Financial Aid Basics
Start by reading about our need-based aid philosophy below. Then browse through our trove of information on the many other aspects of financial aid. We also have helpful videos covering the 5-step application process, grant eligibility, and financing options. Be sure to read our FAQs and review our commitment to students’ financial wellness while at HLS.
The financial aid program at Harvard Law School has two central goals: to help make a legal education accessible to every student in the JD program through need-based aid, and to preserve the broadest range of career options for graduates through need-based loan repayment assistance (the Low Income Protection Plan, or LIPP.)
In other words, Harvard Law School has a financial aid program to meet financial need during your law school years and after you graduate. HLS does not award “merit” or “full-ride” scholarships (which typically are not need-based) because doing so would decrease the resources available for need-based aid, and significantly increase the debt burden of every financially needy student.
