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Top 41 Law School Scholarships in March 2024

Written by Will Geiger

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Full Bio

Learn about our editorial policies

Updated: March 1st, 2024

Law school, like many other professional degrees, is known for being extremely expensive, but potentially lucrative. Lawyers are among the highest paid professionals. However, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics, the average law student will graduate with over $140,000 of debt. This is where law school scholarships can come into play and help you pay for your J.D.!

Keep on reading to learn about how you can start your career in the legal profession while cutting down on student debt!

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Scholarship Review Process

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

  • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
  • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
  • The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
  • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
  • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
  • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
  • The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
  • There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
  • The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
  • There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!


* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

Learn about our editorial policies
All Scholarships
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Need-Based
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45 scholarships
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$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.Show Less

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application
1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
Apply

“Gutsy Graduate Student” Essay Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level Graduate Students

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school (during the 2024-25 academic…Show More

Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school (during the 2024-25 academic…Show More

Ok, so first question–why is this scholarship named the “Gutsy” Graduate Student Essay Scholarship? If you are enrolled in graduate school (during the 2024-25 academic year) or have heard stories from those enrolled, you already know! “Gutsy” means courageous and determined, which nearly all successful graduate students are. Why else would one continue on with rigorous academics while often living on a shoestring? The rewards of graduate school are numerous, especially the more focused and advanced level of specialized study in your chosen field. Learning with like-minded people who share your passion is fulfilling, and the networking is awesome. The flipside of graduate school is the costly student loans to fund it. With this in mind, the "Gutsy" Graduate Student Essay Scholarship aims to help out a passionate graduate student who is actively looking for ways to fund their higher education journey. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. Good luck on your educational journey, and we hope to read your application! Show Less

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level Graduate Students
Apply

$40,000 BigFuture Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application
Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

“Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career…Show More

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career…Show More

At Scholarships360, our mission is to help students find and fund their postsecondary education. We know that students have a variety of educational and career interests and aspirations. That is why we are offering the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support all current postsecondary students, regardless of the type of education they are pursuing. Thus, no matter your own unique educational path, we hope you apply for this $500 scholarship. In order to apply for the “Follow Your Own Path” Essay Scholarship, students must submit an essay about their career ambitions. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their essay and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!Show Less

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Apply

Niche $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Niche

Easy Application

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship

Offered by Legal Defense Fund

Multiple awards worth $3,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students

Offered by Legal Defense Fund

The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship is funded by the Legal Defense Fund, “America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice.” Their Herbert Lehman Education…Show More

The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship is funded by the Legal Defense Fund, “America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice.” Their Herbert Lehman Education…Show More

The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship is funded by the Legal Defense Fund, “America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice.” Their Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship awards $3,000 a year (renewable for up to $12,000) to current and incoming undergraduate students who have financial need. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $3,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
Get Started

George H. Nofer Scholarship for Law and Public Policy

Offered by Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Multiple awards worth $5,000
Deadline Mar 15, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students

Offered by Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The George H. Nofer Scholarship for Law and Public Policy is a fantastic opportunity for full-time graduate students with a moderately-severe to profound hearing loss…Show More

The George H. Nofer Scholarship for Law and Public Policy is a fantastic opportunity for full-time graduate students with a moderately-severe to profound hearing loss…Show More

The George H. Nofer Scholarship for Law and Public Policy is a fantastic opportunity for full-time graduate students with a moderately-severe to profound hearing loss who use Listening and Spoken Language. This program offers up to three awards of $5,000 each year to those attending an accredited law school or a master's or doctoral program in public policy or public administration. If you're eligible, don't miss out on this chance to further your education and pursue your dreams!Show Less

Multiple awards worth $5,000
Deadline Mar 15, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students
Get Started

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application
1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

Thomas F. Black, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program

Offered by Rhode Island Bar Association

2 awards worth $25,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students

Offered by Rhode Island Bar Association

Are you a resident of Rhode Island who will be entering law school in the upcoming fall semester? If so, consider applying for the Thomas…Show More

Are you a resident of Rhode Island who will be entering law school in the upcoming fall semester? If so, consider applying for the Thomas…Show More

Are you a resident of Rhode Island who will be entering law school in the upcoming fall semester? If so, consider applying for the Thomas F. Black, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program! Each year, the scholarship awards $25,000 each to two incoming law school students who are residing in Rhode Island. This scholarship was established in 1989 in honor of the late Thomas F. Black, Jr., an impressive lawyer and banker with notable participation in civic and charitable causes. If you’re from Rhode Island, are passionate about becoming a lawyer, and are looking for some help to pay off your law school costs, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

2 awards worth $25,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students
Get Started

Han C. Choi Scholarship

Offered by NAPABA Law Foundation

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline Apr 19, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students

Offered by NAPABA Law Foundation

The Han C. Choi Scholarship awards $5,000 to a 1L or 2L law student who showcases outstanding academic prowess, exceptional leadership skills, a passion for…Show More

The Han C. Choi Scholarship awards $5,000 to a 1L or 2L law student who showcases outstanding academic prowess, exceptional leadership skills, a passion for…Show More

The Han C. Choi Scholarship awards $5,000 to a 1L or 2L law student who showcases outstanding academic prowess, exceptional leadership skills, a passion for volunteerism, and a strong commitment to mentoring others. The scholarship was created to pay tribute to the remarkable Han C. Choi, a true trailblazer, mentor, and leader who exemplifies unwavering determination and bravery in the face of adversity. Special consideration will be given to applicants who have been adversely affected by cancer as a survivor, or to family members of a victim or survivor. To apply, simply submit two recommendation letters, and while optional, a FAFSA Form or Financial Need Analysis can also be included. Don't miss this chance to be recognized for your achievements and make a difference in the AAPI community!Show Less

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline Apr 19, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students
Get Started

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

When There Are Nine (WTAN) Scholarship

Offered by AccessLex Institute

Multiple awards worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level College Seniors & Graduate Students

Offered by AccessLex Institute

Are you a woman interested in becoming an attorney? If so, consider applying for the When There Are Nine (WTAN) Scholarship! The scholarship is open…Show More

Are you a woman interested in becoming an attorney? If so, consider applying for the When There Are Nine (WTAN) Scholarship! The scholarship is open…Show More

Are you a woman interested in becoming an attorney? If so, consider applying for the When There Are Nine (WTAN) Scholarship! The scholarship is open to women who are current or incoming students in an ABA-accredited J.D. program. Applicants should also have ties to New York City, whether through family, law school, or where they intend to practice. The scholarship is offered by the AccessLex Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting students on their paths to becoming lawyers. They strive to provide legal education to help maximize the value of a law degree through policy advocacy, research, and student-focused initiatives. The program honors Ruth Bader Ginsburg and seeks to advance diversity within the profession. Recipients of the scholarship earn $10,000 in addition to receiving a mentor who will provide support and guidance throughout the recipient’s law school and early professional career. If you are a woman interested in pursuing a career as an attorney, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Multiple awards worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level College Seniors & Graduate Students
Get Started

Jan Jancin Award

Offered by American Intellectual Property Law Association

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students

Offered by American Intellectual Property Law Association

The Jan Jancin Awards celebrate exceptional second and third year law students from diverse backgrounds who are underrepresented racial or ethnic minorities. These merit-based scholarships…Show More

The Jan Jancin Awards celebrate exceptional second and third year law students from diverse backgrounds who are underrepresented racial or ethnic minorities. These merit-based scholarships…Show More

The Jan Jancin Awards celebrate exceptional second and third year law students from diverse backgrounds who are underrepresented racial or ethnic minorities. These merit-based scholarships are a testament to the recipients' hard work and dedication to their studies. If you're an impressive, underrepresented law student looking for help funding your education, we encourage you to apply.Show Less

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level Graduate Students
Get Started

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

Easy Application
Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore

Offered by Appily

Easy Application

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month.Show Less

Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore
Apply

We The Future Contest

Offered by Constituting America

Multiple awards worth $100 - $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Constituting America

The We The Future Contest is an amazing opportunity for anyone from elementary school students, to college students, to graduate students, teachers, and even senior…Show More

The We The Future Contest is an amazing opportunity for anyone from elementary school students, to college students, to graduate students, teachers, and even senior…Show More

The We The Future Contest is an amazing opportunity for anyone from elementary school students, to college students, to graduate students, teachers, and even senior citizens to earn money for their knowledge about the Constitution. The Contest offers scholarships of varying amounts to students of different levels (from elementary to college/university level/category, and even graduate and senior adult levels). Depending on their category, applicants will have the choice to submit an essay, short film, social media video, song, PSA, or even a STEM project about the Constitution. To find out which you can submit for, we recommend checking out the different categories on Constituting America's website. If you have a passion for the U.S. Constitution, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $100 - $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Get Started

Hirsch & Lyon Annual College Scholarship

Offered by Hirsch & Lyon Accident Law PLLC

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Jul 10, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students

Offered by Hirsch & Lyon Accident Law PLLC

The Hirsch & Lyon Annual College Scholarship annually awards $1,000 to a high school senior or current college student who is passionate about pursuing a…Show More

The Hirsch & Lyon Annual College Scholarship annually awards $1,000 to a high school senior or current college student who is passionate about pursuing a…Show More

The Hirsch & Lyon Annual College Scholarship annually awards $1,000 to a high school senior or current college student who is passionate about pursuing a law degree within the U.S. To apply, submit an 850-1,500-word essay detailing the reasons why you are pursuing a law degree. The winner will be selected based on a combination of writing skills, academic qualifications, and extracurricular activities. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to kickstart your legal career!Show Less

1 award worth $1,000
Deadline Jul 10, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
Get Started

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application
1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Georges Lurcy Fellowships

Offered by Georges Lurcy Charitable and Educational Trust

Multiple awards worth $20,000
Deadline Varies
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by Georges Lurcy Charitable and Educational Trust

Are you a student in France interested in studying abroad in the U.S.? If so, consider applying for the Georges Lurcy Fellowships! These scholarships are…Show More

Are you a student in France interested in studying abroad in the U.S.? If so, consider applying for the Georges Lurcy Fellowships! These scholarships are…Show More

Are you a student in France interested in studying abroad in the U.S.? If so, consider applying for the Georges Lurcy Fellowships! These scholarships are open to French students wanting to study abroad at American universities for a year. The Georges Lurcy Charitable and Educational Trust have funded and awarded the scholarship since 2001 in an effort to promote teamwork between America and France and support the global education of students in both countries. The goal for students is to receive an education in the field of their choice (and how it pertains to the United States) and to experience life on an American campus. Each year, scholarships worth approximately $20,000 are awarded to six (6) lucky applicants to help pay for tuition, room and board, books, and the round-trip ticket between France and the United States. If you are a French student looking for a study abroad opportunity in the U.S., we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Multiple awards worth $20,000
Deadline Varies
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Get Started

Casey Family Services Alumni Scholarship

Offered by Foster Care To Success

Multiple awards worth up to $10,000
Deadline Rolling
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Offered by Foster Care To Success

Have you been in foster care through Casey Family Services? If so, consider applying for the Casey Family Services Alumni Scholarship! The Casey Family Services…Show More

Have you been in foster care through Casey Family Services? If so, consider applying for the Casey Family Services Alumni Scholarship! The Casey Family Services…Show More

Have you been in foster care through Casey Family Services? If so, consider applying for the Casey Family Services Alumni Scholarship! The Casey Family Services Alumni Scholarship is open to 16-49-year-old current and incoming university students pursuing any degree or professional degree who were in foster care through Casey Family Services in the states of Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont. The scholarship is offered by Foster Care To Success, the oldest and largest national non-profit organization working solely with college-bound foster youth to help provide them with tuition grants, books, living stipends, and emergency funding. On a rolling basis, the scholarship grants up to $10,000 to help former foster youth pay for their postsecondary educational expenses. If you're a former foster youth looking for help funding your schooling, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Multiple awards worth up to $10,000
Deadline Rolling
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
Get Started
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School-specific law scholarships

Other scholarships for J.D. candidates

The above scholarships are all specific for J.D. candidates, but there are other scholarships that are for graduate students in general. These graduate school scholarships are definitely worth checking out as you search for new scholarship opportunities. You can also check out our general guide to graduate school financial aid options.

How to win law school merit scholarships

As we mentioned, the majority of scholarships for law school students will be awarded by individual law schools. Here are some tips to ensure that you will be in the running for merit scholarship opportunities.

Focus on your essay

As with any type of scholarship, writing a strong essay will greatly increase your chances of winning a scholarship for law school. Keep in mind that scholarship committees often read thousands of applications, so it’s important to craft a compelling essay that makes an impression. Whether you are interested in focusing your legal studies on racial justice, public service, or corporate law, make a compelling case as to why you were drawn to this subject and why you will perform well.

Fortunately, we have a host of resources designed to help you write the best essay possible. These include guides on how to write a winning essay, how to write an essay about yourself, how to start and end your essay, and how to write a 250 or 500 word essay. The essay is one of the most important parts of the application, so be sure to give it the time and effort it deserves!

Prep for your LSAT

The LSAT is the entrance exam that law schools use in the United States. In both the law school admissions and scholarship process, the LSAT carries a lot of weight. For context, the top score possible on the LSAT is a 180.

As you are thinking about law school, you will absolutely want to spend time prepping for the LSAT and may even want to take a prep course to ensure that you are ready.

Also see: How to get into law school with a low GPA

Pick the right law schools

Not all law schools award a large number of scholarships, Therefore, it is important for you to pick the right law schools that award a high percentage of students with aid. These law schools award strong financial aid packages ranging from partial scholarships to full tuition to awards that are above and beyond full tuition.

Our advice is to identify law schools where your LSAT score is about the published 75th percentile at the law school. This will give you a good idea of the schools where you are a strong candidate for merit scholarships.

You should also take a close look at the post-graduate earnings and job placement for alumni of the law school. This will help you assess how this particular JD program might pay off for you. Remember, salaries for lawyers are not alike. The average corporate lawyer is going to be taking home a much bigger paycheck than a public defender. Keep this in mind when assessing data points around starting salaries.

Don’t forget about need-based aid

Merit scholarships are only part of the equation of paying for law school. The other part of the equation is need based financial aid, which includes need based grants and student loans. This is why we recommend that every law school student applies for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA.

This will allow you to access federal student loans, which have more favorable terms and repayment options, as well as other types of aid like Pell Grants.

Take advantage of in-state tuition

There are over 80 public law schools that are approved by the American Bar Association, so chances are that one of your state universities has a law school.

One of the great things about public universities is that they offer discounted tuition for residents of their state! Take a look at some of these examples to see how residents save money:

Law School In-state Tuition Out-of-State Tuition
U of Alabama $23,610 $43,060
U of Connecticut $30,354 $61,396
Indiana U $36,750 $57,000
U of Kansas $22,769 $28,804
U of North Carolina $24,480 $41,626
U of Texas $36,429 $54,096

Tuition rates are for the 2020-2021 academic year

In-state tuition for residents represents a large tuition discount at many colleges and universities, so this is something that you should absolutely consider.

Some states will also have tuition reciprocity agreements, so you may be able to qualify for in-state tuition as an out-of-state student.

Resources for law school students

Law school can be tough, but there are a lot of folks out there who want to help you succeed! Check out the following organizations dedicated to supporting law students: 

Law School Admission Council (LSAC)

This non-profit organization is best known for administering the LSAT, but LSAC also provides services to support aspiring law school students. For example, the organization offers free LSAT test prep in partnership with Khan Academy. LSAC provides other free resources such as helpful checklists for applying to law school, guides on how to choose the right program, and webinar series on navigating the law school admissions process. 

American Bar Association (ABA)

The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers and law students in the world. On their website, the organization has a helpful page dedicated to free resources for law students and law schools. These include articles on how to make it through law school and succeed as a lawyer, podcasts hosted by professional lawyers, and more!

Law School Toolbox

This website is loaded with useful tools to help students navigate their law school journey. These include everything from podcasts and written guides to workshops, tutoring, and personalized career help. The best part is that a lot of these resources are free!

Frequently asked questions about law school scholarships

How hard is it to get a law school scholarship?

It is not uncommon for law schools to offer scholarships; as of 2019, 73.3% of law students were receiving some form of financial aid.  However, this doesn’t mean it’s easy to earn financial aid for law school. You’ll have to seek out opportunities and apply for them.

Oftentimes, law schools offer scholarships in the form of fellowships. Many law students work for a law firm, NGO, or land a graduate assistantship during their education. This makes law school more affordable while providing students with valuable work experience.

You can also apply for private scholarships such as the ones on this list. Another great resource is our scholarship search tool. You can use this tool to receive custom-matched scholarship opportunities that automatically update as deadlines pass and open. This way, you’ll never miss out on a potential scholarship!

When should you apply for law school scholarships?

It’s never too early or too late to apply for law school scholarships! If you are considering going straight into law school from undergrad, you can start looking at opportunities during summer before your senior year. This way, you can scope out opportunities to apply to throughout the year and start working on your essays.

But once the year starts, don’t stop applying! New opportunities open all the time, so to maximize your scholarship funds, you should check back periodically for new ones.

Does FAFSA pay for law school?

If you are applying for financial aid in law school, you will have to fill out the FAFSA. Law school students are eligible through federal student loans through the FAFSA. However, they are not eligible for Pell Grants. So, while the FAFSA is useful for applying for law school, it will not earn you direct federal funds. Your FAFSA will qualify you for institutional aid and for student loans.

How common is it to get a full ride for law school?

In general, full rides are highly uncommon in education. However, there are a few ways that students can get a full ride law school scholarship if they play their cards right. One of the best ways is to get an employer to pay for you. You can look into tuition reimbursement as an option, for example. Other law schools offer students many opportunities to earn money, whether it is through graduate assistantships or other paid opportunities.

Some law firms also partner with universities to pay for students’ education. For example, at Northwestern’s Pritzker School of Law, two law firms offer diversity fellowships.

Can you get a Pell Grant to pay for law school?

You cannot use a Pell Grant to pay for law school. Only undergraduate students are eligible for Pell Grants. However, many institutions offer grants for potential students. You should reach out to any law school you are interested in to see whether they offer specific grants.

Related: How to become a paralegal

What LSAT score gets scholarships?

The best way to get a scholarship with your LSAT score is to apply to schools where your score falls in the top 25th percentile of admitted students. This will make the school more likely to offer you a scholarship to attract you there.

But remember, law schools offer scholarships for many reasons besides the LSAT. They also offer many diversity scholarships and base some awards on financial need. Some set aside scholarships for students planning to get into civil rights or public interest law.

Explore these other scholarship categories:

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