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Financial Information
Financial Responsibility
Students assume responsibility for all costs incurred as a result of enrollment at Santa Clara University. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of their account balance and financial aid information, and maintain current valid address information at all times to ensure receipt of all University correspondence in a timely manner.
Tuition
The Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of the president and the provost, sets the annual academic year tuition rate and the summer session tuition rate for all programs. Students are charged tuition based on the rates approved by the Board of Trustees. The recommended site to review and verify the official tuition and fee rate schedule is www.scu.edu/bursar/tuition. Tuition and fee rate differences found in other publications will not be honored.
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Application Fee (nonrefundable) |
$75 |
Deposits
|
Initial tuition deposit |
$200 |
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Final tuition deposit |
$500 |
Deposits are credited automatically to the student’s account and apply to the first semester’s tuition. Deposits are not refundable.
Tuition and fees
|
First-year, full-time division students (per year) |
$38,040 |
|
First-year, part-time division students (per year) |
$26,628 |
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Upper-division students (per semester unit) |
$1,268 |
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LL.M. students (per semester unit) |
$1,423 |
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Registration cancellation fee |
$250 |
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Santa Clara Plan Health Insurance (annual fee) |
$1,661 |
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Late payment fee (per billing statement) |
$75 |
- Students in the JD/MBA and JD/MSIS combined degree programs are charged Law tuition rates for Law courses and Graduate Business tuition rates for Business courses.
- SCU students studying at an international exchange institution pay tuition to SCU at standard rates. Students from international exchange institutions studying at SCU pay tuition to their home institution.
- SCU students studying at a domestic visiting institution pay tuition to the institution they are attending. Students from a domestic visiting institution studying at SCU pay tuition to SCU at the standard rate.
- Students in the Law School consortium (SCU, USF, Golden Gate University, UC Davis) take courses at their home institution and can take a class at a consortium institution. Students from consortium schools taking a class at SCU pay tuition to their home institution. SCU students taking a class at a consortium institution pay tuition to SCU at the standard rate.
Santa Clara University Degree Students
Students admitted to degree status at Santa Clara University are charged the applicable tuition rate associated with their program and enrollment status (i.e., full-time or part-time status).
Non-Degree or Visiting Students
Non-degree students and/or students visiting from other colleges and universities enrolled at Santa Clara University are charged the applicable tuition rate associated with their program and enrollment status (i.e., full-time or part-time status).
University Employees
University employees enrolled during the academic year at the University are charged tuition at the applicable tuition rate associated with their program and enrollment status (i.e., full-time or part-time). Employees are eligible for tuition remission in accordance with Policy 609 (Education Benefits) in the Staff Policy Manual.
Tuition Status and Adjustments
The tuition status of a student is determined at the end of the late registration period. An adjustment is made to the tuition charges for changes to enrollment after the end of the late registration period, according to the University refund policy, if a student drops a course(s) or withdraws from the University. A student may become ineligible for financial aid if dropping below half-time status. See Financial Aid Eligibility for more information.
Tuition Refunds
Students who formally withdraw from the University or drop courses are eligible for a refund of tuition charges in accordance with the policies outlined below.
The effective date used for the determination of any refund of tuition is the date on which the student drops the course online via e-campus or notification is received by the Law Student Services Office, not the last date of attendance by the student.
Students who fail to drop a course, even if they do not attend, or fail to notify the University of their intent to withdraw, regardless of the reason, will be responsible to pay all tuition and fee charges reflecting on the account. Neither informing an individual faculty member, an academic department, or the Dean’s Office constitutes an official withdrawal from the University. The official date of withdrawal from the University can not be backdated prior to the date on which the student submits the applicable withdrawal form or notification is received by the Law Student Services Office.
Students who withdraw from the University, drop courses or are approved for a leave of absence, during the fall or spring semester, will receive a tuition refund in accordance with the following:
The start of the semester is considered to be the first date on which instruction begins in the School of Law. The following schedule does not apply to students who reduce their course load.
- Students who withdraw from the University or drop courses by the end of the first week of classes will receive a full refund of tuition for the semester, less any applicable fees.
- Students who withdraw from the University or drop courses by the end of the second week of classes will receive a 60 percent refund of tuition for the semester, less any applicable fees.
- Students who withdraw from the University or drop courses by the end of the third week of classes will receive a 40 percent refund of tuition for the semester, less any applicable fees.
- Students who withdraw from the University or drop courses by the end of the fourth week of classes will receive a 20 percent refund of tuition for the semester, less any applicable fees.
- Students who withdraw from the University or drop courses after the fourth week of classes will receive no tuition refund for the semester.
Please note: Students may drop courses online until 11:59 p.m. on the Sunday immediately following the beginning of the semester and still receive 100 percent refund. However, this is only valid if a student has no registration holds and does not require assistance from a staff member. All other transactions must be completed by 5 p.m. on the first Friday of the semester.
Summer
The following refund schedule applies to law students who formally withdraw or drop courses for the summer term:
- Students who withdraw from the University or drop courses by the end of the first week of classes will receive a full refund of tuition for the term.
- Students who withdraw from the University or drop courses by the end of the second week of classes will receive a 50 percent refund of tuition for the term.
Students who withdraw from the University due to an illness, injury, or psychological/emotional condition are eligible for a tuition refund in accordance with the schedules above. Tuition insurance may be purchased prior to the beginning of the academic term to cover tuition charges for medically related withdrawals that occur after the first week of the term.
Students who withdraw from the University after the third week of the term due to a qualifying financial hardship may be eligible for an allocation from the student hardship fund for 25 percent of the tuition charges for that term. Qualifying financial hardships include [1] death, disabling injury, medical emergency, or loss of job of the parent or guardian of a dependent student, [2] loss of job by an independent student, [3] medical or other emergency involving a dependent of an independent student, and [4] deployment for active military duty of a student. The vice provost for student life or designee, in consultation with the Financial Aid Office, will determine qualifying financial hardships and any allocation from the student hardship fund. Students must submit their requests for an allocation from the student hardship fund within 90 days from the end of that term.
No tuition refunds are made because of curtailment of services resulting from strikes, acts of God, civil insurrection, riots or threats thereof, or other causes beyond the control of the University.
Billing and Payment Procedures
Student Accounts and Billing
Students assume responsibility for all costs incurred as a result of enrollment at Santa Clara University and agree to abide by applicable University policies and procedures.
Students may designate a third party (e.g., parent, spouse) to be an authorized payer for their student account. That individual is authorized by the student to have access to their billing statements and to make payments on the student’s behalf. Once authorization is arranged, the authorized payer will be notified via the e-mail address provided by the student verifying their access to view and pay a student’s bill online. Authorized payers do not have access to any other student account information via this site.
Students receive monthly bills electronically via a third-party vendor that are accessible through University e-campus. A billing notification will be sent to the student’s University e-mail address and to the e-mail address of any payer authorized by the student. Students may also forward their student account statements electronically to any third party they authorize for remittance. Information on a student’s account cannot be provided to any third party payer unless a completed Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act form authorizing its release by the student is on file with the University. Students are obligated to pay the applicable tuition and fees associated with their enrollment status by the published payment deadline. Registered students who do not withdraw formally from the University are responsible for all tuition and fees assessed to their account as well as any penalty charges incurred for nonpayment. Nonattendance does not relieve the student of his or her obligation to pay tuition and fees.
Billing dates and deadlines
The following dates are the initial payment deadlines for each term/semester:
Fall 2009 – Billing available July 1; payment due July 21
Spring 2010 – Billing available December 1; payment due December 21
Summer 2010 – Billing available May 1; payment due – May 21
Payment Methods
Santa Clara University offers a variety of payment methods to students to assist with their financial obligations.
Payment by Electronic Check
A student or authorized payer may make online payments by authorizing a fund transfer directly from their personal checking or savings account through a third-party Web site accessible via the University e-campus system. The payer is able to make electronic check payments online without incurring a service fee.
Payment by Credit Card
The University does not accept direct payment by credit card on student accounts. However, the University has arranged for a third-party vendor to accept MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit card payments via the Web for those wishing to make payments in this manner. Payers are assessed a service fee on payments made using credit cards.
Payment by Mail
Payments for student account charges are accepted by mail utilizing the University’s cash management service lockbox. The payer should download a copy of the student’s billing statement, enclose it with a personal or cashier’s check payable to Santa Clara University, and mail both to Santa Clara University Bursar’s Office, P.O. Box 60000, File 72662, San Francisco, CA 94160-2662.
Payment in Person
Payments for student account charges may be made in person by cash or check at the Bursar’s Office in Walsh Administration Building. The Bursar’s Office is not able to accept any electronic form of payment, including debit or credit cards. However, there are computer kiosks located in Walsh Administration Building for the convenience of students and their payers who wish to make electronic payments.
Extended Payment Options
For students wishing to spread payments over a period of time, the University offers various extended payment plans through a third-party vendor. There is a modest fixed fee to enroll in these plans, but no interest is charged during the payment term. Information about these plans is available on the Bursar’s Office Web page.
Delinquent Payments
If all charges on a student’s account have not been cleared by payment, financial aid, or loan disbursement, a late payment fee will be assessed to the student’s account and a hold will be placed on the student’s record. A hold on a student’s record prevents the release of transcripts or diplomas, prevents access to any registration services, and may limit access to other University services. Students who have unpaid accounts at the University or who defer payment without approval are subject to dismissal from the University. All unpaid balances will accrue 10 percent interest per annum on the balance remaining from the date of default in accordance with California state law.
Delinquent student accounts may be reported to one or more of the major credit bureaus and may be forwarded to an outside collection agency or an attorney for assistance in recovering the debt owed to the University. The student is responsible for all costs incurred to collect outstanding debt, including but not limited to accrued interest, late fees, court costs, collection fees, and attorney fees. All outstanding bills and costs of collection incurred by the University must be paid in full prior to a student re-enrolling at the University.
Billing Disputes
If a student believes there is an error on his or her billing statement, a written explanation should be forwarded to: Santa Clara University, Bursar’s Office, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053-0615. The Bursar’s Office must receive written correspondence within 60 days from the billing statement date on which the error appeared. Communication can be made by telephone, but doing so will not preserve the student’s rights.
Communication should include the student’s name, SCU identification number, the amount in question, and a brief explanation. Payment for the amount in question is not required while the investigation is in progress. An adjustment will be made on the student’s account for any incorrect charges. If the amount in question is found to be valid, payment must be submitted to the Bursar’s Office immediately upon notification.
Refund Payments
Refunds will be granted only for student accounts reflecting a credit balance. A refund will not be granted based on anticipated financial aid. All financial aid must be disbursed into a student’s account before a refund is processed. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that all necessary documentation is completed and submitted to the Financial Aid Office so that aid can be disbursed properly and in a timely fashion. Payment received by personal check will have a 21-day hold before a refund can be issued to the payee.
Tuition Insurance Protection
Students may protect themselves against financial loss due to an unexpected withdrawal from the University for medical reasons by purchasing tuition insurance coverage. The University has identified an insurance company, Dewar, Inc., to provide an optional tuition insurance protection plan. This plan is designed to protect from loss of funds paid for tuition should it be necessary to withdraw completely from the University during the term for medical reasons. Information on the tuition insurance plan is available from the Bursar’s Office and on its Web site.
Educational Tax Credits
Students may be eligible for a higher education tax credit designed to help students finance the cost of education. Tax credits are based on the amount of qualified tuition and fees, less grants and other tax-free educational assistance, and the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. Students enrolled in an eligible degree program may qualify for a Hope Scholarship Credit or Lifetime Learning Tax Credit. Specific information is available from the Internal Revenue Service.
Parking Permits
Parking permits are required for all users of University parking facilities. Permits can be purchased at Campus Safety Services in the parking garage. Parking per term may be arranged through Campus Safety Services. The Student Services Office can provide students with a Graduate Parking hang tag. Used in conjunction with the University parking permit, this tag allows students to park in faculty/staff parking lots after 4:00 p.m.
Housing Plans
Housing plans are available at www.scu.edu/housing/cost.cfm.
Health Insurance
International Students on an F-1 visa must either enroll in the University sponsored insurance plan or show proof of their own health insurance plan by completing the on-line waiver form by the deadline date of August 17, 2009. The waiver will be accepted if the student’s insurance is comparable to the University sponsored plan. If the student does not submit an acceptable waiver, they will be automatically enrolled in the University sponsored plan and their student account will be charged $1661.00 for the annual insurance policy.
Health insurance is voluntary for all domestic law students; however, first year students must complete the on-line opt-out form if they choose not to enroll in the school sponsored plan by August 17, 2009. Go to www.scu.edu/cshc/insurance.cfm for details on completing the waiver or on-line enrollment options.
All law students are welcome to use the Cowell Health Center at any time.
Financial Aid
Santa Clara University School of Law offers financial assistance to law students administered through the Law Financial Aid Office. The University realizes that the quality education offered at Santa Clara requires a serious commitment from the student. Depending on the student’s eligibility, a financial aid package may include any combination of scholarships, loans, and on-campus employment. More information can be located at the Law Financial Aid website, law.scu.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid.cfm.
Enrollment Status and Financial Aid Eligibility
Students must be enrolled at least half-time status to receive Federal financial aid. Half-time status is based per program and the following rules apply to Federal loans:
School of Law, Day – enrolled in a minimum of 6 units
School of Law, Evening – enrolled in a minimum of 4 units
School of Law, LLM - enrolled in a minimum of 6 units
To remain eligible for financial aid, students must be enrolled at least half-time and must be making satisfactory academic progress. Students who drop below half-time status must notify the Law Financial Aid Office immediately. Eligibility for scholarships and loans will be affected by enrollment status. Students who drop below half-time status for more than six months, or take a leave of absence for more than six months may need to begin making payments on their student loans.
All law students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative 2.33 grade point average for all completed courses in order to avoid disqualification. If an award has been made to a disqualified student, the award offer will be withdrawn. A disqualified first-year student who is allowed to enter the second year on probation will be considered to be in good standing for financial aid purposes, but the award offer previously withdrawn will not be automatically reinstated. Reinstatement will be based on the availability of funds at the time the student notifies SCU that they may re-enroll.
Financial aid recipients who were awarded aid based on full-time registration, and then transferred to the part-time division, must inform the Law Financial Aid Office of their new status. Changing the division may change a student’s award eligibility.
Veterans and Veterans’ Dependents Assistance
Santa Clara University has been certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs as qualified to enroll students under applicable federal legislation and regulations, including Chapter 35 (child of a deceased or 100 percent disabled veteran, widow of any person who died in the service or died of a service-connected disability, or wife of a veteran with a 100 percent service-connected disability), Chapter 31 (rehabilitation), Chapter 30/1606 (active duty Montgomery G.I. Bill), Chapter 34 (old G.I. Bill), and Chapter 32 (Post-Vietnam Era Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program). Individuals interested in attending under any of the veteran’s assistance programs should contact the Veterans Administration and the Office of the University Registrar.
Cancellation of Financial Aid and Return of Funds
Students who withdraw from the University and who have federal financial aid are subject to the federal regulations applicable to the return of Title IV funds. These regulations assume that a student “earns” his or her financial aid based on the period of time he or she remains enrolled during a term. A student is obligated to return all unearned federal financial aid funds governed under Title IV other than those earned under the college work-study program.
Unearned financial aid is the amount of disbursed Title IV that exceeds the amount of Title IV aid earned in accordance with the federal guidelines. During the first 60 percent of the term, a student “earns” Title IV funds in direct proportion to the length of time he or she remains enrolled. That is, the percentage of time during the term that the student remains enrolled is the percentage of disbursable aid for that period that the student has earned. A student who withdraws after the 60 percent point of the enrollment term earns all Title IV aid disbursed for the period. The amount of tuition and other charges owed by the student play no role in determining the amount of Title IV funds to which a withdrawn student is entitled.
All funds must be returned to federal programs before funds are returned to state or University financial aid programs or to the student. The return of funds allocation will be made in the following order for students who have received Federal Title IV assistance.
- Unsubsidized William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan
- Federal PLUS Loan
- Subsidized William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan
- Federal Perkins Loan
- Other federal and state financial aid, private grants and scholarships
- University grants and scholarships
Student Verification of Information
The United States Department of Education requires all institutions disbursing federal financial aid funds to verify the accuracy of the information students and their families submit as a basis for the award of aid. Santa Clara University complies with this requirement by participating in the Federal Quality Assurance Program. Each year, a percentage of students receiving federal financial aid funds are randomly selected for verification of the information on which their awards were based. Students selected for verification may be required to submit additional documents and verify information, such as household size and number of family members enrolled in college. The University reserves the right to request similar information for verification purposes for any student awarded aid and to verify the attendance of other children in college. Information collected may result in changes to a financial aid award and, in some cases, the repayment of funds already received. Failure to comply with the request for this information will result in the cancellation of financial aid funds.
Applying for Scholarships
Incoming Students
All applicants wishing to be considered for scholarships should check the appropriate scholarship boxes on the Application for Admission. Admitted students will be sent additional application materials for the Public Interest and Social Justice Scholarship.
Continuing Students
Continuing students must apply to renew their Emery Merit Scholarships, Law Faculty Scholarships, or Public Interest and Social Justice Scholarships every spring. Scholarships will be renewed per the conditions stated in the original scholarship award notification letter. Continuing students that have not previously received scholarships may also apply for scholarship consideration. Scholarship decisions for continuing students will be made after all grades are submitted for spring semester courses.
Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to full tuition depending on the type of scholarship. Scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis. The total amount of the scholarship will be divided into two disbursements, one for each semester. The amount of scholarship awarded is based on predicted enrollment in units. Scholarship funds may only be applied to tuition charges at Santa Clara University School of Law. Scholarships are not available for graduate units (i.e., LL.M. programs) taken in the School of Law.
Scholarship awards cannot be applied to tuition for courses in other divisions of Santa Clara University (e.g., Graduate Business or CP&E courses), or for tuition or fees for coursework taken outside of Santa Clara University (e.g., tuition for study abroad programs or visiting student programs at other universities).
Scholarship awards should never exceed the total amount of tuition due for the semester. Scholarships are not awarded to pay for living expenses, and thus, are kept tax-free. Adjustments in student schedules and/or enrollment in less-than-predicted units can result in an overage in scholarship award. If a scholarship award exceeds tuition due, a student is not entitled to a refund of those excess scholarship funds. If a student receives a refund check based on excess scholarship funds, the student will be expected to return those funds. Students not returning such funds will be billed for the excess amount of scholarship received. Scholarship amounts will be adjusted based on actual tuition charges for the semester.
Students receiving full-tuition scholarships will be responsible for tuition charges for units taken beyond the required 86 units needed to graduate.
Applying For Federal Aid (Federal Student Loans or Federal Work-Study)
Students wishing to receive federal financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or in hard copy at SCU or your nearest college or university. Be sure to fill out the correct FAFSA for the appropriate academic term.
The FAFSA should be filed as soon as possible after January 1, but no later than March 2. The ideal timeline for completion is February. On Step Six of the FAFSA, students must list Santa Clara’s Federal School Code: 001326. Students must fill out a new FAFSA each academic year.
The Law Financial Aid Office recommends that applicants complete the online “FAFSA on the Web” (www.fafsa.ed.gov). Be wary of other sites that charge a fee to assist in the completion of the FAFSA. The online application will be automatically checked for missing information and inconsistent answers. The Department of Education will determine the applicant’s eligibility for federal financial aid.
The Department of Education will send the student a report, called a Student Aid Report, or SAR, through the mail or the Internet. The SAR lists the information the student reported on their FAFSA and will state the student’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). It is important to review the SAR upon receipt to ensure that all information is correct. Make any necessary changes or provide additional information to the Department of Education.
The applicant’s EFC, along with the rest of the FAFSA information, is made available to all the schools the applicant lists in Step Six of the FAFSA. SCU uses the EFC to prepare a financial aid package to help meet the applicant’s financial need. Financial need is the difference between the applicant's EFC and SCU’s Cost of Attendance (COA), which includes estimated tuition and living expenses. Students with special circumstances that should be taken into account should contact the law school financial aid counselor. Some examples of special circumstances are unusual medical or dental expenses, or a large change in income from last year to this year.
Supplemental documents (e.g., tax returns or verification documents) may be required for application completion. If these documents are not on file and reviewed by the Law Financial Aid Office staff, federal loans cannot be originated and loan credits cannot be disbursed. The Law Financial Aid Office will send a Missing Information Letter to inform students that additional information is required to complete their file. Students must respond to this letter promptly. Failure to respond may result in a delay in the processing of financial aid, late fees, and/or cancellation of financial aid awards. Regulations governing the disbursement of federal financial aid may make it impossible to reinstate these awards.
Federal Student Loans
Stafford Loans under the Federal William D. Ford Direct Loan Program
SCU makes Stafford Loans available to law students through the Federal William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. Under this program, students borrow directly from the federal government to help cover their education expenses. When loans enter the repayment period, students work with the U.S. Department of Education’s Direct Loan Servicing Center.
Stafford Loans are the most common source of student loan funds for professional students. The maximum amount students may borrow under the Stafford Loan program is $20,500 per academic year. The actual amount students may borrow each academic year is also limited by the school’s Cost of Attendance (COA), the amount of other financial aid the student will receive (e.g., scholarship), and aggregate borrowing limits (see below). There are two types of Stafford Loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. Responses on the FAFSA and the student’s EFC establish eligibility for both. In addition, the Stafford Loan has its own separate application and Master Promissory Note.
Subsidized Stafford Loans are need-based. Students must qualify for federal student aid and demonstrate financial need as described above. The federal government pays the interest on the loan while the student is in school, during the grace period before repayment begins, and during periods of approved deferment. A monthly payment begins six months after the student graduates, drops below half time, or withdraws from school. The annual limit for subsidized loans is $8,500 per year. The actual loan amount will be determined by demonstrated financial need and aggregate borrowing to date (see below). Thus, a student may not qualify for a subsidized loan, or may only qualify for an amount that is less than the $8,500 annual limit.
The balance of $20,500 annual Stafford Loan limit may be borrowed as an unsubsidized Stafford Loan, subject to the limitations cited above and below. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans may be taken out by all qualified students, regardless of their income or assets. Students must meet the same requirements as those for subsidized Stafford Loans, except they do not have to demonstrate financial need. Interest accrues from the time the loan is disbursed, and interest payments begin immediately but can be deferred while the student is in school. Any unpaid interest that accrues while the student is in school is added to the principal balance whenever the student enters a period of repayment.
The aggregate borrowing limit for law students under the Stafford Loan program is $138,500. No more than $65,500 of this total may be in subsidized Stafford Loans. These totals include Stafford Loans that the student may have received for undergraduate study. For more information, contact a financial aid counselor at SCU.
The interest rate on Stafford Loans for new borrowers is fixed at 6.8%. Any origination and insurance fees will be deducted proportionately at the time of disbursement. Unless a student qualifies and opts for an alternative repayment plan, Stafford Loans must be repaid within 10 years. The U.S. Department of Education’s Direct Loan Servicing Center offers standard, graduated, and income-contingent repayment plans.
A first-time borrower at SCU must complete an entrance counseling session that covers the terms of the student loans. This session is mandatory, even for students who have fulfilled the counseling requirement at a previous institution. Electronic counseling sessions can be completed at www.dl.ed.gov.
Many of the topics covered in this bulletin will be covered in greater detail in the electronic counseling sessions. Students should understand all the terms and conditions of their loan and their rights and responsibilities as a borrower.
Student loan recipients must complete all of the above requirements before student loan funds may be credited to their tuition and fee account. Once a signed promissory note has been received and approved, the student’s tuition and fee account will be credited with the loan funds. The loan funds will be sent to SCU in two or more disbursements (usually one-half of the total loan per semester). These funds will be used to pay for tuition, room and board, fees, and other charges. Any remaining amount will be paid to the student by check as a refund, or with the student’s permission carried forward as a credit on the tuition and fee account. Students should contact the Bursar’s Office to apply for a refund check. Refund requests received by noon on Wednesday will be issued on Friday of the same week. Questions about refunds should be directed to the Bursar’s Office at 408-554-4412.
Before leaving SCU, students must complete an exit counseling session. At that time students will be reminded of loan obligations and provided with information about selecting a repayment plan and budgeting for loan repayment. Students will also be told about options for postponing repayment, including deferment and forbearance. Exit counseling can be completed at www.dl.ed.gov.
Perkins Loans
Santa Clara University participates in the Perkins Loan program and has a very limited amount of funding for law students. Federal Perkins Loans have a fixed 5 percent interest rate and are available to only a few students that have exceptional financial need. The annual loan limit is $6,000, but most students are awarded less than this amount. The aggregate loan limit is $40,000. Perkins Loan credits will not be posted to a student’s account until the student has electronically signed and submitted necessary documents with Santa Clara University’s servicer, Campus Partners. Perkins Loan borrowers are required to sign a promissory note each year.
Grad PLUS
Santa Clara University participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program through which a Graduate student may apply for a Federal PLUS loan to help cover the costs of educational expenses. To be eligible for a Federal PLUS loan, also known as the Federal Grad PLUS loan, the student must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident alien and must be enrolled at least half-time. The student may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial aid. An origination fee and a federal default fee are deducted from the disbursement of the loan. The current interest rate on Federal Grad PLUS loans is fixed at 8.5 percent.
Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study Programs provide jobs for a limited number of law students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help them pay educational expenses. Federal Work-Study wages are at least the current federal minimum wage, but can be higher depending on the type of work and the skills required. The total work-study award depends on when students apply, their level of need, and availability of funding.
First-year full-time students generally will not be awarded work-study and are advised not to seek employment. If they do choose to work, their employment should not exceed 10 hours per week. Upper-division full-time students should not accept employment that exceeds 20 hours per week. Those who need to work more than 20 hours per week should enroll in the part-time program. Part-time students should not accept employment that exceeds 40 hours per week.
Work-study participants receive a paycheck for each pay period worked. Law students may be paid by the hour or may receive a salary. Earnings may exceed the work-study award only if the employer is willing to cover additional employment expenses once the award has been exhausted.
Private Loans
Students must apply directly with a lender of their choice. Students should apply for private loans in May or June, but no earlier than 90 days before the start of the semester. Eligibility is determined by an applicant’s credit history. Although hard-copy versions of loan applications may be available, students should take advantage of online or telephone application options, which typically offer faster processing.
All private loan applications must be certified by the Law Financial Aid Office prior to final approval. SCU will provide certain information to the lender, including proposed dates of attendance, graduation date, cost of attendance, etc. For students who apply electronically, the Law Financial Aid Office will certify the loan electronically. Lenders will disburse students’ funds electronically to Santa Clara University, however, only if the student applied electronically. If a law student has a credit on their account after tuition and fees are paid, then the Bursar’s Office will process a refund check.
Students who apply using a paper application must forward complete applications to the Law Financial Aid Office. For hard-copy applications, the lender will mail a paper check directly to Santa Clara University.
For More Information
- Incoming, first-year students, and fall semester transfer students should contact the Law Admissions/Financial Aid Counselor at 408-554-4447.
- Visiting, continuing, and spring semester transfer students should contact the Law Financial Aid Office at 408-551-1719.
International/Foreign-Born/Naturalized Students
No specific grants or scholarships have been set aside exclusively for international students. International students compete with the general applicant pool for scholarships. Non-immigrant visa holders (F-1, H-1, H-4, etc.) are not eligible for federal student aid (i.e., federal loans, federal work-study). However, permanent residents and naturalized citizens are eligible and may apply for federal based aid.
Documenting Citizenship Status
The Department of Education requires the Financial Aid Office to verify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) documents for aid eligibility. Eligible non-citizens must submit USCIS documents within 30 days of receipt of the Student Aid Report. Documents requiring photographs must be of the student after age 14. If the photo was taken prior to age 14, the document must be updated. Students should contact USCIS immediately. Acceptable documents are listed below.
Original documents on the following list must be brought to the Law Financial Aid Office for copying.
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Citizens born outside the United States |
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- Certificate of Citizenship |
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- Certificate of Naturalization |
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- Certification of Birth Abroad Form FS-545, DS-1350, or FS-240, “Report of Birth Abroad” |
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Noncitizen Nationals |
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- U.S. Passport |
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Permanent Residents |
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- Foreign Passport |
Front and back photocopies of the following may be mailed to the Law Financial Aid Office as long as the student’s social security number is written on the copy.
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Permanent Residents |
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- "Alien Registration Receipt" Form I-151, I-551, or I-551C I-94 |
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Other Eligible Noncitizens |
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- "Temporary Resident Card" |
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- "Arrival-Departure Record" |
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- Form I-688 |
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For more information about the rules that govern the immigration status of international students on the F-1 visa, please visit the International Student Services Web site: www.scu.edu/f1.
