Financial Aid Overview for Law Students

To be considered for federal loans or work-study, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The priority filing period is from October 1 to March 15. While you can still apply after the priority deadline, doing so may delay the processing of your financial aid award.

For questions about your financial aid application status, loan processing, or work-study awards, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

• Unsubsidized Direct Loans: Eligible students can borrow up to $20,500 annually. To apply, complete the FAFSA and additional loan documents as instructed after accepting your loan(s).
• Graduate PLUS Loans: This credit-based federal loan allows students to borrow up to the full cost of attendance minus any other financial aid. Due to higher interest rates and fees, Graduate PLUS Loans should be considered after maximizing scholarship and Unsubsidized Direct Loan options. Some students may require a cosigner for this loan.

Private, credit-based student loans are available to law students, and some may require a cosigner. We recommend contacting the Office of Financial Aid for guidance on selecting a private loan program that best meets your needs. For more information, reach out to us at gradaid@willamette.edu or call (503) 370-6273 or toll-free at (877) 744-3736.

Work-study positions are typically available for second- and third-year law students, offering both on- and off-campus employment opportunities in law-related fields. First-year students are generally discouraged from working due to the academic demands of their studies. Work-study eligibility requires annual FAFSA submission. For more details, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Beyond the financial aid offered by Willamette Law, there are numerous external resources and scholarships available to law students:

• Oregon Student Assistance Commission (OSAC): Oregon residents attending Willamette may be eligible for private scholarships administered by OSAC. Contact OSAC at 800-452-8807 for more information.
• Oregon State Bar Diversity & Inclusion Department: This department provides opportunities for minority and disadvantaged students attending Oregon law schools. For more details, contact the Oregon State Bar at (503) 431-6338.
• Scholarship Databases: Numerous online scholarship search databases can help you find additional funding. The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid offers links to scholarship databases, loan calculators, budget worksheets, and more. Willamette compiles a listing of some external scholarship opportunities for law students.

Useful Financial Aid Resources

To further assist you in managing your finances, we recommend the following websites:

• The Education Fund: Debt management and budgeting resources.
• The Motley Fool: Budgeting information, credit card rates, and more.
• MyFICO: Obtain your credit score and monitor your credit.
• Oregon Student Aid: Links to Oregon student scholarships.
• Paying for Law School (LSAC): LSAC infographic on funding law school.

For more personalized assistance, feel free to contact the Willamette University Office of Financial Aid. We are here to help you navigate the financial aspects of your law school journey.