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 eligible students meet educational expenses through loans, grants, and scholarships.
The UW School of Law’s Office of Admissions & Financial Aid works with the University of Washington’s main campus’ Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA)
to offer a comprehensive financial aid program, which includes institutional grants,
federal and state work-study, and federal loan programs to help eligible students pay for law school.
Types of Financial and Institutional Aid
FAFSA
All applicants interested in receiving financial aid must complete the 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 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).
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 Office of Admissions & Financial Aid by clicking here.
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.