Need-Based Grants

Funding for the grants, which do not need to be repaid, is provided by Law School general revenue.   Based upon your financial need and availability of funds, grant award amounts may vary each year; you must reapply annually.  Grant renewal is not guaranteed.

Full- or part-time (enrolled at least half-time) JD candidates may apply for grant assistance.  You must be eligible to borrow federal financial aid, i.e., be a valid U.S. citizen or permanent resident and must not be in default on a prior federal loan.  Transfer students, international students, students receiving GW employee tuition benefits, joint BA/JD students, and GW merit scholars receiving annual awards of $16,000 or more are ineligible for need-based grants.

Need-based grant eligibility is based upon your and your family’s financial circumstances, as demonstrated from the information you and your parents provide on the federal, private, and institutional need analysis forms we require.  Amounts are determined by subtracting from GW Law’s cost of attendance: the institutionalcalculated family contribution, the full amount of the Federal Direct Stafford Loan, and any other scholarships/aid you may have for the academic year. Typical examples of other aid would be: GW Law merit scholarships, AmeriCorps awards, employee benefits, and any other external scholarships/grants.

With few exceptions, GW Law requires parental data from all applicants for assistance, regardless of age or marital status.  JD students are required to exhaust the maximum available loan under the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program ($20,500) each year in order to be considered for a GW Law need-based grant.  Students who do not do so will have their need-based grant revoked.

If you are the recipient of a GW Law merit scholarship lower than $16,000 a year, you may still apply for a GW Law need-based grant.  Your merit scholarship, need-based grant, and any external resources dedicated to tuition may not exceed the cost of tuition.  If the combined funds exceed the cost of tuition, your award will be decreased, first by need-based grant funds, and then by merit scholarship funds.

See our Apply for Financial Aid page for details on the application process.