{"id":6875,"date":"2023-09-27T14:12:51","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T21:12:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/?page_id=6875"},"modified":"2026-01-30T11:18:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T19:18:00","slug":"funding-law-school","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/pre-law\/funding-law-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Funding law school"},"content":{"rendered":"\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\n Funding Law School Resources \n <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n \n
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There are many options for law school funding.\u00a0 Please click on the tiles to start exploring the diverse resources available to help secure funding.\u00a0 Most students apply for multiple sources for funding.<\/p>\n

Please take time to plan your finances wisely and explore multiple options to minimize your debt burden and make your legal education more affordable.\u00a0 The non-profit organization AccessLex offers complimentary one-on-one financial advising<\/a> <\/strong>to those interested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n \n <\/div>\n \n

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Free one-on-one financial advising (through AccessLex)<\/h3>\n \n Non-profit organization AccessLex offers one-on-one financial counseling with Accredited Financial Counselors (AFC\u00ae) for hopeful, incoming, current, and graduating law school students. The sessions are designed in order to provide unbiased information that will help you develop a solid working knowledge of scholarships, grants, loan terms, repayment options and more. <\/span>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Scholarships<\/h3>\n \n There are literally THOUSANDS of scholarships for law school funding. \r\nDon’t let a lower GPA hold you back from applying, because not all scholarships are solely based on your GPA. With this in mind, please apply to as many as you feel comfortable. It can only help! <\/span>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Grants<\/h3>\n \n Explore grants available through federal or state government programs, nonprofit organizations, or foundations. These grants can be based on financial need, academic achievements, or specific criteria related to your background as well as career goals.<\/span>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Fellowships<\/h3>\n \n Fellowships are often awarded based on academic excellence or specific areas of interest. They may provide financial support or other benefits such as research opportunities, mentorship, or networking.<\/span>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Work-Study Programs<\/h3>\n \n Some law schools offer work-study programs that provide part-time employment opportunities on campus. These jobs can help you earn money to cover your educational expenses.<\/span>\n \n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Law School Financial Aid<\/h3>\n \n Contact the financial aid offices of the law schools you are interested in attending. They can provide information about loans, grants, and scholarships available specifically for law students. \r\n\r\nAmerican Bar Association (ABA) 509 Reports are required disclosures that accredited law schools must file each year regarding how many students receive scholarship assistance at each law school. <\/span>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Employer Sponsorship<\/h3>\n \n Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship programs for their employees who want to pursue higher education, including law school. Check if your current or potential employer has such programs in place.\r\n<\/span>\n \n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Student loan calculator (through AccessLex)<\/h3>\n \n Determine what you might need to borrow based on the law schools you are considering. Use this resource to explore repayment plans, etc.<\/span>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Loan repayment assistance program (LRAP)<\/h3>\n \n Loan repayment assistance program (LRAP) might be available for those interested in public interest sector careers. Given that the salaries in the public interest sector tend to be much lower, the US government subsidizes LRAP. \r\n\r\nYou MAY be eligible for federal loan repayment\/forgiveness depending on your salary.<\/span>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Part-Time or Summer Employment<\/h3>\n \n Consider working part-time during your studies or securing a summer job to help cover your expenses. Look for legal internships, clerkships, or related positions in law firms, corporations, or government agencies. Note- most full time law schools do not allow first year students to work full or part-time.<\/span>\n \n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Savings and Personal Contributions<\/h3>\n \n If possible, start saving money early on to contribute to your law school expenses.<\/span>\n \n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n
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Loans <\/h3>\n \n Consider student loans as a last resort. Federal student loans often have more favorable terms and repayment options compared to private loans. Research and understand the terms and conditions before taking on any loans, and borrow only what you need.\u00a0\r\n\r\n<\/span>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\n LSAC Financial Aid Information\n <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n