Financial Aid Resources for J.D. Students

At UCLA Law, we believe a legal education should be accessible to any student with the talent and drive to be admitted to our school. Each year, our team of dedicated administrators develops comprehensive financial aid packages to assist more than 900 students with diverse needs and backgrounds.

We help students finance a premier legal education through a combination of grants, fellowships, scholarships and an array of loan options. Nearly 90 percent of J.D. candidates benefit from some type of financial assistance; almost 82 percent receive gift aid that does not need to be repaid. The school also offers a limited number of full-tuition scholarships for qualified students.

Our administrators are committed to helping admitted and prospective students explore resources and create packages tailored to their unique requirements.

Scholarships

  • Full Tuition Scholarships

    The UCLA Law Distinguished Scholars Program is a binding early-decision program providing full tuition for three years to exceptionally qualified students ready to commit to UCLA Law. The UCLA Law Achievement Fellowship is non-binding and provides full tuition for three years to high-achieving students who have overcome significant personal, educational or socio-economic hardships.

    Read more.

  • Dean's Scholarships

    All admitted students are considered for a Dean’s Scholarship. In determining the scholarship amount, both merit and financial need can be considered. Dean’s Scholarships are for all three years of the J.D. program and there is no need to reapply after your 1L year. No new applications are accepted in the 2L and 3L years.

    Instructions for students entering their 1L year in Fall 2022 (students currently enrolled at UCLA School of Law should visit MyLaw):

    Merit Component
    Before we can determine your eligibility for merit, all admitted students must complete the Dean’s Scholarship Consideration Form, provided to you by the UCLA Law Admission’s Office. No additional application is needed for merit consideration.

    Need Component
    UCLA Law has a generous need component, providing significant assistance to domestic students with financial need. Each case is individually considered, but a student who qualifies for a Dean’s Scholarship, based on both merit and need, will generally receive a larger total gift award. If you are unsure whether you will qualify for a need award, we strongly encourage you to apply, even if you believe you will also qualify for a merit award.

    Our awarding process for need-based scholarships takes into account both students' and their parents' financial resources. In order to help the law school’s Financial Aid Office estimate the likely contribution from students and parents, students and parents must complete the FAFSA or the California Dream Application and the Law School Financial Need Application, both of which collect data about the family profile. The variables considered include family size, assets and income, among other things.

    Application Instructions:

    1. Determine if you must provide your parents’ information on the FAFSA and the need application (see criteria below)
    2. Complete the FAFSA or the California Dream Application (for undocumented AB540 eligible students). UCLA School Code is 001315.  If you have exceptional personal circumstances and are unable to submit either of the two applications, you may email our office. 
      Note: UCLA requires asset information be included on the FAFSA.
    3. Complete the Law School Financial Need Application.
    • As part of the need application, admitted students and/or their parents are required to upload their 2020 Tax Return Transcripts (foreign transcripts/tax returns cannot be evaluated). In the rare case when a tax return transcript is not available, the school may accept a signed copy of the 2020 Federal Tax Return along with Schedules 1, 2 and 3, if applicable. Hard copies of tax documents will not be accepted. Please note that all Social Security Numbers (SSN) must be redacted and the student’s UCLA UID number should be included on each tax transcript/tax return submitted (UCLA UID number is provided at the time of admission).
       
    • Admitted students and/or parents who had U.S. income in 2020 but did not file a U.S. federal tax return must note this on the FAFSA. In lieu of federal tax return transcripts, parents must upload the IRS verification of non-filing. The verification documentation may be requested from the IRS by submitting form 4506-T. Upon review, additional documentation may be requested. Students who did not file a 2020 U.S. Federal Tax Return are able to attach a self-certified statement in lieu of verification of non-filing.
       
    • Even though your Social Security Number is not required on the admission application, the school will not receive your FAFSA and thus will be unable to determine your need eligibility unless you provide us with your SSN. If you have omitted the SSN from your admission application, please contact the UCLA Law Admissions Office at (310) 825-2080 to add it to your application.

    The determination of your financial-need award will only be possible once you have been admitted, and both the FAFSA and the need application have been completed.

    Criteria for determining submission of parent information:

    Students must provide their parents' information on the Law School Financial Need Application and FAFSA unless the student:

    • will be 29 years of age or older by December 31 of the academic year for which he/she is applying
    • can provide documentation that no one has claimed him/her on their tax returns for the last seven years
    • has a dependent other than a spouse (i.e., a child) and provides more than 50% to their support
    • is a veteran
    • was considered as an independent by his/her undergraduate institution through dependency override, and not based on age or marital status. (Documentation required.)

    Students who do not fit the above criteria and do not provide parents' information on the need application/FAFSA or do not upload the required tax documents will not be considered for a need award.

    Newly admitted students who are applying for the need-based component of the Dean's Scholarship should provide both the student's and parents' information on the FAFSA.

    The FAFSA and the Financial Need application should be submitted as early as possible after January 1.

  • Donor-Funded Scholarships

    UCLA Law's donor-supported program consists of numerous endowments and scholarships funded by alumni and friends of the school, as well as law firms in our community. Consideration for student eligibility for these scholarships will take place during the admission process.

    The Thomas A. Kirschbaum Scholarship in Tax Law

    The Thomas A. Kirschbaum Scholarship in Tax Law provides financial and other support to students who are interested in pursuing careers in tax law and policy and places these students at the center of a robust and supportive network of tax law professionals. These merit-based scholarships are awarded annually to incoming students.

    Read more

    Latham & Watkins Scholarship in Business Law

    The Latham & Watkins Scholarship in Business Law provides financial and other support to students who are interested in pursuing careers in business law and policy and places these students at the center of a robust and supportive network of business law professionals. These merit-based scholarships are awarded annually to incoming students.

    Read more

    A. Barry Cappello Scholarship in Trial Advocacy

    Cappello Scholarships, sponsored by program namesake A. Barry Cappello, provide financial awards to admitted students with a history of success and interest in trial advocacy. The Irving H. Green Prize, named for the successful Los Angeles trial lawyer, is awarded annually to the graduating students who have demonstrated excellence in trial advocacy.  This financial support is another way that UCLA’s commitment to trial advocacy is virtually unique among top-tier law schools. 

    For more information, contact Justin Bernstein, Director of A. Barry Cappello Program in Trial Advocacy.

  • External Scholarships

    UCLA School of Law receives notices and information about various scholarships, fellowships and writing competitions sponsored by foundations, alumni associations, bar associations, etc. The Financial Aid Office will post applicable notices on this page or our intranet site as received.   Please note that the posting of these scholarships does not imply endorsement of any organization/scholarship.

    Outside scholarship checks should be sent to UCLA’s Payment Solutions and Compliance office.  The checks should be made out to the UC Regents and contain the student’s name and University ID on the check/accompanying paperwork.  The address is:

    UCLA Payment Solutions & Compliance
    Box 957089, 1125 Murphy Hall
    405 Hilgard Avenue
    Los Angeles, CA 90095-7089

     

    Deadline: May 12, 2022
    THE LMJ SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
    The LMJ Scholarship is a diversity pipeline program that seeks to nurture the academic and professional careers of outstanding diverse law students. The LMJ Scholarship program grants scholarships of $10,000 to students for their first year of law school.

    Deadline: May 15, 2022
    BARBRI LAW PREVIEW DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
    Dechert, Knobbe Martens, Kirkland & Ellis, WilmerHale, and Wilson Sonsini will offer twenty-five (25)  Law Preview Diversity Scholarships to students in your entering class. Scholarship recipients are entitled to attend BARBRI Law Preview's law school prep course at no cost and will benefit from additional enrichment/mentoring opportunities offered by our scholarship sponsors.

    Deadline: May 31, 2022
    ANTONOPLOS & ASSOCIATES LEGAL SCHOLARSHIP
    To encourage and empower future attorneys to pursue the same legal values that our firm embodies, we have decided to create the Antonoplos & Associates Legal Scholarship. This scholarship will award $2,500 to one incoming or current law student who shares our passion for assisting communities through the legal field.

    Deadline: May 31, 2022
    THE KATZMAN LAMPERT & STOLL AVIATION LAW SCHOLARSHIP
    The aviation law firm of Katzman Lampert & Stoll is deeply interested in helping students who have an interest in aviation focused law to receive a quality legal education and pursue the career they desire, in spite of any financial challenges they may face. $2,000 one-time scholarship awarded annually.

    Deadline: May 31, 2022
    HON. FREDERICK E. MCKELVEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
    The American Association of Patent Judges is pleased to announce that entries are being accepted for the second annual Hon. Frederick E. McKelvey Memorial Scholarship writing competition.  This award is held in memory of Chief Judge Frederick E. McKelvey, whose five-decade career at the United States Patent and Trademark Office was marked with a dedication to teaching, mentoring, and promoting a sense of collegiality.

    Deadline: May 31, 2022
    THE JUDGE JOHN R. BROWN SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION 29TH ANNUAL BROWN AWARD
    The Judge John R. Brown Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce the twenty-ninth annual Brown Award. The Award honors excellence in legal writing in American law schools. Any law student currently enrolled in an accredited law school in the United States seeking a J.D. or LL.B degree is eligible to submit a paper for the Award. The amounts awarded for 2022 will be as follows:
    $10,000 First Place,
    $5,000 Second Place,
    $3,000 Third Place,
    $1,000 Finalist,
    $1,000 Finalist

    Deadline: June 1, 2022
    LAW STUDENT DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
    As part of our commitment to diversity, Michigan Auto Law is pleased to sponsor an annual Scholarship Program to provide financial support to students who contribute to the diversity of the law school student body as they pursue their legal career. Our annual scholarship is $2,000.

    Deadline: June 1, 2022
    HEDDING LAW FIRM SCHOLARSHIP
    Hedding Law Firm, a Los Angeles criminal defense and DUI law firm is offering an annual $2,500 scholarship for students who are currently attending or enrolled in college or graduate school. This annual scholarship is intended to support hard working students who are in need of financial assistance. We urge all students to apply and look forward to reading the essays.

    Deadline: June 1, 2022
    BARBRI - ONE LAWYER CAN CHANGE THE WORLD SCHOLARSHIP
    Enter to win $10,000 toward your 1L year.  In the right hands, a law degree can be a powerful tool. History is filled with great accounts of leaders who made it their life’s work to embody the law and serve as agents of change.  Each year we honor 10 future change agents who are heading to law school. All ten finalists will be rewarded with scholarships to help pay for the first year of law school.
    First Place: $10k  |  Second Place: $5k  |  Eight Runners-up: $1k

    Deadline: June 15, 2022
    GROWING YOUR COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP
    As a personal injury law firm, Kaine Law is dedicated to improving local communities and achieving justice on all fronts. To that end, we have established the $1,500 Growing Your Community Scholarship. 

    Deadline: June 15, 2022
    BURRESS INJURY LAW ANNUAL UNDERDOG SCHOLARSHIPS
    The Burress Injury Law Underdog Scholarship fund provides $20,000 annually, with one $5,000 award and two $2,500 awards offered for each of the Spring and Fall semesters. Our scholarships are open to applications from undergraduate and graduate students throughout the United States, and the awards can be applied to tuition and other educational expenses at each recipient’s school. We are currently accepting applications for our 3 scholarships for Fall 2022.

    Deadline: June 15, 2022
    VOLUNTEER SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP
    Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC is offering one eligible law school applicant or current law student who embodies the spirit of volunteerism the chance to win a $2,500 scholarship. If you or somebody that you know fits the qualifying criteria and is interested in pursuing the award, submit an essay by the deadline.

    Deadline: June 15, 2022
    SAYING STOP TO MEDICAL MALPRACTICE SCHOLARSHIP
    This scholarship is Wade Law’s way of highlighting this important issue and encouraging high standards of medical care. To qualify, entrants are invited to create a short video (30 to 60 seconds long) that addresses the topic of medical malpractice, possibly sharing their own story in which they suffered medical malpractice, and/or outlining several ways in which we could best say STOP to such practices. The winner will receive $2,500 toward their education

    Deadline: June 15, 2022
    FIRST RESPONDER SCHOLARSHIP
    Dansker & Aspromonte Associates is presenting its annual First Responder Scholarship. This opportunity is open to students applying for undergraduate or graduate education or currently enrolled in a college, university or graduate school. To be eligible for consideration, candidates must write an essay expressing the impact their family member has had not only on their personal life, but also in the lives of others in their local community. The scholarship award is $2,500.

    Deadline: June 21, 2022
    FUTURE LAWYERS OF AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP
    Bader Scott Injury Lawyers is pleased to announce we are now accepting applications for our annual Future Lawyers of America Scholarship. Undergraduate law school applicants and current law school students who come from financially disadvantaged families are encouraged to apply. The recipient of this year’s scholarship will receive $2,500.

    Deadline: June 30, 2022
    DRI LAW STUDENT DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
    One scholarship in the amount of $10,000 and two scholarships in the amount of $5,000 each will be awarded to applicants who best meet the following criteria:

    • Demonstrated academic excellence
    • Service to the profession
    • Service to the community
    • Service to the cause of diversity

    Deadline: July 1, 2022
    THE WARREN E. BURGER PRIZE
    The American Inns of Court Warren E. Burger Prize is a writing competition designed to promote scholarship in the areas of professionalism, ethics, civility, and excellence. The author of the winning essay will receive a cash prize of $5,000. The prize will be presented to the recipient at the American Inns of Court annual Celebration of Excellence at the Supreme Court of the United States.

    Deadline: July 1, 2022
    JT LEGAL GROUP LAW SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
    The passion and commitment of a student with ambitions and dreams towards the enhancements of society are characteristics that JT Legal Group sincerely acknowledges. Higher education brings opportunities for prosperity and no obstacle should get in the way of that, especially financial ones. JT Legal Group is looking to award a law school scholarship opportunity in the amount of $5,000 to a student who presents the most equipped and original understanding on the facets of law and legal support.

    Deadline: July 1, 2022
    SCHOLARSHIP TO LAW STUDENTS FOR REPRESENTING REAL PEOPLE
    Patrick Malone & Associates is offering two scholarships of $5,000 each to law students committed to a career representing individuals.  We call this our “Representing Real People” scholarship. Our goal is to make a dent in the high cost of law school for students who want to represent individuals, to make it a little easier to choose such a career path.

    Deadline: July 1, 2022
    SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
    The San Luis Obispo County Women Lawyers Association is now accepting applications for its 2022 scholarship awards.  WLA SLO offers scholarship awards to current law students or students accepted for enrollment in law school with a demonstrated connection to San Luis Obispo County.

    Deadline: July 1, 2022
    TEEN SAFE DRIVING SCHOLARSHIP
    The team at David R. Price, Jr., P.A. is pleased to announce the Teen Safe Driving Scholarship. Applicants are invited to write and submit an essay to answer the question: “What can we do to promote safe teen driving?” The scholarship committee will award one scholarship worth $2,000.

    Deadline: July 1, 2022
    RIZIO LIBERTY LIPINSKY LAWYER SCHOLARSHIP
    The 2022 Rizio Lipinsky $5,000 Law School Scholarship will provide direct financial aid to a future attorney, in the form of tuition payment. We hope that by providing financial assistance, the winner can focus much of their time on learning to be an exceptional advocate, rather than having to hold multiple jobs or miss out on valuable opportunities, while in law school.

    Deadline: July 1, 2022
    LAW SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FOR VETERANS
    Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick Law Firm invites you to apply to the annual $1,500 Law School Scholarship for Veterans. We award this scholarship to a deserving veteran enrolled in or accepted to a U.S. law school who can confer proof of veteran status (example: military discharge certificate); submits a law school transcript demonstrating a GPA of 3.0 or higher and writes a 1,000-word essay answering one of the following prompts: "How did your experience in the military inspire you in your education and career aspirations?  How did your military experience prepare you for law school and a career practicing law?".

    Deadline: July 3, 2022
    MILESTONE’S TRIAL LAWHER SCHOLARSHIP
    Milestone has established the $10,000 Trial LawHER Scholarship to help a rising 3L female law student achieve her goal of becoming a plaintiff trial lawyer. This scholarship intends to elevate a rising woman leader in the plaintiff trial lawyer space and educate future trial lawyers around the importance and impact of settlement planning. 

    Deadline: July 15, 2022
    ADAM Z. RICE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
    California Judges Foundation (CJF) offers a need-based scholarship to aspiring law students in California through this scholarship. The Adam Z. Rice Memorial Scholarship Fund celebrates the life of a young man who died at age 21. Adam was always trying to help others in need, whether it was the homeless or his classmates. The CJF now has an incredible opportunity to continue Adam’s legacy and fulfill its mission, promote education, and make a lasting impact on future generations devoted to the rule of law and equal access to justice. Awards: Range from $1,000 to $4,000.

    Deadline: July 15, 2022
    MARY SULLIVAN SCHOLARSHIP
    The Mary Sullivan Scholarship is given to a law student or recent law school graduate who represents the ideals and values of Mary Sullivan. Awards from $500 to $3000 have been given. Ms. Sullivan, a Ventura lawyer and long-time member of WLVC, passed away in 2009. Ms. Sullivan exemplified the best qualities of an attorney, handling her cases with expertise, compassion, and dignity. She practiced initially in family law, but subsequently represented parents in dependency court proceedings.

    Deadline: July 29, 2022
    EKSEW LAW 2021 LAW SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST
    Our attorneys all chose to become lawyers for certain reasons. Now, we want to hear from you and ask you the question – why do you want to become a lawyer and what do you plan to achieve with your legal career?  One law school student will be chosen and receive $1,500 to put towards their law school education.

    Deadline: July 30, 2022
    LAW SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST
    Flores, Tawney, Acosta, P.C is now accepting applications to reward a student $2,000 towards their law school tuition with the "Law School Scholarship Contest".

    Deadline: August 1, 2022
    WHAT DOES JUSTICE MEAN TO YOU – LAW SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST
    The team at Gounaris Abboud would like to know "Why understanding of the justice system is important for democracy, and how we can teach others the importance of our judicial system." This is why they have created Scholarship Contest for law students. One student will be selected awarded $1,500 to put towards their law school education.

    Deadline: August 1, 2022
    LAW SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST
    Poulos & Coates, LLP is now accepting applications to award a law student $2,500 to put towards their law school tuition with the "Law School Scholarship Contest". Applicants must be enrolled or accepted into an ABA accredited law school in the United States as of the fall 2021 semester.

    Deadline: August 31, 2022
    BENSON & BINGHAM ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP
    Benson & Bingham understand the rigors of law school accompanied with the expense to become an attorney and felt obliged to help alleviate the financial strain with their annual scholarship offer. The firm is pleased to announce that we are awarding not just a grand prize of $2,000, but two additional $250 runner-up awards at the completion of the scholarship contest.

    Deadline: September 9, 2022
    HON. MARIO G. OLMOS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
    Since 1980,La Raza Lawyers Association of Fresno (LRLA) has awarded scholarships to deserving law students who have demonstrated academic achievement, leadership ability, involvement in the Latino community, financial need, and ties to California’s Central Valley. We have recently given out several scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

    Deadline: November 18, 2022
    AARON D. WERSING FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST
    We are specifically focused on federal employee law. Just like other employees, federal employees can face an array of challenges including disability claims, discrimination and harassment, whistleblower claims, retaliation, wrongful termination, and other adverse employment actions. One winner of this scholarship contest will be awarded with $1,500 to apply towards their law education.

    Deadline: December 1, 2022
    OTTINGER EMPLOYMENT LAWYERS LAW SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP 2022
    Ottinger Employment Lawyers is excited to reintroduce the Ottinger Employment Lawyer $1,500 Scholarship contest. Our employment firm is dedicated to helping employees in New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

    Deadline: December 2, 2022
    WELLS CALL LAW SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP
    At Wells Call Injury Lawyers, we believe that everyone deserves a chance at pursuing a higher education, regardless of background. In order to help more students who are passionate about law and helping others in the industry, Wells Call is sponsoring a law school scholarship, where students who are pursuing law degrees are able to win a $2,500 scholarship to put towards their law school education.

    Deadline: December 15, 2022
    DIVERSITY IN LAW SCHOLARSHIP
    Armstrong & Lee, LLP is proud to sponsor a nationwide scholarship to promote diversity within the legal profession. They are now accepting applications to reward a student $2,500 towards their law school education or other school-related expenses.

    Deadline: December 15, 2022
    DIVERSITY IN LAW CONTEST
    The attorneys at Flores Tawney & Acosta, P.C., are now offering an exclusive Diversity in Law Scholarship Contest for first and second-year law school students. We are proud to sponsor a nationwide scholarship to promote diversity within the legal profession.  Our Diversity in Law Scholarship will award a $2,500 scholarship for law school tuition or other school-related expenses

    Deadline: December 21, 2022
    CALIFORNIA WORKERS COMPENSATION LAWYERS, APC SCHOLARSHIP
    The cost of education on all levels has been increasing year by year and we understand how challenging this can be for a student pursing a college degree. So, that is why our law firm is offering this $1,500 scholarship.

    Deadline: December 31, 2022
    THE LAW OFFICES OF DANIEL KIM SCHOLARSHIP
    The cost of higher education is steadily increasing and we understand how challenging the financial burden can be for a student pursing a college degree. So, our team is offering this $5,000 scholarship.

    Deadline: December 31, 2022
    ARMSTRONG AND LEE SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST
    As serious injury attorneys, we are motivated every day to help our injured clients after what is often one of the most difficult moments in their lives. We want to hear from current law students about their motivations in seeking a legal education. We are proud to  award a $2,500 scholarship to whoever writes the best essay on that topic.

    Deadline: January 31, 2023
    DDRB LAWYERS LEGAL SCHOLARSHIP
    The DDRB Lawyers Legal Scholarship by Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP is a recurring scholarship worth $1500 designed to help one law student with their tuition costs. We welcome all eligible students to apply and look forward to reviewing your application.

     

    Attention Scholarship Donors: All submitted scholarship offers are reviewed, and if a scholarship is deemed as a possible good fit for our student population the offer will be posted on either our intranet (students only) or our external website.  Due to the volume of requests, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries regarding the posting of scholarships.

  • Scholarship Search Engines

    A number of students each year receive non-university scholarships from a variety of organizations, agencies, companies and private individuals. These are not administered by UCLA Law. Criteria may include academic achievement, special talent, leadership ability, and group affiliation. UCLA Law makes information available to students concerning outside scholarship opportunities as it becomes available. You can also view these useful links to gain access to outside scholarship search engines:

Educational Loans

  • Federal Loans (FAFSA Information)

    FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a government form which enables the school to determine students' eligibility for federal loans (Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS). The FAFSA must be completed each year by all who wish to be considered for federal financial aid at UCLA.

    Completing the FAFSA online reduces errors and improves turnaround time. You can do this by going to studentaid.gov. Request that a copy of the FAFSA be released to UCLA by indicating our school code: 001315.

    The FAFSA should be submitted as early as possible after January 1. Newly admitted students who are applying for the need-based component of the Dean's Scholarship should provide both the student's and parents' information and asset information on the FAFSA. Admitted students who file a FAFSA will receive an electronic Provisional Award Letter (ePAL) in late March. Students filing applications after late March will receive an ePAL on a rolling basis.

    William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

    Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

    The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program enables qualified graduate and professional students to receive up to $20,500 in a federally guaranteed loan. For the 2022-23 academic year, the Direct Unsubsidized Loan has an interest rate of 6.54 percent and a loan fee of 1.057 percent for loans disbursed before October 1, 2023. The federal government will automatically deducted the loan fee from each disbursement; therefore, your original (gross) amount requested and the disbursed (net) amount will differ.

    The student is responsible for the interest, which accrues immediately upon disbursement. Repayment begins six months after graduation or upon dropping below half-time enrollment.

    All applicants must submit a FAFSA in order to be considered. Once the FAFSA has been processed and the data has been received by UCLA, the borrower will receive an electronic Financial Aid Notification (eFAN) indicating the types and the amounts of financial aid offered.

    The U.S. Department of Education allows all eligible recipients to receive a lifetime amount of $138,500, including Undergraduate and Graduate Federal Loans. However, no more than $65,500 can come from the Federal Subsidized Loan.

    Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

    Graduate and professional students are allowed to borrow through a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS (GPLUS) Loan. For the 2022-23 academic year; the GPLUS loan has an interest rate of 7.54 percent and a loan fee of 4.228 percent for loans disbursed before October 1, 2023. The federal government will automatically deduct the loan fee from each disbursement; therefore, your original (gross) amount requested and the disbursed (net) amount will differ.

    The GPLUS Loan does not have annual or aggregate loan limits (other than the cost of attendance less other financial aid) but requires a credit review. Just as with the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, GPLUS borrowers are eligible for an in-school deferment if they are enrolled at least half-time. The GPLUS has the same payment options, the same deferments and forbearances, and the same cancellation provisions as a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. The student is responsible for the interest, which accrues immediately upon disbursement. Repayment begins six months after graduation or upon dropping below half-time enrollment.

    All applicants must submit a FAFSA in order to be considered. Once the FAFSA has been processed and the data has been received by UCLA, the borrower will receive an electronic Financial Aid Notification (eFAN) indicating the types and the amounts of financial aid offered.

    How is APR different than an interest rate?

    In most cases, you have seen APR (Annual Percentage Rate) related to private loans, car loans and your credit card. What you are being charged for your loan isn’t actually just an interest rate; it’s really the APR. So, what is the APR?

    The APR is the annual cost of your loan. It includes the interest rate and certain fees. In order to accurately compare the cost of loans, you should always compare the APRs rather than just the interest rates.

    Entrance Counseling

    Important! All first-time federal loan borrowers at UCLA need to be informed about borrowers’ rights and responsibilities. Law students will satisfy this requirement by completing an online Entrance Counseling Session. This can be accomplished by reviewing the counseling session materials and taking an online quiz. All quiz results are transmitted electronically to the UCLA Student Loan Services and Collections Office.

    Please be sure to indicate "UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles" as your institution when registering your account to ensure that you are directed to the entrance exam.

    Failure to follow through with this requirement will delay disbursement of your eligible Federal Direct Loan proceeds.

    Credit-Based Private Loans

    Federal student loans are available to most students regardless of income and provide a range of repayment options, including income-based repayment plans and loan forgiveness benefits, which other education loans are not required to provide.

    Some students find it necessary to finance a portion of their education through private loan sources. These lenders offer loans to offset the cost of attending law school. The loan terms are printed directly on the application and also are governed by federal and state lending regulations. The choice of lender rests solely with the student, but he/she will need to meet the lender’s credit requirements. Please see UCLA's Preferred Lender List and Code of Conduct – Preferred Lenders.

    Bar Loans

    Law students may apply for Bar Loans for the period after graduation when they are studying for the bar. A Bar loan is an unsecured consumer loan offered to graduating law school students to assist with expenses related to the bar process. These related expenses may include the following: bar examination fees, bar review courses, and living expenses during the period after graduation and prior to being notified of the exam results.

    Bar Loan interest rates are generally higher than those of federal and private loans. Students should review the product guidelines and repayment options before applying. See UCLA’s Preferred Lenders List for a list of Bar Loan lenders.

    Please note: For graduates needing to obtain a Bar Loan after graduation, when using UCLA’s Preferred Lender List (ELM Select), please indicate that your graduation date will be in the future in order to obtain a potential list of lenders that offer this product.

  • Private Student Loans

    Private loans are offered by lenders independently of the Department of Education. Private loans are best utilized only if eligibility for Federal Direct Loans has been exhausted. Private loans are not guaranteed by the federal government. These loans are based on credit and their terms vary based on the lender, from whom you borrow as well as on your (and, if required cosigner’s) credit-worthiness. For private loan information, please visit our web page on MyLaw to view our Preferred Private Loan lender List.

Other Resources

  • Earned Aid

    Earned Aid includes job opportunities for students wishing to reduce loan indebtedness such as UCLA Teaching and Research Assistantships, Summer Public Interest Fellowships.

    Teaching Assistantships

    Through UCLA’s Graduate Division, advanced graduate and professional students have an excellent opportunity to gain practical teaching and tutoring experience in departments outside of the law school while earning an income to offset the cost of their tuition and fees. In-state students who are employed 45 percent or more are entitled to a fee remission of 75 percent of the Education Fee, a fee remission of 75 percent of the Registration Fee, and a fee remission of 100 percent of the Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan. These fee remissions significantly reduce the student’s out-of-pocket expenses for the academic year. This reduction may, in turn, affect a student’s total loan eligibility.

    For more information and to obtain an application, please visit the Graduate Division website.

    Summer Public Service Fellowships

    Through an array of funding sources, UCLA School of Law provides stipends to first-and second-year students who engage in otherwise unpaid summer internships with nonprofit organizations or government agencies (judicial externships are not categorized as internships with government agencies). The application process begins in the spring semester, and students with eligible positions must submit an application in order to be considered for this Fellowship. In summer 2020, UCLA School of Law funded approximately 250 students.

  • Yellow Ribbon Program

    UCLA School of Law participation in the Post-9/11 GI Bill® Yellow Ribbon Program

    The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows degree-granting institutions of higher learning in the U.S. to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund eligible veterans' tuition expenses that exceed the in-state tuition and fees at public institutions. Details and eligibility guidelines for Post-9/11 benefits, including the Yellow Ribbon Program, can be found at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill under Education Benefits. Alternatively, you may inquire with the VA at 1-888-GIBILL1 (442-4551).

    How Yellow Ribbon Works at UCLA School of Law:

    • The Post-9/11 GI Bill® will pay 100 percent of in-state tuition and fees for eligible individuals attending a public institution. This payment will be sent directly to the school.
    • Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, UCLA School of Law will cover 50 percent of the difference between resident and non-resident tuition and fees, with the other 50 percent to be matched by the VA.
    • UCLA School of Law has established a limit of 10 veterans to receive this benefit in each academic year.
    • Federal law states that Yellow Ribbon awards must be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
    • In order to apply for Yellow Ribbon benefits at UCLA School of Law, an applicant must: 1) be admitted to UCLA School of Law, 2) have 100 percent of the benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® Program, and 3) submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the Law School Financial Aid Office. An applicant must first be admitted to the law school before submitting his/her COE.
    • Admitted applicants will be placed in the queue based on the date their COE is received by the Law School Financial Aid Office. (Phone calls and email inquiries will not hold a place in the queue).
    • UCLA must reapply every year to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
    • A student who receives a Yellow Ribbon grant from UCLA School of Law will continue to receive it as long as the following conditions exist:
    The student reapplies each year with the Law School Financial Aid Office by submitting the COE letter;
    The student remains continuously enrolled in the program for which he/she initially received the benefit; and
    The student complies with all VA and UCLA School of Law deadlines and procedures.

    ***Students in joint-degree programs must consult
    with both programs regarding Yellow Ribbon participation***

    You may email, mail, or hand deliver your Certificate of Eligibility to the Law School Financial Aid Office. 

    UCLA School of Law
    Office of Financial Aid
    ​385 Charles E. Young Drive East
    1242 Law Building
    Los Angeles, CA 90095-1476
    Tel: (310) 825-2260
    email: finaid@law.ucla.edu

     

    GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

  • Useful Financial Aid Links

Post-Graduate Support

UCLA Law has several programs to help new graduates gain meaningful legal experience while also assisting employers to address unmet needs.

  • Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP)

    UCLA School of Law offers a robust Loan Repayment Assistance Program commonly referred to as LRAP.  This program can provide financial support for recent J.D. graduates employed in public interest or public service settings, where salaries are significantly lower than in the private sector. Graduates may participate in the Program for up to 10 years.

    Through LRAP, UCLA Law has in the past decade covered roughly $4.5 million in student loan payments for J.D. graduates who work in public interest jobs, government positions or judicial clerkships.

    Under UCLA Law School’s LRAP guidelines, alumni with incomes up to $75,000 may have their entire eligible loan payments fully covered. Applicants with incomes up to $100,000 may now receive partial assistance.

    “Student loans are one of the biggest barriers for law students who want to pursue public interest careers,” says Brad Sears, UCLA Law’s associate dean of public interest law. “The support that LRAP provides helps bridge that gap and allows the full diversity of our student body to pursue public interest careers, including students who carry a significant amount of student loan debt.”

    To qualify for LRAP, a graduate must meet the LRAP guidelines which include working for a nonprofit organization, a clerkship or an agency of government in law-related employment that makes substantial use of legal skills.  Because most educational loans offer a six-month grace period following graduation, graduates going directly into qualifying employment will usually receive their first LRAP loan approximately six months after graduation.

    Kia Hayes ’13, a staff attorney at the Innocence Project New Orleans, says that she could not afford to pursue her career without UCLA Law’s LRAP.:

    “I came to UCLA Law because I wanted to dedicate my professional life to criminal and racial justice,” says Hayes, who has helped win the freedom of five men who were imprisoned after being wrongly convicted. “I would not be able to do this work were it not for LRAP. I relied on student loans to cover nearly all my tuition, and I would not be able to cover my monthly loan payments without LRAP.”

  • Public Service Fellowship Program

    The School of Law’s Public Service Fellowship Program seeks to support graduating students who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to public service, enabling them to work with a variety of nonprofit organizations and government agencies, both domestically and abroad.

  • Professional Opportunity Fellowship Program

    Through the Professional Opportunity Program, UCLA Law and Liberty Hill Foundation have partnered to set up a one year fellowship to allow successful candidates the opportunity to work full-time for up to one year with nonprofit organizations, government agencies or judges. Participants are paid monthly stipends.

  • New Graduate Opportunity Program

    The New Graduate Opportunity Program funds part-time, temporary work with nonprofit organizations and government agencies for up to 200 hours at up to 20 hours per week. Participants are paid by UCLA School of Law - therefore negating any employer concerns regarding unpaid interns - and  have a unique opportunity to further build their resume and to enhance their legal skills while awaiting bar results. Although participating employers are not required to permanently hire these graduates, many host employers have offered our graduates long-term employment at the conclusion of the program.

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