Though it’s common for law students to graduate with six-figure debt, it is possible to earn a J.D. without paying a dime in tuition.
That’s what happens when you land a full scholarship.
Michelle Roter, a 2018 J.D. grad who got a full ride to Hofstra University’s Maurice Deane School of Law, says she only applied to law schools where her LSAT score and GPA matched or beat the averages of admitted students.
Her thinking, she says, was that if she applied to schools where her stats were above average, they’d try to recruit her with scholarship offers.
Roter says she “lucked out” when she won a full scholarship. “It’s been great not having to worry about loans,” she says.
With the current economic uncertainty, future lawyers might be extra eager to save money by going to law school for free. Here are six tips experts say law school hopefuls should remember if they want to fund their legal education entirely through scholarships.
Don’t Skimp on Test Prep
Full-tuition law school scholarships usually go to applicants with top LSAT scores, experts say.
“I always tell students to treat LSAT prep like a part-time job because the payoff could mean hundreds of dollars for every hour they spend studying,” says Aaron N. Taylor, executive director of the nonprofit AccessLex Center for Legal Education Excellence.
Polish Application Materials
The secret to winning a full scholarship? Impressing admissions officers with your application, since very few outside scholarships cover full tuition, Taylor says.
“I’d guess about 95% of scholarship and grant money for law students comes from the schools themselves,” adds Taylor, a former law school admissions officer. He says schools often compare personal statements of students with similar stats to decide who deserves scholarships most.
Research the Conditions of Full Scholarships
Some scholarships have strings attached—like committing to a certain career path. Many law schools, experts say, offer full rides to students who agree to work in public service. For example, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School has the Toll Public Interest Scholars Program.
Some scholarships also require maintaining a certain GPA, so students should check if that minimum is realistic for them.
Consider Early Decision Scholarship Programs
Some of the biggest scholarships go only to early decision applicants—those who promise to attend if accepted.
Boston University School of Law, for instance, has an early decision program with a three-year full-tuition scholarship.
“It’s not for everyone, since students usually want to explore options, and this program limits that,” says Alissa Leonard, the school’s assistant dean of admissions and financial aid.
Generally, experts say scholarship seekers should apply as early as possible, since awards are often given on a rolling basis.
Don’t Rule Yourself Out
Even if you think a full scholarship is a long shot, apply anyway—you might be surprised.
“We encourage students to aim high, so there’s no downside to applying,” says Katherine Scannell, vice dean for institutional success at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, where she handles admissions among other duties. “The only downside is not applying at all.”
Request Fee Waivers if You’re Eligible
For some J.D. hopefuls, paying multiple application fees can be tough—especially with extra costs for tests and transcripts. While Washington University St. Louis dropped J.D. application fees a few years ago, most schools still charge them, Scannell says.
“Fees add up, so if they’re a barrier, make sure to ask for waivers,” she says.
