Graduate Program Financial Aid
The Harvard Law School Graduate Program financial aid office administers the financial aid for LL.M. and S.J.D. students. The Graduate Program offers financial aid in the form of grants (also referred to as scholarships) – which do not need to be repaid – as well as loans. In addition, students may be able to earn approximately $3,500 through term-time employment on campus. Grant funding also may be available to students directly through scholarship programs administered by the Harvard University Committee on General Scholarships.
Graduate Program financial aid is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need. A student’s total financial aid award cannot exceed the amount of their LL.M. or S.J.D. academic year budget. The Graduate Program does not award scholarships that are not need-based (so-called “merit” scholarships) because these would reduce the resources available for need-based aid and significantly increase the debt burden of every financially needy student.
For students whose demonstrated financial need is not fully satisfied by their law school grants, student loans are available to help meet education expenses. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for student loans from the federal government and/or “supplemental” loans, which are educational loans from private sources. International students are not eligible for U.S. government loans, but they are eligible for certain supplemental loans (with or without a U.S. co-signer). Harvard Law School also offers a very limited amount of loan funding to U.S. and Canadian citizens and to students from certain countries who are unable to obtain loan funding from any other sources.
Personal Finance and Financial Wellness
Personal finance is an important and central part of reducing stress in your life. Additionally, more and more employers expect Harvard Law School students to have better financial skills, including personal financial management. Whether you receive financial aid or not, we encourage you to learn more about the personal finance information provided by the Graduate Program Financial Aid office.
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Helpful Financial Aid and Billing Resources
Financial Aid Resources
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Harvard University Committee on General Scholarships
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U.S. Federal Student Aid Resources
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Harvard University Supplemental (Private) Loans
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Harvard University’s Student Loan Code of Conduct
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Loan Payment Calculator
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Accrued Interest Calculator
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Harvard Law School Preferred Lender Page for International Students
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Harvard Law School Preferred Lender Page for Domestic Students