Loans

NIU College of Law participates in all Title IV programs available to graduate and professional students.

Qualified borrowers may borrow up to the cost of attendance as set by the Department of Education.

To be eligible for financial aid opportunities, applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application each year at www.fafsa.ed.gov. NIU College of Law encourages students to complete the FAFSA application well in advance of the March 1st priority deadline, though this form may be processed after the priority deadline. When completing the FAFSA, all law students are considered independent.

Northern Illinois University's Title IV Code Number is 001737.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans

Law students with or without demonstrated need may obtain up to $20,500 each year from the Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program. As of July 1, 2012, there will no longer be subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans. The U.S. Department of Education does not pay interest on an unsubsidized loan: rather, the student is responsible for paying the interest that accrues on the loan from the time the loan is disbursed until the time it is paid in full.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

Law students who are enrolled in at least 9 credit hours per semester are eligible to borrow money under the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Program. They are eligible to borrow up to the cost of education, minus other estimated financial assistance. The amount of a law student's budget (as determined by the school) over $20,500 may be borrowed in the form of a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. Graduate PLUS entrance counseling is required if the student has not received prior Graduate PLUS Loans through the Direct Lending Program. A student must complete a Direct PLUS Loan Request Form and a Master Promissory Note from http://studentloans.gov. Each student will be required to pass a credit check.

Private/Alternative Loans

Students may also borrow money from any number of private lending institutions. Many institutions have loans specifically set aside for graduate or professional students. Once again, you may borrow up to the cost of education minus all other financial assistance received.

Bar Study Loans

Bar study loans are specifically designed for recent law school graduates. They assist with bar application costs and with living expenses during the time a graduate spends studying for the bar exam. Check with your current student loan lender or other lenders to get the best interest rate for this type of private loan. Bar study loans usually cannot be consolidated with other law school student loans.

A bar study loan application and promissory note must be certified by the University Student Financial Aid Office prior to graduation. Complete and sign the application and bring it to the University Student Financial Aid Office for certification. Keep in mind that you may be denied if you do not have a good credit rating.

International Student Loans

Some international students qualify for financial aid above and beyond the cost of education. The student must have lived in the United States for over three years, and he/she must have established credit for three years.

For potential resources, visit the following sites:

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