Students attending USD School of Law have access to federal, private, and university loans to assist with educational costs while enrolled. Students are awarded the most optimal loan based on eligibility but may seek additional loans if desired.
Please contact the Financial Aid Office at lawaid@usd.edu for additional loan questions.
Federal Direct Loans
Students who do not qualify for the legacy provision under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will qualify for the new legislation effective July 1, 2026. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, only JD students are "professional" students for loan purposes. MSLS, LLM, and Paralegal students are "graduate" students for loan purposes.
Direct Unsubsidized Loan (Professional/JD Students)
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan for professional students (JD students) is available regardless of financial need. Students may borrow up to $50,000 per academic year depending on the cost of attendance and other financial aid and scholarships. The loan is prorated based on enrollment. For example, students enrolled in 12 or more units for each the fall and spring terms may receive $50,000; however, students enrolled in 6 units for each the fall and spring terms (half of full-time enrollment) may receive $25,000 (half of the full loan limit). Though payments may be deferred for periods of enrollment, students are responsible for the interest during all periods of time. Students may either pay the interest while in school or choose to allow unpaid interest to accrue and capitalize. The interest rate for the 2025-26 academic year is 7.94% with an origination fee of 1.057%. The lifetime aggregate limit is $200,000. Overall lifetime limit for federal student loans is $257,500 for all loans (except Parent PLUS). For additional information, visit Federal Student Aid.
Direct Unsubsidized Loan (Graduate Students/LLM, MSLS, and Paralegal Students)
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan for graduate students (LLM, MSLS, and Paralegal students) is available regardless of financial need. Students may borrow up to $20,500 per academic year depending on the cost of attendance and other financial aid and scholarships. The loan is prorated based on enrollment. For example, students enrolled in 12 or more units for each the fall and spring terms may receive $20,500; however, students enrolled in 6 units for each the fall and spring terms (half of full-time enrollment) may receive $10,250 (half of the full loan limit). Though payments may be deferred for periods of enrollment, students are responsible for the interest during all periods of time. Students may either pay the interest while in school or choose to allow unpaid interest to accrue and capitalize. The interest rate for the 2025-26 academic year is 7.94% with an origination fee of 1.057%. The lifetime aggregate limit is $100,000. Overall lifetime limit for federal student loans is $257,500 for all loans (except Parent PLUS). For additional information, visit Federal Student Aid.
Students qualify for the legacy provision under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act if they received one or more disbursements under the Federal Direct Loan program (Unsubsidized or Grad PLUS) prior to July 1, 2026, and the borrower has maintained continued enrollment in the same program. Students continue to qualify for the Legacy Provision based for 3 academic years or the remainder of their expected time to credential, whichever is less.
Direct Unsubsidized Loan
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available to graduate and professional students regardless of financial need. Students may borrow up to $20,500 per academic year depending on the cost of attendance and other financial aid and scholarships. The loan is prorated based on enrollment. For example, students enrolled in 12 or more units for each the fall and spring terms may receive $20,500; however, students enrolled in 6 units for each the fall and spring terms (half of full-time enrollment) may receive $10,250 (half of the full loan limit). Though payments may be deferred for periods of enrollment, students are responsible for the interest during all periods of time. Students may either pay the interest while in school or choose to allow unpaid interest to accrue and capitalize. The interest rate for the 2025-26 academic year is 7.94% with an origination fee of 1.057%. The lifetime aggregate limit is $138,500 which includes a maximum of $65,500 in Federal Direct Subsidized. For additional information, visit Federal Student Aid.
Graduate PLUS Loan
The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is available to graduates and professional students. Though the loan is not based on financial need, students must demonstrate creditworthiness. The maximum amount which can be borrowed is equal to the Cost of Attendance minus other financial aid and scholarships. Payments may be deferred for periods of enrollment; however, students are responsible for the interest at all times. Students may either pay the interest while in school or choose to allow unpaid interest to accrue and capitalize. The interest rate for the 2025-26 academic year is 8.94% with an origination fee of 4.228%. There is no lifetime aggregate limit. For additional information, visit Federal Student Aid.
Private Loan Programs
Private educational loans are available at various private lenders and have a range of credit history requirements, interest rates, and terms and conditions. USD School of Law does not recommend one lender over another. In the last three years, Law students have borrowed from College Avenue, Earnst, Navy Federal Credit Union, Sallie Mae and SoFi (in alphabetical order). Private Lenders have also assisted DACA and international students. Many other private banking institutional offer educational loans. Students are encouraged to fully exhaust Federal Direct Loan options before seeking private loans as they generally have preferable interest rates and repayment plans.
For additional information regarding private lenders specific to JD students, visit the AccessLex Private Loan Exchange.
Private Bar Study Loans
Private bar study loans can be a helpful option if you don't have the financial resources necessary to cover your bar study and bar exam expenses. Unlike educational loans you may have borrowed previously, bar loans are quite flexible. The amount you are allowed to borrow is not limited by a school designated cost of attendance, so you can borrow any amount up to the maximum set by your lender. Additionally, bar loan funds are disbursed directly to the borrower rather than being delivered through the school.
The University of San Diego does not recommend or endorse any private lender and there may be other lenders in addition to those listed. You are welcome to borrow from any lender you choose.
Sallie Mae Bar Study Loan
Borrowers may request amounts up to $15,000 with a 15-year repayment term.
Apply online or call 1 (877) 279-7172 to apply by telephone.
Loan Repayment and Debt Management
The decision to acquire any form of debt is a serious obligation. It is helpful to anticipate your funding needs and to continuously monitor your level of debt at any given time. You can make it easier to deal with this long-term financial obligation by implementing sound debt management practices. Check out our dedicated page with information about Loan Repayment and Debt Management.
Loan Deferments
Students with prior outstanding student loans may qualify for deferment and/or forbearance provisions when these students are enrolled at least half-time in law school. Students must formally request a deferment or forbearance through the procedures established by the holder of the loan. Students must continue making payments until notified that the deferment has been granted.
| Loan Type | Eligibility/Loan Limit | Interest Rate/Fee | Repayment/Deferment |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD Law Access Loan |
$15,000 lifetime limit. U.S. Citizen or eligible resident.1 Generally must demonstrate financial need. |
0% interest. | 12 month grace period. 10 year repayment period. |
| Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan |
Currently enrolled in school at least half-time. U.S. Citizen or eligible resident. School certifies eligibility.No Lifetime limit. |
For the 2021-2022 school year, the interest rate is fixed at 5.3%. For loans originated prior to Oct 1, 2021, a fee of 4.228% will be charged on each disbursement. |
Repayment begins six months after student is no longer enrolled at least half-time. 10-30 year repayment period depending on indebtedness and repayment option. Interest payment begins immediately unless deferment is requested. The interest accrues and is added to the principal at repayment. |
| Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan |
Currently enrolled in school at least half-time. U.S. Citizen or eligible resident. School certifies eligibility. Annual Maximum: Aggregate Maximum Unsubsidized: $138,500 (Less any subsidized amount) |
For the 2021-2022 school year, the interest rate is fixed at 4.3%. For loans originated prior to Oct 1, 2021, a fee of 1.057% will be charged on each disbursement. |
Repayment begins six months after student is no longer enrolled at least half-time. 10-30 year repayment period depending on indebtedness and repayment option. Interest payment begins immediately unless deferment is requested. The interest accrues and is added to the principal at repayment. |
| USD Tuition Credit Loan |
U.S. Citizen or eligible resident.1 Awarded by USD Financial Aid Office. Generally must demonstrate financial need. |
5% fixed interest rate. No loan fees. |
10 year repayment period. Repayment begins one year after the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time. No interest occurs while the student is in school at least half-time and during the one year grace period. |
An "eligible resident" is defined as any student meeting the FAFSA definition of Eligible Non-Citizen or any student who has been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (or "DACA") status by the USCIS.