What are the different paths you can take to find the loan that is best for you? Start here, and scroll down to begin your search.
Before applying for a loan, you will want to review Step 2 of the overall financial aid process as well as our “How Do I Choose A Loan Program?” page which will help you evaluate your loan options. Additional resources and terminology may be found on Learn More About Student Loans.
In addition to the loan programs listed above, some students qualify for Harvard Law School Loans. There is no application for HLS loans other than your application for need-based financial aid.
J.D. students who are eligible for HLS grant assistance also qualify for an HLS loan. Students should review the terms of this loan below and compare them to the terms of any other loan options under consideration before deciding to accept or decline the HLS loan via the SFS portal. (See Step 2 of the overall financial aid process for more on adjusting loan amounts.)
The HLS loan is available as an additional loan for LL.M. students with U.S. federal loans and for other students in limited situations. For eligible students, the HLS loan will be included in the student’s financial aid award letter.
This loan is automatically included in your provisional Eligibility Notice – if qualified
This loan is typically offered to J.D. students who qualify for HLS Grant assistance, J.D. or S.J.D. students who qualify for SPIF, and in exceptional cases as reviewed and determined by the J.D. Financial Aid Committee.
LL.M. students from certain countries with need-based financial aid may qualify for an HLS Loan. The Graduate Program will inform students of their eligibility.
Interest Rate for 10 Year Loan Term
5.00% Fixed Other rates range from 5 to 7% depending on varying needs as determined by the Financial Aid Committee
Loan Fees
None
Estimated Repayment Cost per $10,000 Disbursed for 10 Year Loan Term
$12,728
Estimated Repayment Cost per $15,000 Disbursed for 10 Year Loan Term
$19,091.79
Repayment Term
10 year repayment period ($50 minimum monthly payment,) no cumulative debt limit
Annual Loan Limit
The Financial Aid Committee and Graduate Program determine loan limits for J.D. and LL.M. students, respectively. The typical limit for eligible J.D. students is $15,000, barring exceptional, circumstantial approval of additional loan funds or specific budget increases for education-related technology, professional attire, or clinical travel For LL.M student loan limits, contact the HLS Graduate Program The typical limit for eligible J.D. and S.J.D. students who qualify for Summer Public Interest Funding (SPIF) is $1,500. The $1,500 SPIF Loan is separate from the limits noted above.
Deferment
Principal and interest payments deferred while student is in school 6 month grace period following in-school deferment Interest is subsidized/does not accrue prior to separation from HLS, although other versions of the HLS Loan offered by the Financial Aid Committee on a case by case basis could be unsubsidized Borrowers who file for bankruptcy may still be required to pay back the loan
Forbearance
At lender’s discretion in cases of financial hardship, may be granted for up to 12 months (in either 3 or 6-month increments); can be used during a judicial clerkship; additional forbearance may be available at lender’s discretion
