FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid Deadlines:

FALL - MAY 1
SPRING - OCTOBER 1
SUMMER - MARCH 1

To apply, please go to: http://www.stcl.edu/admissions/tuition.htm

When funding your legal education, you must begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This can be accessed via web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. In addition to the FAFSA, we also require you to submit the following documents, which will allow us to determine your federal loan eligibility:

• New Student Application for Financial Aid

Once a file is under review, other documents may be required from either the Department of Education or our office. All of these forms can be obtained from our website at www.stcl.edu under the Admissions/Financial Aid tab. The above forms are due in our office by May 1 if you are seeking aid. This deadline is extremely important to meet as it determines the timeliness in receiving your federal loans. I strongly urge you to submit all documents to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid as soon as possible. Please do not wait for a decision from our Admissions Office, as these two processes are independent of each other.   Documents should still be submitted after October 1 if you are seeking aid. 

Your financial aid award is based on the Total Cost of Attendance (COA). Please see the example below of how the COA is determined for a student's budget:

                                                                 

Budget Category	Fall/Spring	Per Semester	Fall/Spring	Per Semester
	9 Months Full-Time	4 ½ Months	9 Months Part-Time	4 ½ Months
Tuition & Fees	24,990	12,495	16,860	8,430
Books	2,000	1,000	2,000	1,000
Room & Board	9,500	4,750	9,500	4,750
Misc/Personal	3,500	1,750	3,500	1,750
Transportation	3,700	1,850	3,700	1,850
Total COA	$43,690	$21,845	$35,560	$17,780

 

All students are eligible to apply for Stafford Loans in the amount of $20,500. To offset the remaining Cost of Attendance, Graduate Plus loans, federal work-study, external gift aid, and scholarships are other available sources. Dean's Merit Scholarships, which are offered through the Office of Admissions, are automatically awarded to admitted students whose undergraduate G.P.A. and LSAT score meet an established criteria.

If you would like to check on the status of your financial aid file or have any questions regarding the federal financial aid program, please feel free to contact us at (713) 646-1820 or go online to view your STANLEY account.

Let me help you finance your legal education:

What is the process for determining if I’m eligible for financial aid?

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA
Step 2: Submit South Texas application for financial aid
Step 3: An award letter will be sent for your review

If I’m working full-time and attending law school part-time, can I still receive financial aid?

Yes, you will be eligible for federal loans, however your expected family contribution (EFC) that is determined by the Department of Education (DOE) will be used to determine which loan program you will be eligible for. The loan maximum is $20,500 per academic year.

How do I apply for grants and scholarships?

You must complete the FAFSA before the May 1 deadline each academic year.

How do I pick a lender for student loans?

I suggest that you review the lenders provided on the lender list and compare borrower benefits and loan fees.

What if my loans and scholarships don’t cover all my law school expenses?

Unfortunately the federal loans will not cover tuition for a full-time student, the maximum is $20,500. However, we offer merit scholarships, through Admissions, federal work study, grad plus loans, and alternative loans.

When do I get my loan and scholarship funds?

The Accounting Services office at South Texas will disburse all funds typically the second week of classes.

What personal factors affect my financial aid amount and loan eligibility?

The DOE only looks at the individual student when determining loan eligibility. Any external or internal scholarships, employer reimbursements, or veteran’s benefits will count as resources and potentially reduce your loan debt.

How often is financial available to me throughout law school?

A FAFSA must be renewed each academic year.