Financial Support
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University of Miami School of Law Students have access to various funding sources to support public interest work during law school and after graduation. UM is dedicated to supporting our students and has a number of fellowships and scholarships providing financial support to entering students, continuing students and graduates who are dedicated to public interest/public service.

Many graduates embark on their legal careers by obtaining a postgraduate fellowship. Our students and alumni have an outstanding tradition of obtaining these competitive national postgraduate opportunities. Students are encouraged to check for information on postgraduate fellowships in www.pslawnet.org, a national database of information about public service opportunities hosted by the National Association for Legal Career Professionals (NALP). For more information on financing a public interest career, click here.

UM Law students interested in pursuing postgraduate fellowships are encouraged to meet with Dean Marni Lennon. The CDO and HOPE are dedicated to helping students identify fellowships, develop project proposals and conduct mock interviews.

Miami Scholars

The Miami Scholars Program targets law school applicants from across the United States who, in addition to excellent academic achievement and strong LSAT scores, have a demonstrated interest in public service. Each Miami Scholar is awarded a $25,000 per year Law School tuition scholarship. Miami Scholar awards are renewed if a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better is maintained.

Click here for more information about the program

Additional Opportunities

Public Interest Loan Reduction Program

Public interest work and public service are central to the mission of the University of Miami School of Law. As one facet of the School of Law’s commitment to our students with a passion for public interest work, UM offers the Public Interest Loan Reduction Program. Selected students receive an interest-free $18,000 loan applied to third-year
tuition. Participants who, after graduation, work in qualified public service for two years will have this loan forgiven. Individuals will be chosen based on a demonstrated commitment and their potential to contribute to public interest law. The selection committee may consider financial need when deciding between qualified applicants.

Public Interest Grants

Public Interest Grants are awarded to outstanding rising 3L students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to public interest/service. This need-based grant of $8,000 is applied to third-year tuition.

The College Cost Reduction and Access Act

The College Cost Reduction and Access Act – legislation that forgives student debt and limits monthly loan payments – becomes fully effective on July 1, 2009. Signed into law nearly two years ago, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) will now help thousands of recent graduates cope with student debt and enter public service. Click here for more.

For addational information, please email umhope@law.miami.edu.