Types of Financial Aid

At Mizzou Law there are three categories of student financial aid: Scholarships, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Student Loans. Federal loans are funded by the U.S. Department of Education through the Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (FFDL).  Federal Student Aid Programs

Scholarships

To be eligible for scholarships, entering students must have a complete admissions application on file by January 15. There is no separate scholarship application. For more information on scholarships click here.

Work-Study

Mizzou Law employs students through part-time jobs funded through the Federal Work-Study Program. All work-study positions are located in the law school library and student employees receive biweekly pay checks.

Student Loans

Student loans are the most common form of financial assistance for law students. Federal loan programs include the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program and the Federal Direct Grad PLUS program.

If you plan to use student loans to pay for law school, it is best to begin with the end in mind. Before borrowing, think about the day when you have to begin paying back your student loans. Make a budget and estimate the amount you need to borrow.

Federal Student Loans

Federal Direct Loans are issued directly from the government and offer flexible repayment terms, fixed interest rates, and vast deferment options.

With the Federal Direct Loan Program, you

  • Borrow directly from the federal government and have a single contact — your loan servicer — for everything related to repayment
  • Have online access to your Direct Loan account information via your servicer website
  • Can choose from several repayment plans that are designed to meet the needs of almost any borrower, and you can switch repayment plans if your needs change

For law students there are two types of federal loans available:

    1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Program — Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans that can help you pay for law school. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education. The annual loan maximum for law students is $20,500 per academic year and the interest rate for 2023-2024 is fixed at 7.05%. This loan has an origination fee of 1.057% and repayment begins six months after graduation.
    2. Direct PLUS Loans for Professional Students — Law students can borrow a Direct PLUS Loan to help cover education expenses. To qualify for the PLUS loan you must pass a credit check. You can’t have adverse credit so get your finances in order and make sure your credit file is accurate. For a free copy of your credit report visit www.annualcreditreport.com. Applicants who do not qualify for the Graduate Plus Loan may appeal the credit decision or obtain a credit worthy co-signer. The interest rate for 2023-2024 is fixed at 8.05%. The Graduate Plus loan has an origination fee of 4.228% and repayment begins six months after graduation.  Go here for the Grad PLUS online application

Mizzou Law Shortridge Loan Program

The Shortridge Loan Program is designed to help law students gain practical experience in the public sector. Mizzou Law provides loans each summer in the amount of $4,000 to selected students who work in the area of public interest during the summer. The Shortridge loan has a 0% interest rate, a 12 month grace period beginning after graduation before entering repayment, and a 7 year repayment term.

For more information about the Mizzou Law Shortridge Loan Program, contact the Mizzou Law Financial Aid Office.

Alternative (Private) Education Loans

Private student loans are alternatives to federal loans. They are credit-based, may have lower fees than federal loans and may even offer the borrower a choice between fixed or variable interest rates.  Please note, private student loans are not eligible for the various repayment benefits associated with federal student loans. Students may apply for assistance through one or more commercial loan provider. The amount borrowed from any of these programs when combined with other forms of approved financial aid cannot exceed the student expense budget.

Mizzou Law requires students seeking a private loan complete a loan counseling session with the Mizzou Law Financial Aid Office.

  • Please be aware that private loans do not qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
  • For a list of Mizzou approved private lenders visit the Mizzou Law Private Lender Page.