Paying for Law School: Financial Aid
The University of Washington School of Law’s Commitment to Institutional Aid
The UW School of Law is dedicated to helping students meet educational expenses through loans, grants, and scholarships.
The law school and the University of Washington's Office of Student Financial Aid
(OSFA) are committed to offering a comprehensive finaicial aid package to help
students achieve their educational goals while minimizing student educational
debt.
Types of Financial and Institutional Aid
FAFSA
All applicants interested in receiving financial aid must complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the February 28 priority
deadline. Visit our Apply for Financial Aid webpage for more information and a link to the online FAFSA application. Learn about the different types of loans available in the Loan Programs section below or visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Loan Programs
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is a non-need-based loan for
qualified students.The interest
rate for this loan is 6.8% and accrual begins when the funds are disbursed to
the school and continues to accrue while the borrower is enrolled in school.
Students may qualify for up to $20,500 and students have a 6 month grace period
before repayment begins.
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).
The Grad PLUS loan allows
graduate and professional students to borrow funds to cover the difference
between the cost of attendance and other assistance received. These loans are
based on credit worthiness and are not need-based. Repayment on the GPLUS begins
on the day after the final loan disbursement is made. 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).
Financial Need and Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Aid for most federal programs is awarded based on financial need (except for unsubsidized Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans).
The EFC is a measure of your family’s financial strength and indicates how much of your and your family’s financial resources (for dependent students) should be available to help pay for your education. EFC is calculated from the information you report on the FAFSA. Your EFC will appear on the Student Aid Report (SAR) you receive after you file your FAFSA.
For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website and review the Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid handbook. You may also contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
UW School of Law 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. To be eligible, you must meet the financial aid priority deadline of February 28.
Law School Scholarship applications are available to newly admitted students, who will receive scholarship application instructions with their acceptance letters. Visit our Scholarships, Awards, and Writing Contests webpage for more information or contact the UW School of Law’s
Tuition Exemption and University Grants which come from Washington state revenue, are for students in state-funded programs who are Washington residents. 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. Tuition exemptions and university grants are handled by OSFA. If you have any questions, you may contact OSFA directly by clicking here.
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. Visit the Gates PSL Program website for more information.