Financing Your Legal Education

A legal education is a major life investment, both in time and money, one that you should not approach without a full understanding of how you will navigate it. The cost over a three-year academic period will include tuition, housing, food, books, transportation and any other personal expenses.

Most law school students apply for student loans, from government and private sources. Some applicants may be awarded Merit or Opportunity scholarships, or need-based grants; these will reduce the cost of tuition, but will not cover the full cost. Before you commit yourself to law school, you should explore all programs that may assist your financial obligation and the impact of loan repayment after law school.

At UNH Law, we are eager to reward academic achievement and promise. Your LSAT and undergraduate GPA may qualify you to receive substantial scholarships, renewable each year, that can make UNH Law a smart, affordable choice. Read more>> Dean's Merit Scholarships

The Cost

The cost of attendance for the nine-month academic period consists of both direct costs, such as tuition and fees, and indirect expenses, including books and supplies, rent, food and medical/dental costs.

In some instances, the cost of attendance can be adjusted to reflect an individual student's circumstances such as day care, expenses associated with a disability, unexpected medical costs and the (one-time) purchase of a computer

Tuition

For the 2012-13 academic year, the full-time tuition for the JD program is $41,100. NOTE: The Board of Trustees has recently announced a tuition freeze for the 2013-14 academic year: it will remain at $41,100 for the JD program.

Tuition for joint degree students (JD combined with Master of Laws or with an interdisciplinary master's degree) is higher in the second and third years.

Fees

The academic fee of $90 per year covers activities overseen by the Student Bar Association.

Books & Supplies

This amount is estimated ($1,448 for 2012-13) to cover the full academic year. The actual amount may vary by student.

Transportation

This amount is estimated ($3,630 for 2012-13) to cover transportation, public or private.

Living Expenses

This amount ($10,998 in 2012-13) estimates the cost of rent and groceries in and around Concord, New Hampshire. Concord is a small city, outside of the Boston metropolitan area, so the cost of living is much less than a larger metropolis.

About two-thirds of students live within walking distance of the law school, in apartments that are part of the residential neighborhoods surrounding the school. Many students commute from farther distances. The housing website will give a wide range of housing options available in the area.

Miscellaneous

Health insurance is a major consideration for any time in your life. You may be covered under someone else’s policy, or you may purchase a student plan. Plan in advance how you will be covered. Miscellaneous expenses may also include: dental care and such personal expenses as laundry, toiletries, and entertainment.

How Am I Going To Pay For Law School?

Nearly 60% of UNH Law students qualify for scholarship, grant, and employment (Federal Work-Study) assistance fully funded by the school. About 91% of students qualify for student loans. Last year, the school awarded $3,896,170 in direct scholarships and grants to students, making UNH Law an affordable investment to many promising law students.

In addition, students who are residents of New Hampshire or full-time students at the University of New Hampshire at the time of application for admission are eligible for partial tuition waivers.

Students who are admitted to UNH Law are automatically considered for the following during the admissions process:

Dean’s Merit Scholarships

At UNH Law, we take the cost of attending law school very seriously. All admitted students who submit their application for admission by March 15 are automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Awards range from $4,000 to full tuition.

Merit scholarships for exceptional academic performance and potential will be awarded, based on LSAT scores and undergraduate GPAs.

Note: These scholarships are awarded at the time of acceptance by the Admissions Committee; students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.2 to be renewed at the full amount of the award.

Additional Scholarships and Grants

Additional scholarships and grants are available that may further reduce your tuition cost. These include: Douglas J. Wood Chairman’s Scholarships for 2Ls who did not receive Merit Scholarships upon admission but who have excelled academically at UNH Law, Trustees’ Opportunity Scholarships, and tuition discounts for New Hampshire residents and University of New Hampshire students.

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 UNH School of Law, Douglas J. Wood through a gift he received for distinguished service to a client.

Trustees’ Opportunity Scholarships

UNH Law values the inclusion of diverse backgrounds in the law community and provides scholarships to recognize the unique opportunity for student engagement and contribution. Based on information in the application for admission, the dollar amount varies, and is awarded at the time of acceptance by the Admissions Committee.

Endowed Scholarships

There are several special scholarships established to honor alumni and friends of the University of New Hampshire School of Law community. These are available to entering and returning students. There are generally specific criteria for each scholarship; see detailed information on endowed scholarships.

New Hampshire Domicile Waiver

UNH School of Law awards a $4,000 tuition discount to 1L JD students (U.S. citizens and permanent residents) who are domiciled in New Hampshire at the time of their application for admission, renewable each year.

University of New Hampshire Student Waiver

UNH School of Law awards a $4,000 tuition discount for 1L JD students who are full-time students (undergraduate or graduate) at the University of New Hampshire at the time of their application for admission, renewable each year.

Need-based Consideration: Grants, Employment, and Loans

Our Financial Aid Office analyzes the information you provide on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and establishes a “family contribution” amount.  Your demonstrated need is the difference between this determined contribution and the cost of attending UNH Law. Need-based grants do not need to be paid back, and are offered both to entering and currently enrolled students.

The Federal Work Study Program allows a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident to earn money instead of borrowing it. Many campus offices employ students through this program, and returning students may seek some positions off campus.

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. Click here for complete information on federal, direct, and private loans.

U.S. Military Veteran / GI Bill

UNH Law is committed to honoring our veterans, and we are proud to be a Yellow Ribbon Program school. Our Financial Aid Office will work closely with you to identify the most effective ways to fund your law school education.

Loan Repayment Assistance Program

The University of New Hampshire School of Law and the Social Justice Institute are committed to ensuring that the Loan Repayment Assistance Fund remains a reliable resource for graduates who choose careers serving the public interest. UNH Law contributes to the fund annually and actively seeks donations for the program

Outside Scholarships

Helpful websites to continue your scholarship search: FinAid, FastWeb