Scholarships for Entering (1L) Students | Scholarships for Continuing (2L, 3L, 4L) Students
Scholarships For Entering Students
The School of Law awards the following scholarships to entering law students in recognition of their outstanding academic and non-academic achievements, and to assist with the first-year law school expenses. Unless otherwise specified in the initial award letter, students must re-apply annually for scholarships. It is possible to receive more than one scholarship award; however, your total institutional scholarships cannot exceed your direct tuition costs.
Incoming Merit Scholarships
All applicants are considered for an Incoming Merit Scholarship award based on the information provided in the application for admission. Awards typically are communicated at the time an offer of admission is extended. The criteria considered for the awarding of these scholarships include, but are not limited to: academic record, LSAT score, career goals, overcoming adversity or obstacles, extensive community involvement, military participation, range of employment and life experiences, DC residency, quality of written documents, diversity, and commitment to public service.
For entering students, no application is required for this scholarship award. The awards are made based on the information in the application for admission.
Named Scholarships
The School of Law offers several named merit- and need-based scholarships which are generously funded by foundations, law firms and individuals. These scholarships vary in their frequency, amounts, and eligibility requirements. Entering students will be considered for all available named scholarships for which they are eligible based on the information provided in the application for admission (or Need-Based Scholarship Application, as appropriate).
Need-Based Institutional Scholarships
Need-Based Scholarships are awarded to students with demonstrated financial need.
Need-Based Scholarship applicants must apply annually by submitting a Need-Based Scholarship Application.
Outside Scholarships
Students are encouraged to seek out merit- and need-based scholarships from outside sources. View our periodically updated collection here: Outside Scholarship Resources.
Please inform the Office of Financial Aid of any outside scholarships (the amount and expected date of award should be submitted to the school).
Scholarships for Continuing Students
Continuing students (rising 2Ls, 3Ls and 4Ls) are eligible for institutional merit, named and need-based scholarships. Unless otherwise specified in the initial award letter, students must re-apply annually for scholarships. It is possible to receive more than one scholarship award; however, your total institutional scholarships cannot exceed your direct tuition costs.
Institutional Merit Scholarships
Institutional Merit Scholarships are annual scholarships of varying amounts that are awarded based solely on GPA and applied directly to tuition.
Named Scholarships
The School of Law offers several named merit- and need-based scholarships which are generously funded by foundations, law firms and individuals. These scholarships vary in their frequency, amounts, and eligibility requirements. Factors considered include law school grades; quality of reference(s); contribution to the School of Law community; outstanding work in clinic; effort expended in academic pursuits, e.g., working part-time, family responsibilities, and community and social activism; and contribution and service to the Washington, DC, community.
The Office of Financial Aid will notify continuing students of application availability and deadlines for named scholarships.
Need-Based Institutional Scholarships
Need-Based Scholarships are awarded to students with demonstrated financial need.
Need-Based Scholarship applicants must apply annually by submitting a Need-Based Scholarship Application. The priority deadline is April 1st.
Outside Scholarships
Students are encouraged to seek out merit- and need-based scholarships from outside sources. View our periodically updated collection here: Outside Scholarship Resources.
Please inform the Office of Financial Aid of any outside scholarships (the amount and expected date of award should be submitted to the school).
