For Prospective and Admitted Students
The standard student budget at HLS allows for a moderate standard of living and does not provide an allowance for credit card payments. We strongly encourage you to clear all consumer debt prior to entering law school, even if you must reduce your savings to do so.
While attending law school, you should be especially wary of using credit cards as a substitute for careful budgeting. A credit card can come in handy as a convenient way to pay a bill or manage cash flow, but it is important not to rely on credit cards as a “bail out” for overspending. Wise credit card use can also help you establish a good credit record, and that can help you qualify for better rates on other types of credit in the future.