Grants for Law School
Law school students can access federal loan forgiveness programs, public interest law grants, diversity scholarships, and need-based financial aid that significantly reduce the cost of legal education. With law school costing $150K-$250K, these grants provide critical support for aspiring attorneys. Most programs reward public service careers or work in underserved communities. Below are 1 verified grant opportunities.
Types of Law School Grants
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Federal program forgiving remaining student loan balance after 10 years (120 qualifying monthly payments) of full-time employment at qualifying public service organizations, including government agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and public interest law organizations.
- Forgiveness: 100% of remaining federal Direct Loan balance after 120 payments
- Eligibility: Full-time (30+ hours/week) at qualifying public service employer
- Qualifying Jobs: Public defenders, prosecutors, legal aid attorneys, government lawyers, nonprofit legal services
- Payment Plans: Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) required: PAYE, REPAYE, IBR, or ICR
Law School Scholarships
Merit-based and need-based scholarships offered directly by law schools, reducing tuition costs during enrollment. Most ABA-accredited schools offer institutional aid based on LSAT scores, GPA, and financial need.
- Merit Aid: Typically 25%-100% tuition reduction for high LSAT/GPA applicants
- Need-Based Aid: Awarded through CSS Profile or FAFSA; covers tuition gaps
- Renewal: Most require maintaining minimum GPA (2.5-3.0) and good academic standing
- Negotiation: Can negotiate scholarship amounts between competing school offers
Diversity & Public Interest Grants
Scholarships and grants supporting underrepresented minority law students, first-generation students, and those committed to public interest careers. Funded by bar associations, nonprofits, and legal organizations.
- Diversity Scholarships: Target racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, women, disabilities, rural backgrounds
- Public Interest: For students pursuing careers in legal aid, public defense, civil rights, immigration law
- Bar Association Grants: State and local bar associations offer $1K-$10K scholarships
- Examples: ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund, Hispanic National Bar Association scholarships
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs)
Law school-sponsored programs providing loan repayment support for graduates working in low-paying public interest positions. Over 100 law schools offer LRAPs, typically covering annual loan payments exceeding 15%-20% of income.
- Income Thresholds: Usually available for salaries under $70K-$90K (varies by school)
- Eligible Jobs: Public defenders, legal aid, government attorneys, nonprofit legal services
- Coverage: Schools reimburse portion of annual loan payments (often 100% for lowest earners)
- Duration: Typically 5-10 years of post-graduation support
Major Federal Programs
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Forgiveness Amount: 100% of remaining federal Direct Loan balance
Requirement: 120 qualifying monthly payments (10 years) while working full-time at qualifying public service employer
Qualifying Employers: Federal/state/local government, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, AmeriCorps/Peace Corps
Apply: StudentAid.gov PSLF
Law School Institutional Aid
Average Merit Aid: $20K-$40K per year (varies widely by school and applicant credentials)
Eligibility: Competitive LSAT scores (typically 160+), strong undergraduate GPA (3.5+), demonstrated financial need
Application: Automatic consideration upon admission; CSS Profile or FAFSA required for need-based aid
Tip: Apply early (October-December) for best scholarship consideration
ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund
Award Amount: $15,000 over three years ($5K per year)
Eligibility: Racial/ethnic minorities, first entering year of law school, financial need, U.S. citizen/permanent resident
Application: Online application, personal statement, financial documentation, faculty recommendation
Equal Justice Works Fellowships
Fellowship: 2-year post-graduate fellowships for public interest law projects
Funding: Salary support ($50K-$60K), loan repayment assistance ($10K/year), project expenses
Eligibility: Recent law school graduates, strong public interest commitment, innovative project proposal
Apply: Equal Justice Works
Eligibility Requirements
Law school grants have varying eligibility criteria depending on the funding source. Common requirements include:
Academic Standing
- Law School Enrollment: Admitted or enrolled in ABA-accredited JD program (some grants allow non-ABA schools)
- Academic Performance: Minimum GPA requirements (typically 2.5-3.0) for scholarship renewal
- Good Standing: No academic probation, disciplinary issues, or Honor Code violations
- Full-Time Status: Most scholarships require full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours)
Citizenship & Residency
- Federal Aid: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen (DACA recipients qualify for some private scholarships)
- State Grants: Often require in-state residency (1-2 years prior to enrollment)
- International Students: Limited to private scholarships and institutional aid (not federal loans/grants)
Financial Need
- FAFSA: Required for federal loans, need-based scholarships, and most institutional aid
- CSS Profile: Many private law schools require CSS Profile for institutional need-based aid
- Income Documentation: Tax returns, W-2s, proof of income for applicant and family (if dependent)
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC): Determines need-based aid eligibility
Service Commitments (PSLF & LRAPs)
- Employment: Full-time (30+ hours/week) at qualifying public service employer
- Qualifying Employers: Government agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public interest organizations
- Annual Certification: Submit Employment Certification Form annually to track progress toward PSLF
- Income-Driven Repayment: Must be enrolled in IDR plan (PAYE, REPAYE, IBR, or ICR) for PSLF
Diversity & Target Populations
- Underrepresented Minorities: Many scholarships target Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian Pacific Islander students
- First-Generation Students: Neither parent earned a bachelor's degree
- Women in Law: Scholarships supporting women, especially in underrepresented practice areas
- LGBTQ+ Students: Grants from LGBTQ+ bar associations and legal organizations
- Students with Disabilities: Scholarships for students with documented disabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I qualify for PSLF if I work at a nonprofit law firm?
Yes, if the nonprofit is a 501(c)(3) organization and you work full-time (30+ hours/week). Qualifying employers include legal aid organizations, public interest law firms, civil rights groups, and nonprofit legal services providers. Private law firms and for-profit organizations do NOT qualify, even if they do pro bono work. You must submit the PSLF Employment Certification Form annually to verify qualifying employment.
Do law school scholarships have to be repaid?
No, law school scholarships are grants (not loans) and do NOT require repayment. However, most scholarships have conditional renewal requirements such as maintaining a minimum GPA (often 2.7-3.0), full-time enrollment, and good academic standing. If you fail to meet renewal conditions, you may lose scholarship funding for subsequent years. Always read the scholarship's terms carefully and understand GPA requirements.
Can I negotiate a higher scholarship offer from my law school?
Yes! Law school scholarship negotiation is common and often successful. If you receive a better merit scholarship from a comparable or lower-ranked school, you can contact the admissions office of your preferred school and request a scholarship reconsideration. Provide evidence of competing offers (written offer letters) and emphasize your strong interest in attending. Many schools will match or increase scholarships to secure strong candidates. Negotiation is most effective for applicants with LSAT/GPA above the school's medians.
How long does PSLF forgiveness take after 120 payments?
After making your 120th qualifying payment, you submit the PSLF Application for Forgiveness. The U.S. Department of Education reviews your employment certification forms and payment history. Processing typically takes 90-120 days, though recent improvements have reduced wait times to 60-90 days. You'll receive a notification confirming forgiveness or requesting additional documentation. Continue making payments while your application is under review (these will count toward forgiveness if approved). Over 300,000 borrowers have received PSLF forgiveness totaling $22+ billion.
Are law school grants taxable income?
Scholarships are generally NOT taxable if used for tuition, fees, books, and required course materials. However, scholarship amounts used for room and board, travel, or personal expenses ARE taxable income. PSLF loan forgiveness (after 120 payments) is NOT taxable under federal law (unlike income-driven repayment forgiveness after 20-25 years, which is taxable). Always consult a tax professional for guidance on your specific situation, especially if you receive large scholarship amounts exceeding qualified education expenses.
Can international students get law school scholarships?
Yes, but options are limited. International students are NOT eligible for federal student loans, grants, or PSLF. However, many law schools offer institutional merit scholarships to international applicants based on LSAT scores and academic credentials. Private scholarships from legal organizations, bar associations, and foundations may also be available. International students should focus on schools with generous merit aid and contact financial aid offices early. Some schools offer need-based aid to international students using CSS Profile. Canada and UK citizens may have additional scholarship options from home country bar associations.
How to Find & Apply for Law School Grants
- Complete FAFSA Early (October 1st):
Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by October 1st for the upcoming academic year. FAFSA is required for federal student loans, need-based scholarships, and most institutional aid. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to import tax information automatically. If your law school requires the CSS Profile (for need-based aid), complete it by each school's priority deadline (typically November-February).
- Research Law School Scholarships During Application Cycle:
Most law schools automatically consider admitted applicants for merit scholarships—no separate application required. Scholarship amounts are typically included in your admission offer. Research each school's scholarship criteria (median LSAT/GPA for aid), average scholarship amounts, and renewal requirements before applying. Apply broadly (October-December) to maximize scholarship offers for negotiation leverage.
- Apply for External Scholarships (Bar Associations, Legal Organizations):
Research scholarships from the American Bar Association (ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship), National Bar Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, Asian Pacific American Bar Association, National LGBT Bar Association, and state/local bar associations. Most external scholarships require separate applications, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and proof of financial need. Deadlines typically fall between January and April.
- Negotiate Scholarship Offers (March-April):
After receiving admission decisions and scholarship offers (February-April), compare offers from comparable schools. If you receive a higher scholarship from a lower-ranked or equally ranked school, contact your preferred school's admissions office to request a scholarship reconsideration. Send a professional email with competing offer letters attached, emphasizing your strong interest in attending. Many schools will match or increase scholarships for competitive applicants.
- Enroll in Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) After Graduation:
If pursuing PSLF, enroll in an Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plan immediately after graduation: PAYE (Pay As You Earn), REPAYE (Revised PAYE), IBR (Income-Based Repayment), or ICR (Income-Contingent Repayment). IDR plans cap monthly payments at 10%-20% of discretionary income and qualify for PSLF. Submit the PSLF Employment Certification Form annually to track progress toward 120 qualifying payments. Use the PSLF Help Tool at StudentAid.gov to verify qualifying employment.
- Research School-Specific LRAPs (Loan Repayment Assistance Programs):
Over 100 law schools offer LRAPs providing loan repayment support for graduates in low-paying public interest jobs. LRAP eligibility typically requires working full-time at qualifying public interest employers (legal aid, public defenders, government, nonprofits) and earning under $70K-$90K annually. Schools reimburse a portion (often 100% for lowest earners) of annual loan payments. Research LRAP terms before enrolling—strong LRAPs significantly reduce financial risk for public interest careers.
Essential Resources
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Federal program forgiving remaining student loan balance after 10 years of qualifying public service employment. Track progress, submit employment certification, and apply for forgiveness.
StudentAid.gov PSLF →AccessLex Institute
Nonprofit supporting law students with financial aid resources, loan management tools, scholarship opportunities, and educational webinars on financing legal education.
AccessLex Resources →ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund
$15,000 scholarships for first-year law students from underrepresented racial/ethnic minority groups. Supports diversity in the legal profession through financial assistance.
ABA Scholarships →Equal Justice Works
Post-graduate fellowships supporting 2-year public interest law projects. Provides salary, loan repayment assistance, and project funding for recent graduates pursuing social justice careers.
Equal Justice Works →Available Law School Grants (1)
CSBG Program - Community Action Program Legal Services Inc
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Block grants to states, territories, and tribes to reduce poverty and revitalize low-income communities. Administered by Community Action Program Legal Services Inc serving Community Action Program Legal Services.
Important: Always verify grant details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements on the official agency website before applying. Grant information is updated regularly, but terms may change. This is a free directory—we do not charge application fees.