Financial Aid

To apply for federal financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA requires information from your (and your spouse’s) tax return from the last completed tax year. As a graduate student, you are considered independent, therefore no parental tax information is required. You must complete a new FAFSA each academic year to reapply for financial aid. 

UNH Title IV School Code: 002589

When completing the FAFSA form it is important to indicate our Title IV school code, which will display as “UNH, Durham, NH”.  This allows the federal processor to send your FAFSA information to the University of New Hampshire. The above Title IV school code is good for all UNH campuses.

Federal Financial Aid

Graduate students who are enrolled in a degree program at least half time who are a U.S citizen or an eligible non-­citizen may be considered for federal financial aid.

Graduate students are eligible for two types of federal aid resources: federal loans and work study.

The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available to graduate students regardless of financial need. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive Federal Unsubsidized loan funding.

The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan offers eligible graduate students up to $20,500 annually.  For the 2023-2024 academic year, the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan for graduate students has a fixed interest rate of 7.05% with a loan processing fee of 1.057% deducted from the loan at the time of disbursement.  The interest rate is a fixed rate for the life of the loan.

Federal Work Study utilizes federal funds to provide employment opportunities to graduate students who demonstrate financial need.  Several departments hire students to work on campus, including Admissions, Security, the Library, and as teaching assistants.  Work Study funds are awarded automatically to all eligible students and can be viewed in your financial aid award online via Webcat. Students cannot begin working until all hiring documents have been processed by Human Resources.  Work study funds are not applied towards tuition bills, instead students are issued the proceeds earned in a biweekly paycheck. 

The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a federal loan that graduate or professional students can use to help pay for tuition and other expenses up to the cost of attendance. Aid awards typically include an estimated Grad PLUS loan to indicate the amount of additional funding you may apply for through the Grad PLUS loan.  The 2023-2024 Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan has a fixed interest rate of 8.05% and a 4.228% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan at the time of disbursement. You are advised to exhaust Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility before borrowing in the Graduate PLUS Loan program, as the Grad PLUS loan carries a higher interest rate and processing fee.

Applying for the Direct Graduate PLUS loan

To receive a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, students must first file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After filing the FAFSA, students can apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan by completing a separate loan application at https://studentaid.gov/. Approval for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is based on good credit.  A credit check will be processed on your request, and you will be notified immediately if you are approved or if an endorser is required.  The university will be updated within 1-2 business days and your account will be updated to show that a credit check has come back positive.  To finalize the loan, you will also need to complete an additional Master Promissory Noteand Grad PLUS Loan Entrance Counseling before the loan will pay to the University.  Both steps can also be completed at https://studentaid.gov/, again selecting UNH – Durham as the school you are attending. All federal loan documents will be processed under this campus, though we will still receive your application and loan documents at the Law School campus.

All students who borrow funds through either of the Federal Loan Programs (Federal Direct Loans) for the first time are required to complete an Entrance Loan Counseling session and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) before any funds will be disbursed to their student account.

The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s). Loan promissory notes are valid for ten years.

Entrance Counseling is an interactive online session designed to inform you about the responsibilities and obligations associated with borrowing Federal Direct Loans. This counseling helps ensure that you understand your rights as a borrower, the importance of repaying your loans, and the various repayment options available to you.

How to complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling:

• Log in to StudentAid.gov: Visit the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid website at www.studentaid.gov.
• Sign in with Your FSA ID: Use your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID to log in.
• Select "Complete MPN": Once logged in, select the "Complete MPN" option and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the MPN for your loan program.
• Select "Complete Counseling": Once logged in, select the "Complete Counseling" option and choose "Entrance Counseling." Follow the instructions to complete the counseling session.

Exit Counseling

The U.S. Department of Education requires that all students who have separated and have used federal loans while in attendance at UNH complete an “Exit Interview”. This Loan Counseling Session is designed to inform you, the borrower, of your rights and responsibilities. Failure to complete the exit interview may result in a hold that will delay any future requests for transcripts from the university.

The Direct Loan Exit Interview is available online at www.studentaid.gov. When you complete this form online, the information will automatically be sent to UNH and your lenders.  In order to complete exit counseling, you will need to have the following information available:

-FSA Username and password

- Your social security number and driver's license number

- Name, address, phone number of your expected employer

- Name of the guaranty agency who guaranteed your student loans

- Name of your lender

- Name, address, and phone number of next of kin and two references whom the lender could     contact if they should lose contact with you

You can also view your borrower history, including your individual loan amounts, total loan debt, and guarantor/lender information.

How to Complete Exit Counseling:

• Visit StudentAid.gov: Start by going to the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid website at www.studentaid.gov.
• Log in with Your FSA ID: Use your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID to log in.
• Select "Complete Counseling": Once logged in, choose the "Complete Counseling" option and select "Exit Counseling." Follow the instructions to complete the counseling session.

Tuition Information

• Books and supplies: $1,000*
• Transportation expenses:  $1,200*
• Living expenses: $13,182*
• Miscellaneous - includes health insurance and other expenses: $4,440*

*These figures are estimates because they are different for each student's circumstances.

Your cost of living is variable. The good news is that housing costs in the immediate Concord area, since it is a small city, are typically lower than a large metropolitan area. About two-thirds of our students live in apartments within walking distance. Others choose to commute from greater distances. Check out the wide range of housing options in the Concord area.

At UNH Franklin Pierce, our goal is to expand access to legal education to broad sectors of society and we offer several scholarships and grants in support of that goal.

Every admitted JD student is automatically considered for the following awards:

Dean’s Scholarships

The Dean’s Scholarship is merit-based and awarded to admitted students with strong academic credentials (LSAT and GPA).  The Dean’s Scholarship can range up to $41,000 for NH residents and $49,000 for non-residents.

Access and Equity Grants

Access and Equity grants are awarded to select admitted students from diverse backgrounds who bring strengths to the UNH Franklin Pierce law community. A few examples of these strengths include overcoming obstacles/adversity, employment, advanced degrees, and unique skills.  

Karl F. Jorda (STEM) Scholarship

Recognizing the importance of STEM students in the practice of law, the Karl F. Jorda Scholarship is awarded to highly qualified STEM students who plan to pursue patent law or other IP specialties.  The namesake for this scholarship was a longtime professor and renowned IP expert who leaves a significant legacy at UNH Franklin Pierce. 

Council on Legal Education Opportunity Legally Inspired Cohort (CLIC) Fellows Program

Demonstrating its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, UNH Franklin Pierce has partnered with the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, a national non-profit organization founded in 1968 to expand opportunities for minority and low-income students to attend law school. The CLIC Fellows program is a highly-competitive, ground-breaking program to identify, recruit, and train law school applicants who possess both the academic aptitude and leadership skills to attend UNH Franklin Pierce as a partner school.  After successfully completing CLEO’s Pre-Law Summer Institute, up to five CLIC Fellows will be offered admission and attend UNH Franklin Pierce with at least half-tuition scholarship support.  For more details and to apply please visit: (cleoinc.org)

Practice-Ready Scholarship

At UNH Franklin Pierce, we pride ourselves on providing a legal education that develops our students into “practice-ready” attorneys.  As a sponsor of the college American Mock Trial Association Championships, Practice-Ready scholarships will be awarded to students who participate in American Mock Trial Association undergraduate competitions.  Up to five scholarships with a total pool of $50,000 will be offered on a rolling basis each year.  Please email the Admissions team after submitting your application if you are eligible and desire to be considered for this scholarship.

New England Regional Tuition Break

In partnership with the New England Board of Higher Education, UNH Franklin Pierce participates in the New England Regional Student Program which provides tuition savings based on residency in designated New England states and the law school program in which one is enrolled.  For more information please visit:  Tuition Break Online Database (nebhe.org)

Law Preview Scholarships Sponsored By Lexis Nexis  

Law Preview (the nation's largest law school prep course) has teamed up with Lexis Nexis, one of the world’s leading online research providers, to provide Law Preview Scholarships to select members of our entering class.  Lexis Nexis has generously agreed to help entering students prepare for the unique challenges they will face during their 1L year at UNH Franklin Pierce by paying the cost of tuition for a law school prep course.  Review the Law Preview Scholarship information to see if you meet the scholarship criteria.

Additional Scholarships and Grants

Douglas J. Wood Chairman's Scholarships

Wood scholars are selected from rising 2Ls who did not receive merit scholarships upon matriculation and who have demonstrated academic excellence, keen writing ability and service to the law school. The award for a Wood scholarship varies. These scholarships are funded from a donation by 1976 alumnus and former chairman of the board of the UNH School of Law, Douglas J. Wood, through a gift he received for distinguished service to a client.

Endowed Scholarships

Endowed scholarships have been established to honor alumni and friends of the UNH Law community and are available to entering and returning students who meet the specific criteria.

Need-based Options

The majority of funding for law school is acquired through student loans. Some are granted on a need-based determination. All require a good credit history. See the Loans section for complete information on federal, direct and private loans.

On-campus employment is an option for students.

Rudman Scholars Program

Two rising 2L students with an interest in public service are eligible for scholarships worth up to $10,000, summer stipends for qualified public service, and additional leadership training through the law school’s Warren B. Rudman Center.

U.S. Military Veteran/GI Bill®

UNH Law is proud to support our veterans as a Yellow Ribbon participating school.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

You may continue your scholarship search at:

• FinAid

• FastWeb

• UNH Fellowships Office

• The Law School Admission Council

• American Bar Association Legal Opportunity Scholarship Application

• SCHOLARSHIP DATABANK l ACCESSLEX

Residential Graduate Law Scholarships

Dean’s Scholarship
Awarded to graduate law students who have achieved excellent academic credentials and demonstrate great potential to be a successful member of the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law community.

• Award: Ranges from $5,000-$15,000
• Application: No application is required. Recipients are selected at time of admission.

Access and Equity Grant
Awarded to select admitted students from international backgrounds who bring strengths to the UNH Franklin Pierce law community. A few examples of these strengths include overcoming obstacles/adversity including financial challenges, employment, advanced degrees, and unique skills.

• Award: Ranges from $5,000-$15,000
• Application: No application is required. Recipients are selected at time of admission.

Professional Experience Award
Awarded to entering graduate law students in recognition of their years of professional experience.

• Award: Ranges from $500-$5,000
• Application: No application is required. Recipients are selected at time of admission.

Emerging Professional Award
Awarded to early career graduate law students who show strong potential in their field of study.

• Award: Ranges from $500-$5,000
• Application: No application is required. Recipients are selected at time of admission.                                                                           

Franklin Pierce Center Scholarship
Awarded to graduate law students based on their educational background, experience, and/or expressed interest in the field of Intellectual Property and/or Commerce and Technology law.

• Award: Ranges from $500-$3,000
• Application: No application is required. Recipients are selected at time of admission.

Alumni Referral Scholarship
Awarded to graduate law students who were referred to Franklin Pierce by an alum of the law school.

• Award: $5,000
• Application: No application is required. Applicants should note on their application the name of the alum who referred them. Referring alumni are encouraged to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant. This letter can count as one of the applicant’s two required letters of recommendation.

International Student Scholarship
Awarded annually to an international graduate student admitted to the LLM in Intellectual Property or the Master’s in Intellectual Property who has achieved outstanding academic credentials. This award is sponsored by ROYZZ & CO., a law firm in Mumbai, India. 

• Award: $5,000
• Application: Separate application is required. For more information and to request a scholarship application, please e-mail admissions@law.unh.edu. The deadline to apply is April 1.

ASIPI Scholarship Program

For members of the Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI). ASIPI members are invited to participate in an essay competition to win a full tuition scholarship to the Hybrid JD in IP, Technology, and Information Law, the LLM or Master’s in Intellectual Property, or the Intellectual Property Summer Institute.

• Award: Full tuition scholarship.
• Application: Applicants must submit a written work on a topic related to intellectual property. See the link above for the essay requirements and competition deadlines.

ABPI & Franklin Pierce Partnership

For members of the Brazilian IP Association (ABPI) through a collaboration aimed to enhance the professional development of IP practitioners and provide ABPI members with greater opportunities to meet the challenges of the global market.

• Award: Gold and Platinum institutional ABPI members are eligible for a 50% scholarship for the LLM, master’s or graduate certificate in Intellectual Property, and regular members are eligible for a 25% scholarship to these programs. ABPI members who have overcome challenges and made significant contributions to the community may also be eligible for an additional 10% scholarship. Members are also eligible for scholarships to the Hybrid JD in IP, Technology, and Information Law and the Intellectual Property Summer Institute. See the link above and the ABPI and Franklin Pierce Partnership page for more information about these scholarships.
• Application: Applicants should note on their application to one of the programs listed above that they are a member of ABPI.

You may continue your scholarship search at:

• Education USA
• Ford Foundation
• Fulbright Foreign Student Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State
• LL.M. Info for U.S. and international students
• National Science Foundation
• Rotary

Online Dean’s Scholarship
Awarded to graduate law students who have achieved excellent academic credentials and demonstrate great potential to be a successful member of the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law community.

• Award: Ranges from 5%-20%
• Application: No application is required but students should indicate on their application that they would like to be considered for scholarships. Recipients are selected at time of admission.

Online Access and Equity Grant
Awarded to select admitted students from international backgrounds who bring strengths to the UNH Franklin Pierce law community. A few examples of these strengths include overcoming obstacles/adversity including financial challenges, employment, advanced degrees, and unique skills.

• Award: Ranges from 5%-20%
• Application: No application is required but students should indicate on their application that they would like to be considered for scholarships. Recipients are selected at time of admission.                                                    

Online Franklin Pierce Center Scholarship
Awarded to online graduate law students applying to the Intellectual Property program based on their educational background, experience, and/or expressed interest in the field of Intellectual Property.

• Award: Ranges from 5%-20% Tuition Scholarship
• Application: No application is required but students should indicate on their application that they would like to be considered for scholarships. Recipients are selected at time of admission.

Online Alumni Referral Scholarship
Awarded to online graduate law students who were referred to UNH Franklin Pierce by an alum of the law school.

• Award: 10%
• Application: No application is required. Applicants should note on their application the name of the alum who referred them. Referring alumni are encouraged to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant. This letter can count as one of the applicant’s two required letters of recommendation.

ASIPI Scholarship Program

For members of the Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI). ASIPI members are invited to participate in an essay competition to win a full tuition scholarship to the Hybrid JD in IP, Technology, and Information Law, the LLM or Master’s in Intellectual Property, or the Intellectual Property Summer Institute.

• Award: Full tuition scholarship.
• Application: Applicants must submit a written work on a topic related to intellectual property. See the link above for the essay requirements and competition deadlines.

ABPI & Franklin Pierce Partnership

For members of the Brazilian IP Association (ABPI) through a collaboration aimed to enhance the professional development of IP practitioners and provide ABPI members with greater opportunities to meet the challenges of the global market.

• Award: Gold and Platinum institutional ABPI members are eligible for a 50% scholarship for the LLM, master’s or graduate certificate in Intellectual Property, and regular members are eligible for a 25% scholarship to these programs. ABPI members who have overcome challenges and made significant contributions to the community may also be eligible for an additional 10% scholarship. Members are also eligible for scholarships to the Hybrid JD in IP, Technology, and Information Law and the Intellectual Property Summer Institute. See the link above and the ABPI and Franklin Pierce Partnership page for more information about these scholarships.
• Application: Applicants should note on their application to one of the programs listed above that they are a member of ABPI.

FBINAA Partnership Award
Awarded to members of the FBINAA who enroll as students in the International Criminal Law and Justice program.

• Award: 20% Tuition Scholarship
• Application: No application is required. However, students should indicate on their application that they are affiliated with the FBINAA. Recipients are selected at time of admission.

In order to receive federal loans or work study during the summer semester, you must file the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be enrolled at least half-time to receive a Direct Loan or a Grad PLUS loan (six credits for JD students, five or four credits for most graduate programs).  Students can borrow one-third of annual Direct Loan eligibility for the summer, but it will reduce the total amount available for the remaining fall and spring semesters. 

JD residential students and graduate students who wish to request federal loans be portioned out for summer will need to complete the Request for Summer Aid form in Webcat. 

Students enrolled in the hybrid JD program will have aid split between summer, fall & spring automatically after the first academic year. Aid awards will assume enrollment per the curriculum map.  Students whose enrollment deviates from the set curriculum map will need to contact the Financial Aid office directly, 603-513-5105 or at Financial.Aid@law.unh.edu to confirm enrollment plans for the year. 

You do not need to be enrolled in coursework to be considered for the summer work-study program. However, you do need to be enrolled at least half-time during the coming fall semester.  Please note that when summer work study funds are awarded, the financial aid budget will also reflect an increase to allow for the additional resource.  When viewing the aid budget in Webcat, the tuition amount listed will be artificially inflated equal to the amount of the work-study award. 

View our International Funding Resources webpage

Securing funds for your study in the United States can be difficult. Here is a short and helpful video about financing your LLM. In addition, our financial aid office has put together a list of resources to help you through this process.

The following organizations and websites offer some information regarding private loans and scholarships available to international students. 

• Colfuturo (Colombian Students)
• Ford Foundation
• IELTS USA ANDREA SCOTT INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
• International Education and Financial Aid (IEFA)
• International Student Loans
• NAFSA: Association of International Educators
• National Science Foundation
• NORTHWESTERN LOAN
• PRODIGY FINANCE
• Rotary International
• Rowe Pan American Fund
• Sallie Mae Soros Foundation
• StudentAwards.com
• StudyAbroad.com
• USA Study Guide Financial Aid for International Students
• USA Study Guide Student Loans for International Students
• World Intellectual Property Organization

The UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law established the Phinney Fund, our loan repayment assistance program (LRAP),

for J.D. graduates who choose to practice law full-time in a qualified public interest job and are making less than $55,000/year.

UNH Franklin Pierce is committed to ensuring Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) funds remain a reliable resource for graduates who choose careers serving the public interest.

Assistance takes the form of reimbursement of a portion of the loan payments that the public-interest graduate made in the previous tax year.

Exit Counseling Information:  J.D. Class of 2016

1.  Access your Federal Financial Aid Loan records in the National Student Loan Data System. Make sure your Loan Servicers have your correct address information.

2.  You are required to complete online exit counseling for your federal loans. For information about student loan repayment options, call Access Assist at 1-844-755-4357.

3.  Your Servicers will be sending you notices regarding your loans. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO OPEN WHATEVER IS SENT TO YOU AS YOU MAY BE ASKED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN INFORMATION TO THE LENDER OR THE LOAN SERVICER.  FAILURE TO REMAIN IN CONTACT WITH YOUR SERVICERS MAY RESULT IN LOAN SERVICING PROBLEMS, INCLUDING DELINQUENCY OR DEFAULT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED.

4.  If you are uncertain who the holder of your loan is check at www.nslds.ed.gov. Remember that you will have multiple lenders/services unless you Consolidate your loans.

5.  If you DEFAULT on a student loan, YOUR CREDIT WILL BE DIRECTLY IMPACTED AND the authority of UNH School of Law to offer federal loans for future students may be restricted. UNH School of Law has the authority to offer federal loan eligibility based upon prior default statistics. This privilege can be limited, suspended or terminated by the federal government or private lenders, which would mean future UNH School of Law students would be unable to borrow.

Loan Statistics - J.D. Class of 2016 

There are many websites available to assist in educating you about what is involved in financing your education. To help with your research, we have compiled a list of some of the more popular and useful financial education websites.

U.S. Military Veteran/GI Bill®    

UNH Law is proud to support our veterans as a Yellow Ribbon participating school. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the U.S. government website.

National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)

Get more information on your federal loans.

• NSLDS

Max by AccessLex

AccessLex Institute has created a curriculum of financial education programs specifically for law students.  These free resources can be found here.  You can access the asynchronous online lessons by creating your Ask Edna account.  You can attend free webinars presented by Accredited Financial Counselors.  You can access student loan planning calculators.  You can even access free financial coaching through the AccessConnex program.

Money Management

Named the best online personal finance tool by Money Magazine, PC Magazine and an editor’s choice by PC World, Mint is the U.S. government’s website for financial education. The site includes: Useful information on types of repayment options available. Loan calculators to compare monthly payments for various options.

• Mint

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 established a public service loan forgiveness program discharging all remaining debt when someone completes 10 years of full-time employment in public service. The borrower must have made 120 payments as part of the direct loan program in order to obtain this benefit. Only payments made on or after October 1, 2007, count toward the required 120 monthly payments. An employment certification package helps borrowers track their progress toward qualifying for public service loan forgiveness (PSLF). Download the materials.

• The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid
• FinAid's information on public service loan forgiveness
• Independent source of information about loan repayment and forgiveness programs
• Equal Justice Works: Educational Debt Relief
• Article: Repaying student loans based on income
• Federal Direct Consolidation Loans Information Center 

Consequences of Defaulting on a Student Loan

You are responsible for repaying your student loans even if you do not graduate, have trouble finding a job after graduation, or were not satisfied with a school you attended. Defaulting on your student loans has serious consequences.

• Defaulting on Student Loans

• Obtaining a Deferment or Forbearance and Postponing Repayment
• Obtaining Full or Partial Loan Cancellation or Discharge

Student Loan Consolidation

• FinAid on the benefits and effects of consolidation

Ask a Tax Expert

• Student Guide to Federal Tax Benefits for Tuition and Fees
• Official IRS Website

Federal Student Aid Ombudsman of the Department of Education

• Federal Student Aid on resolving disputes and solve other problems with federal student loans

Credit Report

• Get a copy of your credit report

Perkins or Law Center Loans

The servicer for these loans is ACS. Please contact ACS or call them at 1 (800) 826-4470.

Deferments can be downloaded from this site and sent directly to:

Business Office/University of New Hampshire School of Law
2 White Street
Concord, NH 03301

Identity Theft Information

• Federal Trade Commission on avoiding consumer identity theft
• How to prevent identity theft
• Updates on recent consumer advocacy issues affecting students

Opt Out Prescreen

Opt out of prescreened credit offers for five years or permanently. You may also call 1 (888) 567-8688.

Need assistance completing a specific task for the Student Financial Services office such as making a payment, requesting a refund, completing loan requirements, or viewing your student account? Check our Student Accounts site to see if we have a tutorial available.