Scholarships and Grants
There are a number of different kinds of grants and scholarships, including UConn-funded scholarships for both JD and LLM students, a variety of external grants and scholarships as well as financial aid for international students.
Students should note that any awards must be reported to the Student Finance Office. Students may not have financial aid in excess of their cost of attendance or financial need. If total financial aid already equals the cost of attendance, student loans or other aid must be reduced to resolve the overaward.
Law Students First Fund
UConn Law students who have experienced an unanticipated hardship may receive a gift through the Law Students First Fund to help ease the financial burden they are experiencing. By providing resources in times of need, the Law Students First Fund allows the Office of Student Affairs to demonstrate the care and concern that the UConn Law community feels for our students. The Law Students First Fund is supported by private donors, including the AccessLex Institute. Please contact law.studentservices@uconn.edu with further questions or concerns.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Students First Fund, individuals must meet the criteria listed below:
- Enrolled at UConn Law
- Demonstrate financial hardship due to an emergency situation, or for unanticipated and compelling circumstances that jeopardize the student’s ability to successfully continue at UConn Law (documentation must be provided)
- Accessing all other possible funding sources as appropriate including student loans
Process to Request Support
University of Connecticut staff, faculty and/or students may create a request for support by submitting an application that details the individual student’s needs using this form. Students may submit requests for support on their own behalf. Supporting documentation (e.g., receipts showing date of purchase, breakdown of expenses, etc.) must be included with the request.
Review Process
Once the request is received, the student’s enrollment will be verified and financial aid status will be reviewed. Financial aid status must be reviewed in advance to ensure that the receipt of this grant would not adversely impact the student’s aid package. Requests will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as they are submitted.
The average award is approximately $500 but requested amounts are not guaranteed. The Law Students First Fund cannot meet the needs of all requests and when appropriate students will be referred to other potential funding sources for possible assistance.
The process to review requests and notify a student of the decision typically takes 2-3 business days. Once the committee makes a decision, the student will be notified of the status of the request via email.
UConn Law Scholarships
Inquiries about Merit and Foundation scholarships for JD students should be directed to JD Admissions at law.admissions@uconn.edu or (860) 570-5100.
A limited number of non-renewable scholarships are awarded to LLM students by the LLM Admissions Office.
Dean’s Scholarships
All admitted students are automatically considered for scholarship aid based on the factors presented in their applications. No separate application is necessary and notification of awards is made within a few weeks of acceptance. Most Dean’s Scholarships are renewable and unconditional, meaning students can depend on them for the duration of their enrollment.
Foundation Scholarships
During the spring, the Admissions Office awards additional scholarships through the Foundation Scholarship Program. The annual value of this scholarship pool usually exceeds $250,000 with award amounts ranging from $1,000 to full tuition. All admitted students are considered for Foundation Scholarship awards.
External Scholarship Databases
Resources for International Students
The best resource for grants to study abroad at the University of Connecticut School of Law is a student's home country. Aside from this, “Financial Aid for International Students” may provide information on the types of and processes involved in obtaining a grant. International students who are on a student visa do not qualify for tuition remission grants or Federal Stafford Loans or GRAD Plus Loans.
Some countries may have financial aid available and may require the student to return home after their education in complete. Contact the cultural section of the embassy or ministry of education for more information, since there are many awards which require students to be nominated by their governments.
The only alternative financing available in the United States is through a private lender/bank. Most lenders require a co-signer who is a US citizen. Approval of these loans is made independently by the lending institution after the University of Connecticut School of Law certifies enrollment and cost of attendance. Contact the Student Finance Office for additional information about the private loan application process.
Other Scholarship Resources
FinAid!
General Scholarship and Aid Information
FTC Consumer Information
Scholarship and Financial Aid Scams
ThoughtCo.
Financial Aid and FAFSA Information