Financing Options
Drexel understands applicants face many challenges in financing a legal education. This page details the merit awards, private loan options, and additional funding sources the School of Law has assembled to help its students over financial hurdles and into the classroom.
Tuition, Expenses, and Fees
Law students are strongly advised not to work during their first year of studies. Therefore, it is essential to plan a realistic budget. Below are the current tuition rate and fees for study within the College of Law.
Tuition: $30,800
Fees: $690
Disclaimer
Tuition and fee rates, which are established annually by the University's Board of Trustees, are subject to change without notice. For the most updated information, contact the Office of Student/Bursar at 215-895-1445.
Admission and Scholarships
We pledge to offer our students an outstanding legal education. Our diverse faculty has exceptional qualifications; our curriculum is rich in breadth and depth; and our library and physical facilities are among the most modern and technologically advanced in the nation.
We seek students whose academic and personal qualifications are of the highest order and who will become leaders in the legal profession and the community. To ensure we reach that goal, we carefully review the academic record, Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores, and college and community activities of every applicant, as well as the recommendations of those who know each individual's accomplishments and potential. We give substantial consideration to ensure that our student body reflects the diversity of our community in order to serve it best.
Scholarship awards will be made with your admission decision, so you will have ample time to plan how you will finance your education.
Drexel Alumni Scholarships
Drexel offers special incentives for our alumni. Complete your Juris Doctor degree at Drexel and we will support your choice with the Drexel Alumni Scholarship. The program provides you with a $1,000 grant each year of full-time study.
Federal Loans
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
To receive a Stafford Student Loan and other types of need-based aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The best way to complete the application is via the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Enter "Drexel University" and Drexel's school code number 003256 on the FAFSA.
Federal income tax forms are not required with the FAFSA, although you may be required to supply copies of your income tax forms at a later date.
If you intend to enroll in the fall, complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 but before May 1.
Subsidized Federal Stafford Student Loan
A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. No interest is charged until you begin repayment, or during authorized periods of deferment. The federal government subsidizes the interest during these periods. A law student may borrow up to $8,500 per year. The current interest rate is fixed at 6.8 percent.
Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Student Loan
The Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is a federal student loan available to students who do not qualify for the subsidized loan. An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If you pay the interest as it accrues, you will pay less in the long run. The Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Student Loan can be issued for the full amount of eligibility, or in combination with a (subsidized) Federal Stafford Student Loan. Law students may borrow up to $12,000. Law students who do not qualify for a subsidized loan can borrow up to $8,500 in additional unsubsidized amounts.
Graduate PLUS Loan
The Graduate PLUS Loan is a loan made available to graduate and professional students who have exhausted their Stafford Loan eligibility for the academic year or who have reached their aggregate limit and meet the necessary requirements for the program.
To be eligible for the Graduate PLUS Loan, students must meet the following criteria:
- File the FAFSA
- Exhaust Stafford Loan eligibility
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Not be in default on an educational loan
- Must be credit worthy
- Must be accepted at a participating school
- Must be enrolled on at least a part-time basis
- Must be making satisfactory academic progress
To apply for a PLUS Loan, please complete the Request Form for Federal PLUS Loan and return it directly to the Student Resource Center/Financial Aid Office.
Private Education Loan
A private education loan is a credit-based consumer loan that can be used to pay any education-related expenses, including tuition and fees, books, and transportation. When the lender has determined if the student meets the approval criteria, the lender will contact Drexel for the school certification. After the certification has been provided, the lender will issue a disclosure statement detailing the loan agreement. If you request to borrow an amount that exceeds eligibility, Drexel will reduce the requested amount to comply with federal guidelines.
Education Finance Partners (EFP) provides student loans with low fees and interest rates. For more information about EFP, please review About Lending Services.
You can find more information on the terms and conditions for the EFP loan at http://www.myprivateloan.com/drexel or by calling 1-866-308-1071.
Outside Scholarships, Grants, and Loan Forgiveness Program
The School of Law has begun developing scholarships and fellowships that are sponsored by private businesses and the philanthropic community. Fundraising efforts are underway to develop a loan forgiveness program for students entering public interest positions. Please visit the School of Law website for updates and a current list of these opportunities.
Additional Funding Sources
Additional Benefits for Veterans
If you are a veteran who served on continuous active duty for 181 days or more after January 31, 1955, you may be eligible for educational benefits under the Montgomery G.I. Bill. If you are the dependent of a veteran who died or is permanently disabled as a result of service in the armed forces, you may also be eligible for educational benefits. Contact your local Department of Veteran Affairs office for details.
Non-Drexel Scholarships and Grants
You may be eligible for a specialized scholarship or grant from an outside agency. Some sources to explore include employers, unions, professional organizations, and community and special-interest groups.
Scholarship Search Engines
The following free scholarship search engines provide information on thousands of scholarships as well as information on financial aid and money management.