The financial assistance available to entering and returning students consists of College of Law scholarships, federal student loan programs, and private student loan programs. The College of Law scholarship program is supported by endowments and gifts from alumni and friends of the college as well as general university funds. Entering students are urged to apply early as awards are made on a rolling basis each spring.

Scholarship Application Procedures
All law scholarships are awarded by the College of Law Admissions and Financial Aid Office. Applications for first-year scholarships have a priority deadline of March 1 (although the deadline is not technically binding and scholarships will be offered throughout the spring and summer until our funds are expired). To apply for scholarship consideration please complete the Scholarship Application form in its entirety.

The College of Law awards scholarships to entering students in order to attract an academically talented and diverse entering class. Scholarship offers are typically made within 2-4 weeks of acceptance, usually begining in mid-January. All scholarships awarded have a renewal standard of a 2.0 grade point average (good academic standing).

New scholarship applications from students who are entering the second and third years are considered to the extent that funds are available after scholarship renewals are completed.

Student Loan Application Procedures
All student loan programs are administered through the University's Student Financial Aid Office (USFAO) located in the University Pavilion. Law students applying for student loans must designate a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the University of Cincinnati; UC's Title IV code is 003125.

Financial aid packaging is completed through the internet via University Student Financial Aid's home page, beginning in March. Students should accept or decline all forms of aid offered and specify an amount to be accepted. PLEASE NOTE THAT A STUDENT CAN ONLY BE FUNDED UP TO THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF THEIR COST OF EDUCATION BUDGET.

Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford and Grad PLUS loans are awarded and approved through (USFAO). Beginning with the 2007-2008 academic year, graduate and professional students may borrow a maximum of $20,500 from the Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan program (up to $8,500 per year with demonstrated financial need). Perkins Loans are awarded by USFAO in amounts up to a maximum of $2,100 depending upon demonstrated financial need and the date your FAFSA was received into UC's financial aid system. Since Perkins Loan funds are limited the university requests financial aid applicants file their FAFSA with UC by March 1 to insure maximum eligibility.

Students loans must be obtained at the University from private lending institutions. Law students can chose a lender from USFAO's lender list and from two additional non-profit lenders, The Access Group, or Student Lending Works. You may select one of these lenders or contact your own lender to get the lender code needed for the promissory note. Also, you can use different lenders for the Stafford and Grad PLUS loans. After completing your financial aid package online, please complete a promissory note with your lender. You should also insure you have completed entrance loan counseling as well.

The Federal Grad PLUS loan has also been established as an additional student loan for graduate and professional students. The Grad PLUS loan can be offered up to the student's maximum cost of education minus all other forms of aid. A credit check is required as part of the Grad PLUS approval process. To qualify, your credit report cannot reflect any of the following adverse items:

• Currently 90 days or more delinquent on repayment of any debt
• Debt discharged in bankruptcy during the past 5 years
• Evidence of a default, foreclosure, tax lien, repossession, wage garnishment, or write-off of a Title IV debt during the past 5-years

Additional information on each loan is available through the USFAO website.

For students who elect not to use the Grad PLUS loan, private/alternative loans could be used in their stead. A student can initiate a private loan by logging onto The Access Group's web site as a University of Cincinnati student whereby they will be directed to their alternative loan. Or, a student could also use an alternative loan through USFAO.

Emergency Loans
Temporary emergency loans are available to law students through a fund established by the Cincinnati Bar Association and through the James J. Muir and Leslie A. Meek Loan Funds. Since the fund balances are determined by the repayment performance of previous borrowers, loan applicants are required to furnish a financial statement showing their ability to repay by the due date.