Can I ask a law school for more money?

Asked by: Dr. Tatum Hettinger Sr.  |  Last update: December 16, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (55 votes)

You can ask for a specific amount (“If you could increase my total award to $90,000”), ask for a school to match a peer school's offer, or simply ask if they can increase their award. We usually recommend that you ask for a specific amount or a match.

How to negotiate a law school offer?

If you want to go to law school, start by making your own argument. Don't be arrogant in the request – threatening to not enroll, or claiming a school with a lower ranking offered money is not a good approach. If the school chooses not to increase their award, don't reply with a negative response.

Can you negotiate merit scholarships law school?

Some schools openly negotiate with students and even expect it when they make you an initial offer. Other schools have a strict policy of no negotiations. Know what the policy of the schools you are considering and set your expectations accordingly. Save offer letters and get any additional offer in writing.

How do I ask for more scholarship money?

Put It in Writing

Ask the school if it can offer more scholarship money to make your attendance more feasible. Applicants should use family circumstances as compelling reasons for the school to reconsider. A substantial income change, medical issues, or childcare expenses could help sway the decision in your favor.

How do most people afford law school?

Financial aid is available. The primary funding options are Scholarships and grants—the “free” money this is either funded by your law school or funded by private organizations, civic groups, etc.; Loans which can be federal loans or private/alternative/institutional loans.

Top 5 Tips for Law School Scholarship Negotiation

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Is it worth going to an expensive law school?

Law schools are divided into tiers. Tier one schools are the most prestigious and competitive—and they're usually the most expensive. But earning a degree from those schools can help your employment and earning prospects, especially if you plan on pursuing a career with a top law firm.

Is law school worth it with no debt?

The majority of law school graduates (over three quarters) feel that their degree was not worth the cost. The average law school graduate debt is $145,500, while their starting salary comes in much less.

Is it OK to ask for more scholarship money?

The process of asking for more merit-based aid can seem daunting, but it's definitely worth it. If done correctly, it can help save you money while also showing the college why you're the best investment they could make.

Can I ask for a bigger scholarship?

Here, we are going to focus on asking for additional scholarship money. First off, you should know that it is always fine to go back and ask the college for more funds. There is no downside. But, you need to be prepared to have a school stay firm in their scholarship amount.

Can you call a college and ask for more money?

If it's a needs-based appeal, contact the financial aid office to ask for more aid. If it's a merit-based appeal, contact the enrollment or admissions office. Explain that you want to initiate a Professional Judgement Review (or Special Circumstances Review, as some schools call it).

How to negotiate more scholarship money law school?

How To Ask For More Scholarship Money. To effectively negotiate a scholarship with a law school: Show them an offer from another comparable law school that exceeds your current offer. Analyze the cost of attending one school versus another.

Can I get 100% scholarship in Harvard Law School?

The Financial Aid Program at Harvard Law School is 100% need-based. We do not have any merit-based financial assistance available through our office. The aid offered is designed to help students who demonstrate financial need to meet the gap between the annual cost of attendance and the student's family resources.

Which law school gives best scholarships?

Top 10 Law Schools With Full-Ride Scholarships
  • UCLA School of Law. ...
  • Duke Law School. ...
  • New York University Law School. ...
  • The University of Pennsylvania Law School. ...
  • Boston University Law School. ...
  • The University of Virginia Law School. ...
  • Arizona State University Law School. ...
  • The University of Texas Law School.

Can you negotiate tuition after accepting?

Is College Tuition Negotiable? While it's not widely advertised by schools, the short answer is yes, it's possible to work with a college or university to get a better deal on tuition, fees, and other costs of attendance. This is something you may be able to do whether enrolling in a public or private university.

Can I accept multiple law school offers?

Accepting a spot requires a non-refundable seat deposit. The deadline is never before April 1, and usually is during the last two weeks of April. If you can afford the non-refundable deposits, you can accept spots at more than one law school (unless accepting a scholarship offer binds you to the school).

Can I negotiate an offer after accepting?

Treat negotiating a salary after accepting a job offer with great caution. If you are prepared to be open, honest and allow your new employer to see you are being reasonable, it may make them feel more open to enter back into negotiations if they have such bandwidth.

Is $25,000 a good scholarship?

Only 0.2% of students receive upwards of $25,000 in scholarships. 5% of students in bachelor programs got enough of scholarships to cover 100% of costs. 7% received enough to cover 90% of costs. 9% received enough funds to cover 75% of costs.

Can you ask for more merit money?

Schools are not required to increase your merit scholarship amount, but it doesn't hurt to reach out and ask the question. Be open about your finances, be humble about your inability to make their offer work, and be grateful for what they offer you; whether it increases or not.

What is the #1 way to increase your chances for a scholarship?

Raise Your GPA for More Scholarships

In general, if a scholarship includes a GPA requirement, the lowest they will go is around a 2.5 GPA. Study hard, do your work, seek help if you need it, and put your nose to the grindstone to increase your GPA, and lower your ultimate college debt.

Is a 5000 dollar scholarship good?

Scholarship award amounts vary across the board, but $5,000 can go a long way toward tuition, books, housing, and many other education-related expenses. Start your search for scholarships by checking out our list of $5000 scholarship awards.

What is a good amount of scholarship money?

The average scholarship amount is $5,000 to $10,000 annually. These scholarships are typically available through the college you are planning on attending. Community partners and professional organizations offer them as well.

What happens if you have more than enough scholarship money?

Receiving too much scholarship money is a rare but possible scenario. If you've received scholarship funds that are greater than your cost of tuition and fees, oftentimes your college or university will send you a refund for the leftover money.

How many lawyers regret law school?

Law School Regret by the Numbers

Only 37 percent strongly agreed that they would attend law school again. Only 35 percent said law school prepared them well for practicing. Only 20 percent strongly agreed that their law school was worth the cost.

How to afford law school without loans?

Law school scholarships and grants

Some law schools may have scholarships or grants their students can apply for. Grants are often need-based while scholarships can be need-based or merit-based. Look at the websites of the schools you're applying to and talk to their financial aid offices to find out more.

Does law school ever get easier?

The second year (2L)

Well done! You've made it to your second year of law school. Most law students find their second year easier than their first. By the second year, you know what to expect and you know you're capable of rising to the various challenges.