Law Financial Aid

The Office of Law Financial Aid is committed to providing all law students financial aid assistance to keep you informed and explore all funding opportunities and resources.  

USF ID Number

In order to better assist law students and reply to your financial aid inquiries in a timely manner, please be sure to include your USF ID Number in any email inquiries to the Law Financial Aid Office.  In addition, any requests to update your financial aid record should come directly from your USF email account. We cannot process any requests for assistance sent from your personal email accounts.

Law Financial Aid Walk-in, Appointments (In-Person, Virtual)

The Law School’s Financial Aid Office is taking the necessary measures to implement and improve our customer service strategies. We want you to have the best experience with our office so we would like to provide information on new changes to our customer service support methods. 

Our office will be available for in-person visits and appointments as well as virtual appointments. Getting in-person assistance is easy.

You can schedule an appointment on the following methods below:

1.    Text USFDonsLAW to 415-914-9982 then text the code for the type of service you wish to receive help with.
2.    Day-to-day appointment. Make an appointment online through the Home Kiosk.   Enter your Name and phone number.
3.    Future virtual appointments (24 hours and later).

Fall 2026 Financial Aid Disbursement Date

The Disbursement date is the earliest possible date that funds from both federal and private sources can be sent to the University each semester.  Funds are sent electronically by each provider in two equal installments, once each semester. Federal regulations require that aid be disbursed no earlier than approximately one week before the start of each term. Scholarship funds are also disbursed at the same time federal and private loan funds are disbursed.

The earliest scheduled disbursement date for both federal and private sources for the Fall 2026 was Friday, August 14, 2026.

Once funds disburse, your fall semester bill is paid off and any remaining funds left over after your bill is paid, is refunded to you.  Aid will continue to be disbursed throughout each semester as individual student financial aid files become complete later in the term and/or additional federal or private loan applications are processed and approved.

Spring 2027 - The earliest disbursement date for the Spring 2027 semester will be Monday, January 4, 2027.

Fall 2026 Excess Aid Refund Process

If your total financial aid exceeds your tuition bill, you will be refunded any excess aid funds once your aid disburses and after your tuition bill is paid. Your excess aid funds should be used to cover your cost of living expenses (food, rent, etc.) for the semester.  The refund process typically begins the next day AFTER funds are disbursed. 

Refunds are sent electronically to your bank account as long as you have signed up for the direct deposit refund process. If you have not signed up for direct deposit refund process, a paper check refund will be made available to you.

IMPORTANT: The disbursement date is NOT the date you receive the excess funds in your bank account.  Direct deposit refunds are typically received in your bank account 3-5 business days AFTER the aid funds have been disbursed to your University student account, depending on your banking institution. 

A paper check refund is typically made available 10-15 business days AFTER the aid funds have disbursed to the University. Refunds as a result of an overpayment from a personal check may take up to 15 business days to process. If you are already enrolled in direct deposit, you do NOT need to re-enroll. Please be sure however, that your assigned bank account on file is still active by viewing the information online via your myUSF student portal.

If you are relying on a refund for living expenses including the purchase of your books, food, etc., please plan accordingly. The USF Student Accounts Office will make every effort to insure that you receive your refund in a timely manner, but there can be unanticipated delays due to excessive refund processing as the University processes aid refunds for all USF students around the same time.  Please note that the earliest that a student can expect to receive a direct deposit aid refund in their bank account may not be until the week of August 24. Be sure to plan your finances accordingly for the beginning of the semester as aid refunds may not be available until the first week of classes.

The direct deposit refund process is the quickest way to receive excess aid funds for living expenses.  It is highly recommended that you sign up for this refund process.  If you are not enrolled in direct deposit refund processing, the enrollment information is noted below.   Online Instructions:
•    Log on to myUSF.
•    Select “Banner Self-Service Student” from the dashboard.
•    Click on the four squares icon in the top left of the Student Services homepage.
•    Select Banner.
•    Choose the "My Profile" option.
•    Select "Direct Deposit".
You may update or change your direct deposit information at any time. Once you enroll, please allow 5 business days for your bank account to be verified and the direct deposit process to be activated. Any excess aid funds after tuition is paid will be processed as a paper check refund if direct deposit is not activated.
 

Fall 2026 Semester Loan Deferment Information

All USF students who borrow funds from the federal government are eligible to receive loan repayment deferments while enrolled in law school at least half-time.  The University Registrar will send class registration confirmation to the National Student Loan Clearinghouse in mid-September AFTER our law school census date (last date to withdraw with partial tuition refund).  This Clearinghouse is used by all lenders to confirm your registration for the academic year.  No additional forms are needed for you to complete to receive loan repayment deferments for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Graduate PLUS Loan.

Health Insurance Waiver for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027

All USF students are required to have insurance. To insure this mandate, USF will automatically bill and enroll all students in University sponsored health insurance. If you are currently on a comparable plan or plan to be on one during the upcoming academic year, you can apply for a waiver of the USF health insurance. The waiver period for the Fall 2026 is from June 30 through September 1.  There are no exceptions to the wavier period.  Information and an online application to waive the University sponsored health insurance fee can be found on the USF Health Promotions Services web site.  Please note that if you apply for a waiver during the Fall 2025 waiver period and are approved, you do not need to do it again for the Spring 2027 as a waiver approved during the Fall waiver period will also apply for the Spring.
 

Applying for Financial/FAFSA for Fall 2026/Spring 2027

Students who seek to receive federal financial aid for the 2026-27 academic year are required to complete the new 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. For the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 academic year has been available online since October 1.  The FAFSA can be filed at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Our Title IV code is 001325 and must be included in your FAFSA application. 

Financial Aid award notification for the Fall 2026/Spring 2027 will begin in May for current students who have completed a 2026-27 FAFSA as long as the 2026-27 FAFSA is completed and USF receives your FAFSA information by the priority date March 1, 2026. Award information will be available to view online via your myUSF student portal. You will be sent an email notification at that time by the Financial Aid Office indicating that you can review your financial aid award online via your myUSF online student portal.

IMPORTANT: The 2026-27 FAFSA can be completed after March 1 priority deadline, and you will still be able to receive federal educational loan aid for this year. However, delaying completing your FAFSA will affect when you receive your award notice.  The FAFSA should be completed as soon as possible in order to receive the maximum financial aid consideration for 2026-27.

The FAFSA should be completed as soon as possible but no later than the priority date was March 1, 2026 in order to receive the maximum financial aid consideration for 2026-27 (this date is especially important for those continuing students who wish to be considered for the Federal Work Study award).

Bar Loan Information 

Spring 2026 graduating students may consider applying for a private bar examination loan to help cover living expenses during the July 2026 bar preparation period. These are private educational loans offered by individual lenders and are subject to credit approval.

Please be aware that in recent years, fewer lenders have continued offering dedicated bar examination loans, and availability may be limited. Students are encouraged to research options early and review lender terms carefully.

Information may be obtained through the USF Private Loan website or by visiting lenders’ websites directly.

Disclaimer: The University of San Francisco School of Law does not recommend, endorse, or promote any specific lender. Any lender information provided represents companies that have previously offered bar examination loans to USF law students. It is your responsibility to evaluate and select the lender that best meets your needs.
For complete and up-to-date details, including eligibility criteria, interest rates, fees, and repayment terms, please visit the individual lender websites.

Important: Compare lenders carefully to evaluate interest rates, fees, and repayment options.  

Upcoming Private Scholarship Deadlines   

Lemon Law Experts Scholarship
The Lemon Law Experts have represented thousands of consumers throughout the State of California for over a decade.  Our firm has a strong connection to our community and is committed to helping the next generation of attorneys.  Founding Partner, Jessica Anvar is a strong supporter of higher education and believes students should be able to follow their dream career paths. This is why the Lemon Law Experts is proud to offer a scholarship award to two deserving current or prospective law school students to help pay a portion of the winners’ upcoming college or law school costs.
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Amount: $1,000

Skadden Foundation Fellowship (rising 2L, LLM)
The foundation will award two-year fellowships for 2023 law school graduates, outgoing judicial law clerks, and LL.M. candidates who want to work in the public interest. The FAQs provide general information about the Skadden Fellowship and our application process. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have additional questions or would like to discuss your specific project proposal.
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Amount: TBA

Pound Civil Justice Scholarship
The Civil Justice Scholarship Award, bestowed periodically to published legal academics, recognizes current, scholarly legal research and writing focused on topics in civil justice, including access to justice and the benefits of the U.S. civil justice system, as well as the right to trial by jury in civil cases.
Deadline: September 7, 2026
Amount: $10,000

Independence Foundation Legal Fellowship Program
The Independence Foundation is a private, not-for-profit philanthropic organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serving Philadelphia and its surrounding counties.  The Foundation is specifically interested in addressing the need for legal aid and assistance to the disadvantaged.  In order to help to meet this need, in 1996 the Foundation established the Independence Foundation Public Interest Law Fellowship Program.  Independence Foundation Public Interest Law Fellowships provide support for law school graduates, outgoing judicial law clerks and attorneys who are currently employed and who want to work in the public interest for a legal services organization that qualifies as a 501(c)(3) organization and provides legal services to individuals who are disadvantaged, including the elderly, the disabled, the homeless or those deprived of their civil or human rights.
Deadline: October 12, 2026
Amount: varies

Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Law School Diversity Scholarship and Application (Diversity)
Applicant is a member of an ethnic, racial, or other minority or any individual who demonstrates a defined commitment to issues of diversity within their community; Applicant is a U.S. citizen currently attending an accredited law school within the U.S.; Academic achievement as reflected by a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least on semester of classes completed at an accredited law school.
Deadline: October 1, 2026
Amount: $2,000

San Francisco Future Legal Leaders Scholarship
We want to lift future legal professionals who study near our San Francisco office.
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Amount: $2,000

Emery Reddy, PLLC scholarships
Each year we offer financial assistance to student with an interest in pursuing careers in the legal field.
Deadline: November 30, 2026
Amount: $2,500

Lucas Law Legal Leaders Spring Scholarship
Lucas Law established the Legal Leaders Scholarship with the purpose of lightening the burden of costly tuition, books, and room and board for students pursuing careers in various fields of law. Our firm is honored to assist college students with their educational expenses. The Lucas Law Legal Leaders Scholarship gives $1,000 each semester to one student who aspires to excel within the legal community.
Deadline: November 11, 2026
Amount: Up to $1,000

Global Citizen Scholarship Application 
Andrew Cores Family Law Group provides extensive trial experience and thoughtful legal counsel to our clients. The attorneys at our Illinois firm believe in investing resources and time into the legal community for the betterment of future generations of lawyers and the profession as a whole. Having dedicated our lives to the legal profession, the attorneys with Andrew Cores Family Law Group are excited to assist law students with expenses related to their college education. 
Deadline: December 31, 2026
Amount: $1,000 - $8,000