Loans

Please Note: As continuing students, you will need to remember to renew your FAFSA each year.  The Law Financial Aid (LFA) team handles the processing and disbursement of Law School student loans.  Please email the LFA at financialaid@law.uchicago.edu with any questions.

Tuition and Billing

For questions about your tuition bill or student account, please contact the Bursar's Office.

Computer Loans

All incoming law students will have $1,500 automatically applied to their financial aid packages to cover the cost of a laptop computer (or other computer equipment that may be needed).  Returning students may secure up to $1,500 in additional loan funding to replace a laptop computer, if needed. Students should contact LFA at financialaid@law.uchicago.edu with any questions regarding their student budget or loan increase requests.

Bar Loans

Some lenders offer private loans to graduating 3Ls to cover the costs of taking the bar exam. These loans are often made on the basis of credit and can range up to $15,000.  GFA provides a helpful list of private loan lenders and indicates which of those lenders are offering bar loans this year. Students should apply for bar loans directly through the lender of their choice and contact GFA for loan certification. Students should apply for bar loans before graduation.

Repaying Your Loans

It is very important to keep in contact with your lenders. Please remember that repayment of your loans is your responsibility. Lenders often provide different payment plan options such as graduated repayment, income-sensitive repayment, or extended repayment. Late payments can have severe penalties including damage to your credit rating.

Grace Periods

Under most loan programs, you will be allowed a grace period between the time your registration falls below half time and the time you have to begin repayment. This grace period allows you time to get established in a new job and a new living situation. Please refer to your promissory note for the grace period length.

Deferment or Forbearance

If you are having trouble repaying your loans, you should contact your lender to discuss repayment options such as deferment or forbearance. Deferment of federal loans is guaranteed under certain circumstances. Forbearance is an agreement between you and your lender to postpone your loan payments. GFA also provides a repayment brochure that you can download from their website.

Loan Consolidation

Loan consolidation enables a borrower with multiple loans from different lenders to obtain one loan with one interest rate and repayment schedule. Loan consolidation is intended solely for those who need greater flexibility in repaying their student loans or who seek to increase their monthly disposable income.  The Federal Student Aid website provides information on Loan Consolidation to help you determine whether consolidation would benefit you.