Package

Most students finance their graduate education through a combination of loans and grants. Financial assistance issued by the school includes grants, scholarships, loans, and work.

SCHOLARSHIPS

UC Hastings offers a number of merit and need-based scholarships to both admitted and continuing students. Every admitted student receives consideration for a scholarship. Continuing students have opportunities to apply for a variety of institutional and private scholarships throughout the year. Check out our scholarship web page and database of private scholarship opportunities (click here) .

GRANTS

Grants off-set enrollment fees and are awarded based on financial need. They do not have to be repaid. UC Hastings offers a generous grant program. Grants for 2011-12 ranged from $9,000 to $13,500.

LOANS

An aid package will include loans. Some loans are need-based while others are credit-based.

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans are no longer available for graduate and professional students effective July 1, 2012. The Budget Control Act of 2011 passed by Congress and signed President Obama eliminates the subsidy for graduate and professional students and moves this funding to Pell Grants for undergraduate students.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are not restricted to financial need, nor are they dependent upon good credit. An American citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen who has not defaulted on a student loan can borrow up to $20,500 per year through this program. The loan has a fixed interest rate of 6.8% and offers a variety of repayment options.

Federal Perkins Loans are awarded to a limited number of students with the greatest financial need. These loans average $2,000 per academic year at UC Hastings and have a fixed interest rate of 5%.

Federal Graduate PLUS (Grad PLUS) Loans, and Alternative (commercial) loans are credit-based. Many students find these loans are a necessity. Therefore, students are encouraged to take immediate action to resolve adverse credit issues because they will affect your ability to obtain loans. Please take the time to access and review a free credit report.

WORK

Law students are not permitted to work during the first year. Federal Work-Study is available for students beginning the summer after the first year. Federal Work-Study is a form of federal need-based aid used to subsidize wages for students employed on-campus or at off- campus non-profit organizations and government agencies.