to reduce your reliance on loans by contributing more from your own savings and other resources;
- Conduct research to locate grant and scholarship opportunities, and apply for grants and scholarships (as well as all other financial aid) in a timely manner.
Sources of Financial Aid Information
More complete information about financial aid at the UW is available at: http://www.washington.edu/students/osfa/
The Grants and Funding Information Service at the University of Washington, (206) 616-3084 , assists graduate students in identifying sources of funding. Call or email to set up an appointment.
Free scholarship searches are available on the Internet. To access these searches and find out more about financial aid, visit the following web sites: