FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

The University of Houston begins awarding in late April for the fall and spring semesters to accepted students with a complete financial aid file. Summer financial aid is processed separately.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

Texas Public Educational Grant:  All law students applying for financial aid are considered for this program (need based).  It is awarded on a first come basis to students with the highest need.  Maximum award varies each year for both Texas residents and non-residents.

Law Tuition Grant:  Law students applying for financial aid are considered for this program (need based).  It is also awarded on a first come basis to students with need.  Awards vary each year.

Graduate Tuition Grant: Law students applying for financial aid are considered for this program (need based).  It is also awarded on a first come basis to students with need.  Awards vary each year.

Dean's Scholarship:  Each law student is considered for a scholarship upon acceptance to the UHLC.  The amounts awarded will vary.  These scholarships are generally renewable, based on academic performance.

The Office of Admissions offers a number of Dean's Scholarships to each entering class.  These merit scholarships vary in number and amount and are renewable for the following two years for full-time students (or three years for part-time students), provided that requisite grades are maintained.  Each accepted applicant is automatically considered for a Dean's Scholarship and no separate application is required.  If you are an out of state resident and receive a Dean's Scholarship, you will receive an in-state tuition waiver.

Outside Scholarships: Applicants are encouraged to search for outside scholarships. Some suggestions are www.fastweb.com, www.aie.org individual organizations, sororities or fraternities, social clubs, religious or business organizations, employers of a parent, spouse or friend, foundations, town or city clubs, community organizations and civic groups such as the American Legion, YMCA, 4H Club, Elks, Kiwanis, Jaycees or girl & boy scouts. Any organization connected with your field of interest.

**Scholarship and grant criteria are subject to change.

STUDENT LOANS

Federal Perkins Loan:  Awarded on a first come basis to students with the highest need.  Amounts awarded vary each year.  Students are borrowing money from the University, agreeing to 5% interest with a nine-month grace period after graduation or if the student drops below half time (6 hours).

Federal Stafford Loan: All eligible law students applying for financial aid are considered for this program. Students must be a U.S. citizen, can not have any student loan(s) in default and are registered with selective services, if required. Subsidized Stafford (need based) limit is $8,500 per year. Beginning fall 2007, unsubsidized Stafford (non-need based) limit is $12,000 per year ($20,500 is the total amount of eligibility, including any subsidized Stafford) but not to exceed COE, whichever is less.  Interest on Stafford loans have a fixed interest rate of 6.8% with up to a 4% origination fee that the lender/guarantor may charge.  Both have a six-month grace period.  Interest on an unsubsidized Stafford loan is the responsibility of the student.  It may be capitalized or paid periodically. All Stafford loans come in two disbursements during a loan period.

Grad Plus Loan: This is also a federal loan program. Available to all financial aid eligible law students with a COE that exceeds the student's award. Grad Plus loans are credit based and a creditworthy cosigner may be required in some instance. These loans also come in two equal disbursements. Each lender will offer a slightly different repayment option, so consider your options carefully. Here are a few facts about the Grad PLUS Loan:

Fixed 8.5% interest rate for the life of the loan
• 3% origination fee for processing
• No loan limits - borrow up to the full cost of education annually minus any other financial aid received
• Minimal credit requirements - approval is not based on income, financial need or a debt-to-income ratio
• No payments required while in school
• No grace period; student will go into repayment once they drop below ½ time (6 hours) or upon graduation
• Deferment and forbearance options are available during periods of financial difficulty or bar study
• Flexible repayment options including Level, Extended, Graduated and Income Sensitive plans

Alternative/Private Loan:  Available to students with a COE that exceeds the student's award. Private loans are credit based and a creditworthy cosigner may be required.  Private loans may have different fees at disbursement and at repayment.  Each lender will offer a slightly different program and usually several repayment options, so consider your options carefully.

Bar Loan:  Available to law students who are in their final year of study and need resources to finance expenses associated with studying for the Bar examination. Processing fees may be deducted at disbursement and a supplemental guarantee fee may be charged at repayment.  Disbursement(s) is (are) made payable to the graduate at their requested mailing address. 

Law Center Emergency Loan:  Available for short-term financial problems students may have.  Maximum amount is $300.  No interest is due, but must be repaid in 30 days.  Applications are available at the Law Center Student Services reception desk.

**Loan amounts, interest rates, processing fees and grace periods are all subject to change.  You should review the terms and conditions of each promissory note.

VETERANS BENEFITS

Hazlewood Exemption - Military Exemptions for Texas Veterans

The Hazelwood Act Tuition Exemption is available for Texas Veterans and eligible dependents.  Qualified individuals will be exempt from the payment of tuition and most all fees. 

Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008

Department of Veterans Affairs

University of Houston Law Center
Financial Aid & Scholarship Office
100 Law Center
Houston, Texas 77204-6060
(713) 743-2269
School code 003652
lawfinaid@uh.edu