Law Financial Aid

We know that pursuing a law degree is a big commitment. Our goal is to give students the facts and support needed to make informed financial decisions about educational goals. Costs will include tuition, fees and living expenses. Tuition costs vary depending on the program enrolled (JD, LLM or MSLS). Students should budget for additional expenses like housing and books. We offer various financial aid options to help students afford their education. Visit our Cost of Attendance page for up-to-date information about tuition and fees.

Approximately 88% of students receive some form of financial aid, including loans, grants and Work-Study, ensuring that a law school education is affordable for all.

We encourage students to create a budget and borrow only the minimum amount necessary. Students may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance in Federal Direct Loan programs. Borrow what is necessary but also consider other aid sources like the USD School of Law Access Loan and Tuition Credit Loan and outside scholarships when deciding how to finance your education.

Applying for financial aid is easy. Start by filling out the standardized Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a Renewal FAFSA using our school code (G06976). Complete any additional forms as notified via email. Once your application is complete, you'll receive an Offer of Financial Assistance email.

FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the federal application used to determine financial need for most aid programs.

Students can complete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov. Be sure to use the USD School of Law code: G06976.

No, students can decline any financial aid awards or programs offered in the Financial Aid Notice enabling them to control their financial decisions.

USD employees and/or their beneficiaries are not able to receive both tuition remission and tuition-restricted scholarships for a given term. Students may opt to use the tuition-restricted scholarship instead of tuition remission, but a written request to do so must be submitted to the Law Financial Aid Office 10 business days prior to the start of a term. For more information see USD Tuition Remission Program

Direct deposit allows the University to send financial aid funds directly to the student’s institutional banking account, rather than mailing paper checks via the U.S. Postal Service. This ensures the most accurate and efficient way to receive financial aid funds.

No, students should file the FAFSA ahead of admission or deciding on a university. Applications are available each October for the following academic year.

Yes, students need to complete the Renewal FAFSA each year.

Additional documents may be required if information is incomplete or if students are selected for verification. Students should check their email regularly to watch for requests for additional information.

Yes, students are automatically considered for summer eligibility if enrolled in 3 or more credits and have submitted the current FAFSA. Summer financial aid generally consists of student loans and Federal Work-Study.

Financial Aid Notices are generally sent within 2-3 weeks after your FAFSA and all requested documents (if any) are submitted and reviewed.

There is not a strict deadline for completing the FAFSA. However, students should apply before April 5 for priority consideration and to ensure aid is ready to disburse at the start of the term.

Federal Work-Study offers on-and off-campus jobs for students with financial need. (Typically awards are $5,000 annually).

To ensure we receive the financial aid data electronically, specify "USD School of Law" and use the Law School Code G06976 on the FAFSA.

No, as a graduate degree candidate, law students are classified as "independent" students for financial aid considerations. Students must, though, disclose any financial support you received from parents in the tax year being collected on the FAFSA application.

The first year in law school is very demanding. It is recommended that students concentrate on studies during the first year, and then decide if a part-time job or a Work-Study job would be manageable.

If the tax year income collected on the FAFSA is significantly different than current income students may request the use of projected year income. Connect with a financial aid advisor to get advice on how to request this special financial circumstance consideration. Please note that this evaluation generally only impacts Federal Work-Study eligibility.

First-year law students at USD do not need to submit a separate application for scholarships and grants. Instead, students are automatically evaluated for eligibility based on several factors, such as academic achievements prior to admission, the potential for meaningful community service and the ability to contribute to the diversity of the student body. This review ensures that a variety of talents and backgrounds are recognized and supported through our financial aid. Continuing law students may apply for additional scholarships each year.

No, these are not available to graduate students.

Federal Direct Loans are administered by the U.S. Department of Education and do not require lenders. Students should exhaust all federal loans before seeking private educational loans as federal loans generally have favorable interest rates, terms and conditions, and repayment plans. If students decide to borrow a private educational loan, they should carefully research current lending institutions based on available programs. USD School of Law does not recommend any private lender over another.

Loan Entrance Counseling is a mandated federal session that provides students with essential information regarding your rights, responsibilities, and the repayment expectations as student loan borrowers.

Yes, all first-time borrowers at the USD School of Law are required by federal law to complete the Loan Entrance Counseling prior to any aid being disbursed.

International students are not eligible for financial aid that requires U.S. citizenship or Permanent Residency (I-551 card). Nonetheless, students may be considered for merit scholarships and University loans.

We encourage all international students to explore funding in their home country and consider private loans which may require a U.S. co-signer. Such loans are typically credit-based and may entail specific financial prerequisites for co-signers. Numerous lenders offer competitive private loan options tailored to support the financial needs of international students.