Law school is ranked as one of the top three most expensive degree programs. This is especially true in California, where in-state tuition prices can even range from $44k to upward of $60k per year for public law schools. And while some private law schools are more expensive than their public counterparts, that is not true for all. Take Western State College of Law, for example– a private law school located in the heart of Orange County, Calif., offering a much more affordable tuition than many public legal education institutions.
Top Factors to Consider for Law Schools in California
While there are many elements to consider when choosing the right law school, it is extremely important to factor in the overall cost, scholarship and student loan opportunities available.
Cost: The total price tag of a legal education will vary depending on where you study – both by school choice and location. Therefore, it is crucial to consider tuition and living expenses when planning to pursue a law degree. For instance, Western State College of Law is one of the most reasonably priced ABA schools in California.
Scholarships: Every school has different types of scholarships available. Therefore, prospective students should review the offerings and always read the fine print to understand what is most feasible for their financial needs. At Western State, all admitted students must attend a scholarship review where they may be eligible for 5 to 95% of their tuition based on merit. Considerations include LSAT scores, performance in undergraduate, work history and other factors that might be relevant and included in an optional statement, such as adversity or other experiences that set them apart. Scholarships can cover tuition only and cannot be used towards books, fees and living expenses.
Although most law schools offer some level of merit-based scholarship to incoming students, not all terms and conditions are the same. For example, some have strings attached that turn the scholarship into a loan if you transfer out, whereas others split the full scholarship across the three years and others have stipulations that require students to take the California bar post-graduation.
In addition to an incoming student scholarship, Western State also offers continuing student scholarships. These take into consideration a student’s standing at mid-year, and those who are in good standing or have shown exemplary academic performance also have the opportunity to increase their scholarship.
Outside of merit-based financial support, some law schools also offer diversity scholarships. Western State offers this type of scholarship even though it is not supported by donors. Students who earn these funds receive the money directly from the law school, which can result in award amounts larger than those supported by donors.
Applying for California Law School Loans
Loans: There are multiple options available for students to apply for loans to support the cost of law school, which is borrowed money that must be repaid with interest and loan fees. Each loan comes with differing eligibility requirements– for example, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Federal Direct PLUS Loans– and unique legal obligations, making it imperative to fully understand borrowing criteria, responsibilities and loan terms.
Other factors to consider:
- Outside scholarships: There may be outside organizations that offer scholarships for law students. Some are specific for students from minority backgrounds or those who have shown interest in a specific social justice issue, whereas others are available to a broad range of applicants. While these alone may not yield significant cost savings, added together or on top of other financial support can make attending law school more affordable.
- Student payment plans: Some law schools in California offer payment plans to support students, which can be set up in advance and allow students to make tuition and fee payments throughout the semester and/or while waiting for financial assistance.
- Internships: Another way to offset costs is to seek out paid internship opportunities. At Western State, students can apply for the Summer Honors Program which not only helps them identify and secure an internship or externship but also provides a financial investment by paying for the credits associated with the externship or offering a cash stipend for students with otherwise unpaid internship opportunities.
While the cost of law school should be a consideration for prospective students, it should not hold you back from reaching your career goals. It is important to begin your planning early. With that in mind, Western State has pulled together a financial aid checklist to help you understand the steps you’ll need to take. In addition, we encourage you to connect with Student Services to learn more about the financial aid opportunities available and other ways to affordably attend law school in California.
