Financial Aid FAQs
Do I have to apply for need based financial aid?
The University of Chicago Law School admits students on a need blind basis and you are not required to apply for need based aid. The Admissions Office does not know who has applied for aid and they make their admissions decisions based on the merit of the student only. However, if you choose to apply for need based scholarship aid, you must fill out the Need Access form by February 1.
Have you received my financial aid application and FAFSA?
The Law School does not have access to your financial aid documents. You should contact the Student Loan Administration directly to check on the processing of your financial aid application.
How do I apply for scholarships?
Because all admitted students are automatically considered for merit aid, you do not need to apply for merit based scholarships. If you choose to apply for need-based scholarships you must fill out the Need Access form by February 1.
How do I apply for loans?
To apply for loans, you must complete the FAFSA and the Graduate Student Loan Application by May 15 (the priority processing deadline at SLA). Once SLA has received these two applications, they will send you an email detailing which loan programs you qualify for, and in what amounts.
Once you have decided which loans to accept, you must choose a lender. SLA provides a list of lenders for your convenience but you are free to choose any lender you like. Apply for your loans online via your lender's website and fill out the Master Promissory Note for your Stafford loans.
SLA processes loan applications on a first come, first served basis. Students should allow 4-6 weeks for SLA to process your application.
My lender says they are waiting for the school to certify my loans - what does this mean?
SLA does not request that the loans be released from your lender until a week before the start of the quarter.
I still have not received my financial aid package. Who do I contact?
You should receive emails from both SLA and from the Director of Financial Aid at the Law School.
If you have not received a financial aid email from SLA detailing which loans you qualify for, and in what amounts, please contact SLA directly.
If you have not received a letter from the Law School Financial Aid Office discussing our loan repayment program, summer funding, and informing you whether or not you will receive a scholarship, please contact the Law School Financial Aid Office.
I have questions about the University of Chicago Graduate Loan Application. Who do I contact?
Please contact SLA directly at student-loans@uchicago.edu or 773-702-6061.
When should I apply for financial aid?
The FAFSA is available starting January 1. If you would like SLA to email you a preliminary financial aid letter, you must complete the FAFSA online by March 1.
In order for SLA to process your financial aid package, they must have your FAFSA and Graduate Student Loan Application by May 15 (for priority processing).
Do I have to include my parents' information on the FAFSA?
No. For the purposes of loans and the FAFSA once you are in graduate school, you are considered "independent".
Do I have to include my parents' information on the Need Access form?
Yes. For purposes of need based scholarship aid, you must submit your parents' information on the Need Access form. This is true even if you are no longer considered a dependent and your parents will not be contributing financially to your law school education.
My parents are not contributing financially to my law school education. Do I have to provide their information?
Yes. You must provide parental information if you intend to apply for need-based scholarship aid. Please disclose this information on the Need Access form.
You do not, however, have to include your parents' information on the FAFSA because you are considered independent for the purposes of loans.
When will I hear whether or not I have received a scholarship?
You will receive an email from the Law School Financial Aid Office in the spring after you have been admitted. We hope to begin sending out scholarship notifications in February.
Scholarship notifications take into consideration both merit and need (if you applied for need-based scholarship aid with the Need Access form by February 1).
Do you match scholarship offers from other law schools?
No. The University of Chicago Law School does not match scholarship offers from other schools.
Can I take out less than the cost of attendance in loans?
Yes. The only funds due to the University are tuition and fees. Above and beyond that, any money you take out goes toward your living expenses and is therefore at your discretion. Having a roommate, for example, can considerably cut down the cost of housing. If you choose to take out less than the cost of attendance, please contact SLA and apply for a lesser amount with your lender.
If you find that halfway through the school year you need the additional funds you should contact SLA to take out another loan.
I am an international student - what loans can I apply for?
If you are an international student and are ineligible for federal loans, SLA has posted a few options for you here.
I submitted my FAFSA and Graduate Loan Application two weeks ago. Is there a problem/delay with my application?
No. SLA processes loans on a first come, first served basis and so you should expect a 4-6 week application processing time.
Why has my Perkins loan not disbursed?
The Student Loan Administration (SLA) administers the Federal Perkins Loan. You may contact that office with disbursement questions. In order for your Federal Perkins Loan to apply to your account you must complete the following:
- Perkins Promissory Note (in person),
- Reference Form (www.uchicago.edu/student/loans/Reference_Revised_.pdf), and
- Entrance interview (www.mapping-your-future.org)
Does the University of Chicago Law School participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans?
Yes. The Law School will fund two students for the 09-10 school year.
I applied for loans last year. Do I have to do this again this year?
Yes. Each year you must re-submit the FAFSA and submit new loan applications as your financial circumstances may have changed.
I just graduated and am wondering whether I can defer my payments?
Stafford loans have a 6 month grace period and Perkins loans have a 9 month grace period. Beyond that, alumni can contact their lender to see if they qualify for a deferment or forbearance of their loans.
Who are my lenders?
During Exit Counseling your 3L year, SLA will go over your loans with you and point you toward resources to help you gather your loan information.
I heard the federal government has a new loan repayment program. Where can I get information on this?
The federal student loan forgiveness program is new and many of the details are in the works. Equal Justice Works has compiled a great amount of information on the program, some of which can be found here: http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/files/ejw_ccraa.pdf
