UCLA Law School: Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Application Process

UCLA School of Law, a leading West Coast institution renowned for its academic rigor and commitment to social impact, offers various financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students finance their legal education. Located in Los Angeles, students benefit from unparalleled access to film studios, nonprofits, tech startups, and government organizations. As part of the University of California system, UCLA Law combines the resources of a major research institution with a progressive, student-centered ethos and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement.

Important Financial Aid Updates (as of Fall 2025)

Several important updates regarding financial aid for the 2025-2026 academic year have been announced.

Summer and Fall Overawards

The Bruin Financial Aid system experienced issues that led to adjustments in financial aid awards. Some of these adjustments were incorrect, and the university is working to resolve them.

Summer Billing

Students enrolled in the FSP/TSP Summer Program or entering UCLA students who attended summer school may have noticed a bill as of October 9, 2025, for aid received in the summer. This occurred because summer aid for newly admitted students was canceled in error. UCLA is working to reinstate the canceled aid. These charges are temporary and will not affect Fall enrollment status.

Fall Billing

Undergraduate students admitted before 25F had their cost of attendance and awards revised incorrectly. Any recent increases to the Fall University Grant or Loan in the range of $166 - $788 will be canceled. If a refund was received due to this error, students will need to use that refund to pay the balance reflected on their Bruin Bill statement.

Read also: UCLA Scholarships Explained

Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) began determining eligibility for the Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) in September 2025. Over 11,000 UCLA students are anticipated to be eligible for MCS awards, which will be included in financial aid packages by mid to late October.

Cal Grant and Anticipated Aid Status

Anticipated aid for the Fall Quarter began appearing on student Bruin Bills starting August 21, 2025. Cal Grant awards in ‘Estimated’ status will not be reflected as anticipated aid until eligibility has been confirmed, which is expected to occur in early September.

Federal Direct Loan Interest Rates

The interest rates for Federal Direct Loans are determined annually for loans first disbursed between July 1 and June 30. Information regarding interest rates for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2025, and before July 1, 2026, is available via the latest announcement from Federal Student Aid.

Summer 2025 Financial Aid

Students planning to attend Summer 2025 classes can estimate their costs and financial aid eligibility using the 2025 UCLA Summer Financial Aid Calculator.

Aid for Students Impacted by SoCal Fires

Students affected by the SoCal Fires can apply for need-based scholarships, grants, and loan aid by contacting UCLA Financial Aid & Scholarships and reviewing appeal options.

Financial Aid for Families of Mixed Immigration Statuses

The University of California has issued guidance to address privacy concerns related to financial aid applications from undocumented students and parents. This resource helps families understand eligibility for federal financial aid and addresses concerns about data security of FAFSA information. Students who have been unable to file a FAFSA or CADAA are encouraged to contact the UCLA Financial Aid office.

Aid Application Process for 2025-2026

Although the priority filing deadline of April 2, 2025, has passed, students can still apply for aid using UCLA School Code 001315.

Fall 2025 Financial Aid Census

UCLA Financial Aid and Scholarships conducted the Fall 2025 census on October 17, 2025, to ensure financial aid recipients were enrolled full time (12 units or more), unless approved for the Fee Reduced Program. Enrolling in less than full-time status without Fee Reduced Program approval will result in financial aid recalculation.

Scholarship Programs at UCLA Law

UCLA Law offers several full-scholarship programs to J.D. students:

UCLA Law Distinguished Scholars Award

This is a binding early-decision program that provides full tuition for three years to exceptionally qualified students who are ready to commit to UCLA Law.

Read also: A Look at UCLA's Actuarial Program

Eligibility: Exceptionally qualified applicants who have determined that UCLA Law is their first choice.
Requirements: Applicants must withdraw applications from all other law schools, refrain from initiating applications to other law schools, and submit their Statement of Intent to Register and seat deposit.
Award: Full resident tuition and fees for three academic years for California residents; full non-resident tuition and fees for the first year, and full California resident tuition and fees for the second and third years for non-California residents.
Application Deadline: November 14 for Fall 2026 admission.
Test Requirement: Applicants must take the LSAT or the GRE no later than October 31, 2025.
Application Process: Complete the UCLA School of Law application and submit the Distinguished Scholars Award Agreement.
Notification: Finalists will be interviewed, and decisions will be announced by the end of December 2025.

UCLA Law Achievement Fellowship Program

This non-binding program provides full tuition for three years to high-achieving students who have overcome significant personal, educational, or socio-economic hardships.

Eligibility: Academically talented, high-achieving applicants who have overcome significant obstacles in life, such as socio-economic disadvantage, disability, being the first in their family to attend college, attending under-resourced schools, or other major hardships or challenges.
Award: Full resident tuition and fees for three academic years for California residents; full non-resident tuition and fees for the first year, and full resident tuition and fees for the second and third years for non-California residents.
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025.
Test Requirement: Applicants must take the LSAT or the GRE no later than November 30, 2025.
Application Process: Complete the UCLA School of Law application and include an additional one-page essay describing the obstacles overcome and why they are a strong candidate for the program.
Notification: Finalists will be interviewed, and recipients will be announced no later than mid-April 2026.

Graton Scholarship

The Graton Scholarship is a merit-based award for incoming students who have demonstrated an interest in and aptitude for Native American law, as well as a record demonstrating a commitment to tribal communities, public service, and leadership in Indigenous rights.

Eligibility: Incoming students who have demonstrated an interest in and an aptitude for Native American law, as well as a record demonstrating a commitment to tribal communities, public service, and leadership in Indigenous rights.
Award: Financial support and access to UCLA School of Law's resources and expertise in the field of Native American law. Recipients who are California residents will be awarded full resident tuition and fees for three academic years, beginning in fall 2026, provided they remain students in good standing. Recipients who are not California residents will be awarded full non-resident tuition and fees for their first year of law school, and full California resident tuition and fees for their second and third years of law school.
Application Deadline: January 31, but early application is highly encouraged.
Application Process: Express interest in the scholarship by including a maximum 1000-word addendum with their application for admission, setting forth their record of personal or academic commitment to advocating on behalf of Native Nations, as well as further explicating their career aspirations in the field.

Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment Scholarship

UCLA Law offers an extensive range of environmental course offerings, covering a range of issues including natural resource protection, environmental justice, energy law, climate change law, pollution control, water law, toxics regulation, and international environmental law. Ranked as one of the top environmental law programs in the country, the Emmett Institute also provides students with scholarship funding, experiential learning, and connections to a network of alumni in leadership positions across the country. Recipients of the award who are California residents will be awarded full resident tuition and fees for three academic years, beginning in fall 2026, provided they remain students in good standing. Recipients who are not California residents will be awarded full non-resident tuition and fees for their first year of law school, and full California resident tuition and fees for their second and third years of law school.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

UCLA School of Law also provides information about various scholarships, fellowships, and writing competitions sponsored by foundations, alumni associations, and bar associations. These notices are posted on the Financial Aid Office's website as they are received.

External Scholarship Programs

Fulbright Foreign Student Program: Brings citizens of other countries to the United States for Master’s degree or Ph.D. studies.
Gould & Jefferson of Beverly Hills Scholarship: Offers a $2,500 scholarship for students experiencing financial strain.
IIE Platform for Education in Emergencies Response (IIE-PEER): Launched by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the Catalyst Foundation for Universal Education.
InternationalStudentLoan.com: Provides financial aid resources, articles, videos, and comparison tools.
P.E.O. Postgrad Solutions Global LL.M. Study Bursaries: Offers bursaries of £500 each to domestic, international, and UK students accepted to an LL.M. program.
Instituto Ling/EAGV-LLM: Offers partial scholarships to Brazilians accepted to an LL.M. program in Europe.
Aide Financière Aux Études: Provides financial assistance to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are residents of Quebec.
Finlandia Foundation National P.J.C. Lindfors Legal Scholarship: Open to citizens of Finland who have applied to, been accepted to, or enrolled in an ABA-approved law school.
White & Case Scholarship: Awards an annual €40,000 scholarship (split among three students) to economically disadvantaged law students interested in study abroad.
Brain Capital: The LL.M. Education Fund: Offers income-based repayment financing options for LL.M. studies for German students.
WilWeg: Lists various scholarship programs for study abroad, including the Holland Scholarship.
Study in Holland: Provides a database of grant and scholarship opportunities for law students.
NORAM Scholarships for Master's and Ph.D. St.: Offers scholarships in the amount of $2,000 to $20,000 to students from Norway for Master's and Ph.D. studies in North America.
NUS Law Scholarship: Open to National University of Singapore (NUS) LL.B. graduates who plan to pursue an LL.M. law school.
Victor Pinchuk Foundation's WorldWideStudies Scholarship: Offers grant awards covering 60% of expenses required to complete a Master's degree abroad up to $30,000.

Law Firm Scholarships

Several law firms offer scholarships to support aspiring law students:

Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. Scholarship: Created to help a deserving student attend college.
Robert A. White Law Scholarship: Encourages students who might not otherwise pursue an academic degree.
Kash Legal "Future of Justice Scholarship": Dedicated to helping the next generation of law students succeed.
Fitch Law Firm Truck Accident Awareness Scholarship: Awarded to a promising college student who can share solutions for helping reduce trucking accidents.
Law Office of Robert Wayne Pearce Scholarship: Offered to students with an interest in learning about investment fraud.
Wells Call Injury Lawyers Law School Scholarship: Supports students passionate about law and helping others.
Attorney David Kadzai First-Generation College Student Scholarship: Provides financial assistance to first-generation college students.

Other Scholarships

ABA Groups Scholarships: Several ABA groups offer scholarships for law students.
Gloria Barron Wilderness Society Scholarship: Encourages individuals who have the potential to make a significant positive difference in understanding wilderness and how to protect it.

Financial Aid Application Process

To apply for financial aid, students must complete the following steps:

FAFSA and CA Dream Application: To gain access to federal student loans or a Dream loan, the FAFSA and CA Dream application priority filing date is March 2, 2026.
UCLA Law Need Application: In order for financial need to be considered for scholarship amounts, students must complete the UCLA Law Need Application. The law school Need Application is made available to students upon admission.
Submit Outside Scholarship Checks: Outside scholarship checks should be sent to UCLA’s Payment Solutions and Compliance office. The checks should be made out to the UC Regents and contain the student’s name and University ID on the check/accompanying paperwork.

UCLA Law Application Process for Fall 2026

Applications for Fall 2026 will be available through the LSAC online application service on September 2, 2025.

Step 1: Know the Numbers

UCLA Law Class of 2027:

LSAT: 25th percentile: 165 | Median: 170 | 75th percentile: 171
GPA: 25th percentile: 3.69 | Median: 3.95 | 75th percentile: 4.00

Step 2: Personal Statement, Optional Essays, and Addenda

Personal Statement: Discuss any matters relevant to your ability to succeed in law school and the practice of law, and any attributes, experiences, or interests that would enable you to make a distinctive contribution to UCLA Law or the legal profession.
- Length: No more than two double-spaced pages
- Font: At least 11-point
Programmatic Contribution Essay (Optional): If you believe you can make a distinctive contribution to a specific UCLA School of Law specialization, academic program, journal, institute, or research area, you may submit an additional essay identifying that program and describing your relevant training or background.
Challenges Addendum (Optional): Share any information about adversity or challenge that you would like UCLA to consider about your personal life experiences.
Addenda (Optional): Include additional information that doesn’t fit elsewhere.
Disability Statement (Optional): Applicants may upload supplemental information concerning their disability.
Character and Fitness (Required if applicable): Disclose any prior academic or disciplinary sanctions, criminal charges or convictions, and other conduct-based interruptions.

Step 3: Resume

Submit as an electronic attachment. No page limit, but 1-2 pages is standard.

Step 4: Letters of Recommendation

Required: 2 letters (no more than 2 accepted). At least one should be academic (if possible).

Step 5: Nail the Logistics

Application Components:
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- Optional Statements
- Optional Addenda
- Character & Fitness (if applicable)
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts
- LSAT or GRE score

Early Decision

UCLA’s Early Decision Program is binding and designed for applicants who are 100% sure they want to attend UCLA Law.

Key Requirements:
- Enroll at UCLA Law
- Withdraw all other law school applications
- Refrain from applying to any new schools
- Submit your Statement of Intent to Register and seat deposit by the stated deadline
- Not submit a seat deposit or commit to any other school
Deadlines:
- Priority Early Decision Deadline: November 15, 2024 (Must take LSAT or GRE by October 31)
- Regular Early Decision Deadline: Rolling basis after November 15 (Must take LSAT or GRE by January 31, 2025)

General Application Requirements

A. Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) no later than January 31, 2026, if applying regular decision. Note the cut off dates for the LSAT and GRE are different for students applying Early Decision, for the Distinguished Scholars Award and for the Achievement Fellowship.

B. UCLA requires that students take a standardized test for admission-either the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or the Graduate Records Exam (GRE). Those applying Early Decision or for the Distinguished Scholars Award must take the LSAT or GRE no later than October 31, 2025. An applicant who takes both the LSAT and the GRE is required to submit all LSAT test scores from the last five years but may choose whether or not to submit their GRE score(s). Note: The LSAT writing sample is not conducted at the same time as the LSAT exam-it is an on-demand writing exam administered online. Note that we will review applications as soon as they are complete and at least one LSAT writing sample has been submitted.

C. The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) was developed to help participating schools collect and analyze data pertaining to the academic records of applicants.

D. All applicants, including those reapplying, those taking the GRE, and applicants from institutions that do not issue grades, are required to register with the Credential Assembly Service.

E. A transcript from each college or university attended and listed on the registration form should be sent directly to LSAC's Credential Assembly Service in accordance with their instructions. The Credential Assembly Service will analyze and summarize the transcript(s). Applicants should not wait for fall grades before sending transcripts to LSAC. However, applicants must submit work completed after the initial registration to LSAC, as updated reports will be forwarded to the Law School Admissions Office.

F. UCLA School of Law requires that applicants submit two letters of recommendation. At least one letter should be from someone familiar with the applicant's academic work, if at all possible. The Law School strongly prefers that letters be submitted through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service.

G. The UCLA School of Law requires that your transcripts be submitted through LSAC's Credential Assembly Service. This service is included in the Credential Assembly Service subscription fee. (including its territories) or Canada, you must use this service for the evaluation of your transcripts. To use the Credential Assembly Service, log into your LSAC.org account and follow the instructions for registering for the service. Be sure to print out a Transcript Request Form for each institution and send it promptly to them. UCLA School of Law will request the applicant's law school report, including any LSAT score(s), from LSAC.

H. The School of Law considers requests to defer enrollment on a case-by-case basis.

I. Applicants to approved joint-degree programs must contact the appropriate graduate school or department to obtain its application and must meet that department's deadline. All J.D./Ph.D.

J. Pay the nonrefundable application fee in the amount of $75. You may submit your application and pay the fee electronically via LSAC. Note that the original application materials, including letters of recommendation, will remain on file.

Life at UCLA Law

UCLA School of Law is a community within the beautiful and dynamic 419-acre UCLA campus. One of the world’s most exciting places to live, Los Angeles offers a rich artistic, social and cultural scene, with unparalleled access to world-class museums, theaters, sporting events and live performances. The extraordinary climate allows students to enjoy recreational activities from surfing to skiing, mountain biking to hiking, all year long. Los Angeles also boasts a thriving food scene, from gourmet food trucks to numerous ethnic restaurants, with options to suit every budget.

The first year at UCLA Law starts with a week-long orientation program designed to help students prepare for their classes and every aspect of law school life. Professors outline what to expect in first-year courses, including proven strategies for reading cases and taking notes. Administrators highlight the resources the school offers and create opportunities for students to form close bonds from the very start. The Legal Research and Writing course, taught by fulltime faculty members who are former practitioners, offers detailed guidance on how best to research and compose legal briefs, contracts and other documents, giving students the tools they need to clearly and persuasively address courts, clients and other counsel.

To foster a sense of community and an environment of mutual support, the first-year class is divided into sections of approximately 80 students. Legal Research and Writing is the students’ foundational clinical course and focuses on practice-oriented legal analysis. By learning how to function as practicing lawyers, students can succeed in their summer jobs, and in their careers when they graduate.

During the second and third years, J.D. UCLA School of Law professors are renowned leaders in their respective fields and are some of the finest teachers in the academy, expanding the frontiers of interdisciplinary legal scholarship. Faculty members are dedicated to teaching, and they show a genuine interest in their students by engaging with them in class, at lunch and during office hours; and by going out of their way to help students prepare for and gain employment, clerkships, fellowships and other opportunities.

Specializations and Programs

Students in the J.D. program may specialize in one of several areas and earn a certificate of completion. UCLA offers distinctive areas of specialization that permit students to benefit from the expertise of our renowned faculty. UCLA Law is a national leader in experiential education. Experience and familiarity with international law and other nations’ legal systems and cultures is increasingly indispensable for lawyers, legal scholars and law students. UCLA School of Law has partnered with 15 leading academic institutions in Europe, Asia, Israel, Australia and South America to establish the Foreign Legal Study and Exchange Program. UCLA Law has long been a leader in the interdisciplinary study of law. To pursue one of our eight formal joint degree programs, students must apply both to UCLA Law and directly to the other school.

Student Life and Opportunities

A collegial environment at UCLA Law also affords students many opportunities for participation and leadership. Our approximately 65 student organizations and journals allow you to make a difference, build professional connections and form lasting bonds with peers. The Moot Court Honors Program is open to all second- and third-year students and offers a large and effective program of mock appellate advocacy.

Career Opportunities

UCLA Law offers students the skills, training and support to get great jobs and to succeed at them. Many employers in Los Angeles, including large law firms, look to UCLA Law as a primary feeder school from which they recruit talent for their summer associate and associate programs. Employers from across the country regularly express great interest in hiring UCLA Law students and graduates.

Connecting with employers through one-on-one counseling, panel presentations, workshops, recruitment programs and more, the Office of Career Services helps students and alumni create a proactive approach to career development and management. The office coordinates a number of programs that connect students with employers throughout the country. UCLA Law graduates join the largest law firms throughout the country and the world, as well as mid-sized and smaller firms. Graduates also work in business, government, judicial clerkships and public service positions.

Bar Passage and Post-Graduate Support

93.6% of UCLA Law graduates who took the July 2024 California Bar Exam for the first time passed the examination. For UCLA Law graduates taking the July 2024 New York Bar Exam, the passage rate was 97.9% for first-time test takers. UCLA Law maintains a competitive Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for graduates working in the public interest. Under the School’s LRAP, administered by the Office of Financial Aid, graduates can apply to have a portion - and in some cases all - of the debt service on loans they incurred while at UCLA Law subject to a forgivable loan from the school.

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