Financial Aid FAQs
These Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”) address financial aid topics such as the types of financial aid available, how to apply for financial aid, financing options, disbursement of aid, and factors affecting aid eligibility.
These FAQs provide general guidance about financial aid at Southwestern Law School (Southwestern). Requirements, deadlines, and eligibility may vary by student and may be subject to change. If any information conflicts with your individual Financial Aid Offer or instructions from the Financial Aid Office, contact us by emailing finaid@swlaw.edu or calling (213) 738-6719.
Financial Aid Programs
What types of financial aid are available at Southwestern?
Southwestern students may be eligible to receive financial aid such as scholarships, grants, federal and private student loans, federal work-study (FWS) job opportunities, and veterans' education benefits. Each type of aid has specific application and eligibility requirements, so it is important to know what type of aid you’re seeking and to utilize the Financial Aid Office as a resource for any questions.
What scholarships are available?
Southwestern offers merit-based scholarships for new J.D. students; scholarships for continuing students; public-interest grants and fellowships; outside scholarships; and other awards. Eligibility, application requirements, and renewal conditions vary. See Southwestern’s Scholarships, Grants and Fellowships webpage for current opportunities and eligibility information. Contact the Admissions Office about merit-based scholarships for new J.D. students. Continuing students should contact the Financial Aid Office about scholarships. The Financial Aid Office can also assist with questions about financial aid or need-based aid.
Can LL.M. students receive federal financial aid at Southwestern?
No. Students enrolled in Southwestern’s LL.M. programs are not eligible for federal financial aid. Private educational loans or scholarships may be available depending on the program and the student.
What is Federal Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study (FWS) allows eligible students to earn wages through approved part-time jobs. An FWS award included in students’ Financial Aid Offer does not guarantee employment, and students receive the funds as wages earned, not as an advance payment. Because of the demands of the first year of law school, Southwestern generally does not recommend FWS participation for first-year J.D. students. See Southwestern’s Federal Work-Study webpage for additional information about eligibility and available opportunities.
Are private loans the same as federal loans?
No. Private loans are made by private lenders and may have different interest rates, credit requirements, repayment terms, and borrower protections. Compare terms and conditions carefully and ask about federal student loan options first.
Does Southwestern offer payment plans?
Yes. Southwestern offers payment plans for $50 per term. Payment plan information is available through Self-Service and the Finance Office. For additional information, contact the Finance Office at finance@swlaw.edu or 213-738-5723.
What if I use VA education benefits?
Contact Southwestern’s Veterans Certifying Official through the Financial Aid Office and review Southwestern’s Military / Veteran Students webpage. The VA determines your eligibility and benefit amount.
Applying for Financial Aid
How do I apply for federal financial aid?
Federal financial aid is only available for eligible J.D. students. To apply for federal financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov each year and list Southwestern’s Federal School Code, G01295, on your FAFSA application. New and continuing J.D. students must also complete Southwestern’s required Financial Aid Form. If you borrow a federal Direct Loan, complete any additional requirements, such as a Master Promissory Note (MPN) or student loan entrance counseling, as directed.
What is Southwestern’s Federal School Code (FSC)?
Southwestern’s FSC is G01295 (the second character is the number zero).
What is the financial aid priority deadline?
The financial aid priority deadline is March 31st for both new and continuing students at Southwestern. Students admitted after March 31st should apply as soon as possible.
Does the March 2nd deadline listed on the FAFSA apply to me?
No. The March 2nd deadline is California’s deadline for state financial aid programs, not Southwestern's financial aid application deadline.
Do I need to provide parental information on my FAFSA?
No. Southwestern students are considered independent students for federal financial aid purposes, so you are not required to provide parental information on your FAFSA.
What happens after I submit the FAFSA?
After your submitted FAFSA application is processed by the FAFSA Processing System (FPS), you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary, while Southwestern’s Financial Aid Office will receive the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR), which is used to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. You will receive an email when your Financial Aid Offer is ready. If more information is needed, the Financial Aid Office will contact you.
What is verification?
The FAFSA Processing System (FPS) selects certain Federal Student Aid (FSA) applicants in a review process called “verification” to verify certain information provided on a student’s FAFSA application. If you are required to complete verification or are asked to provide other documents, Southwestern will tell you what to submit and the deadline. See Southwestern’s Financial Aid Verification webpage for additional information.
What information is included in my Financial Aid Offer?
Your Financial Aid Offer will list the type and amount of aid Southwestern has determined you are eligible to receive based on the information available at that time. Depending on your eligibility, the offer may include a scholarship(s), federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Work-Study, private loan, and/or other aid. It may also include a Grad PLUS Loan if you qualify for the limited federal exception.
Federal Student Loans
How much can I borrow in federal student loans?
Your eligibility depends on various factors including the information provided in your FAFSA and the Cost of Attendance at Southwestern. Additionally, there are federal limits on the amount you may borrow, which depend, in part, on when you begin your program. For most J.D. students who begin their program on or after July 1, 2026, Grad PLUS Loans are no longer available. Eligible students may instead borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans up to the applicable annual and aggregate loan limits. Certain continuing students may qualify for a limited exception from particular loan limits and loan eligibility changes. Additionally, your enrollment status, prior federal borrowing, and other federal eligibility requirements may also affect the amount you can borrow.
See our Student Loans page for current federal loan limits and eligibility information or contact the Financial Aid Office to confirm which limits apply to you.
Does the Cost of Attendance include living expenses?
Yes. The Cost of Attendance includes estimated education-related expenses, such as housing, food, transportation, books, and other allowable costs. It is a financial aid budget, not the amount Southwestern bills you.
Can my Cost of Attendance be increased for a computer or special circumstances?
Possibly. Federal rules allow students to request an adjustment to the Cost of Attendance based on special circumstances. The amount of the adjustments depends on each student’s situation and requires appropriate documentation. documented education-related expenses to be included in your cost of attendance (COA) budget. Contact the Financial Aid Office before making a purchase you expect to finance through a budget increase.
What if federal student loans do not cover my financing gap?
If federal student loans do not cover your remaining costs, contact the Financial Aid Office for information on other options and forms of financial aid that may be available to you. The Financial Aid Office can help you consider options such as reducing expenses, using a payment plan, applying for outside scholarships, using earnings, obtaining a private educational loan, or identifying other financial resources.
Where can I find current federal student loan interest rates and fees?
Federal student loan interest rates and loan fees are established under federal law and are subject to change. See StudentAid.gov for current rates and fees.
Does my credit history affect federal J.D. loans?
Direct Unsubsidized Loans do not require a credit check. Grad PLUS Loans require a federal credit review, but Grad PLUS Loans are generally no longer available to students who began a graduate or professional program on or after July 1, 2026. Certain continuing students may qualify for a limited exception under the prior rules.
Do I need a new Master Promissory Note every year?
Not necessarily. A valid MPN may cover more than one federal Direct Loan. Follow the requirements shown in your StudentAid.gov account and any instructions from the Financial Aid Office.
Do I need to complete entrance counseling again?
All new law students must complete graduate entrance counseling through StudentAid.gov, even if they previously completed entrance counseling at another institution. If you have already completed the required entrance counseling while enrolled at Southwestern, you do not need to complete it again. Follow any additional instructions from the Financial Aid Office.
Can I reduce or cancel a federal loan?
Possibly. For federal student loans, you can cancel all or a portion of the loan within certain time frames. You also have the right to turn down a loan or to request a lower loan amount, and we encourage you to borrow only what you need. Contact the Financial Aid Office if you want to reduce or cancel a loan, or other aid.
Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness available to Southwestern graduates?
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program is a federal program that forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans if you meet eligibility criteria for qualifying employment in public service in federal, state, tribal, or local government, or for a non-profit organization. The PSLF program is not a Southwestern program. To learn more about this program, including current information about eligibility and repayment requirements, see Southwestern’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) webpage and StudentAid.gov.
Disbursement of Aid
How and when will my aid be disbursed?
Southwestern disburses aid only after confirming that you meet the applicable eligibility requirements at the time of disbursement. Timing varies by program and term. Federal financial aid is disbursed at the beginning of each academic term (semester or quarter) by electronic funds transfer directly from the lender. Institutional scholarships and other financial aid are credited to your account as soon as possible, but may take up to two weeks after the term commences.
Southwestern’s current disbursement calendar of estimated disbursement dates can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office by emailing finaid@swlaw.edu.
When will I receive money left after my school charges are paid?
If you have a credit balance on your student account after eligible aid is applied to school charges, Southwestern will release the credit balance under its refund procedures and applicable federal rules. Check the current disbursement calendar for timing rather than relying on a date from a prior year. Direct deposit is the fastest method.
How do I sign up for direct deposit?
Use Self-Service and go to Financial Information > Bank Information. If you need assistance or current instructions, contact the Finance Office at finance@swlaw.edu.
Can I get books before my financial-aid refund is available?
Before a term begins, Southwestern may offer book vouchers to eligible continuing students. Eligibility requirements and request dates may vary. Contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@swlaw.edu to ask whether a voucher is available for the term, whether you qualify, and how to request one.
Factors Affecting Financial Aid Eligibility
Does part-time enrollment affect my financial aid?
It can. Your enrollment status (e.g., half-time) may affect your eligibility for and the amount of certain financial aid, including federal student loans. If you have questions about how a change in enrollment status may affect your aid eligibility, contact the Financial Aid Office before changing your enrollment.
What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and how does SAP affect my financial aid?
Students receiving federal financial aid must meet Southwestern's SAP requirements. Failure to meet those requirements may affect your eligibility for federal financial aid. See Southwestern's Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy on the Institutional Policies webpage for additional information.
What happens to my financial aid if I drop classes, withdraw, or take a leave of absence?
Contact the Financial Aid Office before dropping classes, withdrawing, or taking a leave of absence. Any of these changes may affect your financial aid eligibility and may require Southwestern to adjust or return aid. If you withdraw or take a leave of absence, also review Southwestern's Return of Title IV Funds Policy on the Institutional Policies webpage.
Last reviewed: October 2026.