FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS

Federal Direct loans are the major form of financial aid for law students. Any regularly eligible student enrolled at least half-time may borrow loans. There are two types of loans available; subsidized (need-based with a maximum of $8500 per year) and unsubsidized (non-need based with a maximum of $20,500 per year, less any subsidized loans received). Effective 7/1/07, the maximum annual combined loan limit will be the lesser of $20,500 or the cost of attendance minus other financial aid. Most students are eligible for the maximum.

FEDERAL GRADUATE PLUS LOANS

Effective 7/1/2006, graduate students are eligible to borrow under the PLUS loan program up to their cost of attendance minus other estimated financial assistance. Federal Direct subsidized/unsubsidized loans must be applied for first. The terms and conditions include that applicants must not have an adverse credit history, repayment begins on the date of the last disbursement of the loan (students still in school can get forbearance to postpone repayment), 4% origination fees are charged and the interest rate is fixed at 7.9 percent. These loans will be helpful for those students in the 3-year program or others who must rely on private or alternative loans to cover their educational expenses. Unlike private/alternative loans, PLUS loans are easier to qualify for, federally regulated, capped at 9% interest rate (can never exceed that rate) and able to be consolidated with Federal Direct subsidized/unsubsidized loans upon graduation.

To Apply For Federal Graduate PLUS Loan
Go to https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action, sign in using your PIN and choose the Grad PLUS loan application.  You must also complete a Grad PLUS master promissory note and Grad PLUS entrance counselling if it is your first time to apply for a Grad PLUS loan.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Each year a number of SJCL scholarships are awarded. Private groups outside San Joaquin College of Law also offer scholarships to SJCL students. Scholarship information is forwarded to students via their student email account, or, if the application process is not available online, it will be posted on the financial aid bulletin board near the student mailboxes. Announcements, whether via email or posting, provide specific information about provisions, qualifications, and deadlines. Paper application forms, for those not available online, are kept at the front desk and in the Financial Aid Office. For further information about scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Director.

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY

This is a need-based federal program that provides job opportunities to eligible students who wish to earn money to assist with educational expenses. Jobs are available on a limited basis and most require the completion of the first year of law school to qualify. The school receives a federal grant to pay a portion of the wages for the positions that the school administers. Contact the Financial Aid Director for further details.

VETERAN'S EDUCATION BENEFITS

Students who are eligible for educational assistance through the Veterans’ Education Benefit programs may obtain information and forms from the Financial Aid Office. Members of the Selected Reserve may also be eligible for educational assistance.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE THE FINANCIAL AID FUNDS?

No financial aid can be disbursed until all financial aid documents are complete.  Federal Direct loan disbursements are made to the school in equal payments at the beginning of each term. The first disbursement is approximately 3 weeks after the start of the first term of the academic year. Remaining disbursements for the year are made about two weeks after the start of the subsequent term(s). Check with the accounting office for issue dates of overage checks (amounts over what is owed to the school for tuition and fees). NOTE: Book purchases must be made using your own resources. Tuition payments can be delayed until your financial aid has been received.

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

Additional information on the financial aid programs can be found on the Department of Education (FSA) website. If you have any further questions about financial aid policies or the application process contact Jeannie Lewis at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (559) 323-2100 x405 for assistance.

LIFETIME LEARNING TAX CREDIT

Students may receive tax credit equal to 20 percent of the first $10,000 of qualifying tuition paid or $2,000 maximum per qualifying family per year. NOTE: You may also be able to reduce your taxable income by up to $4000 for qualified higher-education expenses that you paid during the tax year. This deduction may benefit you if your income is too high to qualify for the Lifetime Learning credits.