Financial Information and Assistance (JD)
If you need help financing your law school education, there are three approaches to consider:
School of Law Scholarships and Fellowships
Indiana Law offers assistance through scholarship and fellowship programs. We do not require a separate application for scholarships and/or fellowships. Since the vast majority of our scholarship money is merit-based, we merely use your application for admission, LSDAS report, personal statement, and letters of recommendation to determine the level of scholarship, if any. Decisions are usually communicated with the acceptance letter.
For those seeking careers in the public interest, Indiana Law may be the only law school in the country with a unique three-tiered Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) targeting loan reduction and repayment. Three programs, ranging in awards from $3,000 to $8,000, a special summer fellowship program, and a Legal Services Office Fellowship are just a few options that can make a difference in loan burdens. Read more about how LRAP aid made a difference for 2006 alumna Amanda Schneider.
Federal Financial Aid
The federal government sponsors need-based programs that require an official financial need assessment. The form used to apply for federal student financial aid is called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. For the 2008-2009 academic year, you will be using your 2007 income and asset information to complete the FAFSA. Its best to complete your federal tax return early to have the data handy, but you can file the FAFSA before you actually file your taxes. The ideal time to file the FAFSA is between January 1 and March 1. It is preferable for you to complete the FAFSA online. It is faster and less subject to error.
In order to get your FAFSA data sent electronically to IU, provide the Federal School Code of 001809 for Indiana University—Bloomington in the specified space on the FAFSA.
Any aid needed above the $20,500 available through the Federal Stafford Loan Program would need to be aquired through the Federal GRAD PLUS Loan Program and YOU MUST HAVE GOOD CREDIT TO RECEIVE AID THROUGH THAT PROGRAM. Detailed information regarding GRAD PLUS is available through the link below.
Although most students find that they can live on much less, our budgets allows up to $1,900 per month for living expenses--SO IT IS IMPERATIVE TO PLAN ON BEING ABLE TO LIVE ON THAT AMOUNT WHILE ATTENDING INDIANA LAW.
Private Loans
There are private sources of loans if you need assistance beyond that which is provided by the federal programs.
Read more detailed information on the loan process, availability and eligibility.