Federal Work Study
The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program is a federally funded program administered by the Office of Financial Aid.  The School of Law uses its funds during the summer for students who are employed by a federal, state, or local public agency, or a non-profit organization whose work is in the public interest. Employment may also be in community service. The number and amount of awards vary from year to year, based upon our federal institutional allocation. To be considered, students must meet the eligibility criteria for federal financial aid, have completed one year of law school, and must be returning to Quinnipiac University School of Law in the fall.

Federal Stafford Loans
The United States federal government provides loans for students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible non-citizens, some of which are not based on need. Students who are matriculated in a degree-granting program, enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) for each semester they are seeking assistance, and completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may apply.

The maximum loan limit per academic year is the lower of $20,500 or the cost of education. The interest rate is fixed at 6.80 percent. Federal Stafford Loans are currently subject to a 1 1/2 percent origination fee and sometimes a 1 percent federal default fee depending on your guarantor. Loan fees are deducted from loan proceeds prior to the disbursement of funds and borrowers are responsible for repayment of all such fees. There are two types of Federal Stafford loans, subsidized and unsubsidized.

Depending on the student's demonstrated need, up to $8,500 may be borrowed as a subsidized loan, with the remainder available as an unsubsidized loan. The federal government pays interest on a subsidized loan while students are in school at least half-time, during a six month grace period, and during other authorized periods of deferment. Interest on the unsubsidized portion of the Stafford loan begins to accrue immediately after the loan is disbursed. At the student's option, they can elect to have the interest capitalized while enrolled. The borrower is responsible for all interest that accrues and can choose to either pay the interest while in school or add any deferred interest to the principal balance of the loan "capitalization." The maximum cumulative borrowing for the subsidized and unsubsidized loan is $138,500, of that no more than $65,500 can be subsidized. Apply online.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loans
Students who are matriculated in a degree-granting program, enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) for each semester they are seeking assistance, completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), have applied for their annual Federal Stafford Loan maximum, and meet the credit criteria may apply.   The maximum loan limit is the cost of education minus other aid received and the interest rate is fixed at 8.50 percent.  Federal PLUS Loans are subject to a 3 percent origination fee and sometimes a 1 percent federal default fee depending on your guarantor. Loan fees are deducted from loan proceeds prior to the disbursement of funds and borrowers are responsible for repayment of all such fees.   Repayment on Federal PLUS loans begins after the second disbursement, however, students enrolled at least half-time may request deferment. Apply online.

Private Loans
Private loans are available through a number of education lenders to assist students when federal loans are not enough to cover the cost of attendance. These unsecured loans can be more costly than the federal loans. The interest rates are typically variable and may be tied to the prime rate, LIBOR rate, or treasury bill rate. Borrower eligibility, co-signer requirements, interest rates, maximum loan levels, and repayment options vary according to the program. These loans are based on creditworthiness, which is based on the applicant’s credit history. It is recommended that you request a copy of your credit report annually to evaluate your ability to secure private loan funds. You may obtain a free annual credit report at: www.annualcreditreport.com.  Apply online. You may also contact a local credit bureau in your area or one of the three national credit bureaus listed below:

Important reminder: To reduce your indebtedness, borrow only what you need.