Law Grants
Originally published June 29, 2010 · Updated May 21, 2026
Most students pursuing a law degree need help paying for their studies. Tuition for an accredited J.D. program runs into six figures at many schools, and law grants and scholarships can reduce the debt load students would otherwise carry through their early careers. Law grants are available from public, school-based, and private sources, each with its own eligibility rules.
Where the money comes from
If you are a law student looking for grant funding, the first place to look is your own law school. Law schools and university law departments receive donations from alumni and other supporters, and a portion of those funds is used to offer scholarships and grants to incoming and current students. Most schools list available awards on the financial aid section of their website.
Your law school's financial aid office can also point you to outside grants and scholarships. Professional law associations, bar foundations, and law firms regularly fund awards for students at specific schools, in specific practice areas, or from specific backgrounds.
Grants for underrepresented students
Several programs are aimed at students underrepresented in the legal profession. Many law schools have their own diversity scholarships, and national organizations such as the American Bar Association Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund offer awards to students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds. Eligibility, award amounts, and deadlines are published on each program's site.
Grants for low-income students
If you have been admitted to law school but the cost is the barrier, you may qualify for need-based grants from your school. Many schools commit to meeting a defined share of demonstrated need through grant aid rather than loans. The ABA also lists scholarships and grants targeted at students from low-income backgrounds.
Federal student aid for law school comes mainly through loans, not grants. To be considered for federal aid, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Some schools also require the CSS Profile for institutional aid.
How to apply
Application processes vary by program. In general:
- Apply through your law school's financial aid office for institutional grants
- Check the ABA, state bar foundations, and your state's higher education agency for outside scholarships
- File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov for federal aid eligibility
Official sources
- Federal student aid: studentaid.gov
- American Bar Association scholarships: americanbar.org
- State grant programs: your state's higher education agency
Federal student aid applications are always free. GovernmentGrants.com is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or the American Bar Association.