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There are many types of financial aid available from the Georgetown University Law Center that can possibly assist you in covering the costs of your legal education.  The major sources of funding that may be available to you include: Georgetown Law Need-Based Grant Assistance, Federal Direct Stafford Loans, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS (Grad PLUS) Loans, Commercial Loans, Federal Work-Study, Perkins Loans, and (for graduates) the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP).  Learn more about the types of financial aid available.

 

2011-2012 Application Instructions

(2012-2013 application materials are not yet available.  Please check back in January for more information.)

Select the link below that best reflects your situation:

 

 

Incoming JD Students and Incoming JD Transfer Students

If you're an incoming JD student wishing to apply for financial aid, complete Steps 1-3 below by March 15 (April 15 for incoming transfer students) or within two weeks of your admission, whichever is later. If you haven’t filed your taxes before applying for aid, estimate your information as accurately as possible to avoid later changes to your award offer.

Step 1: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • This is the application for federal financial aid used by all schools. A new FAFSA is available every January 1 and must be filed for each year you are seeking financial aid.
  • Students who have never filed a FAFSA should first apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN).  The PIN allows you to electronically sign your FAFSA and speeds up the application process.  After receiving a PIN, complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
  • Remember your PIN because the FAFSA must be renewed every year!  If you are a renewal applicant and you don’t remember your PIN, you may find it online at www.pin.ed.gov
  • You’ll only need to provide your (and your spouse’s if applicable) information on the FAFSA.  Be sure to enter the Georgetown Law Federal School Code, G21075, so that we receive your FAFSA results from the Department of Education.

Step 2: Need Access or CSS Profile Application

  • One of these forms (your choice) is required only of full-time JD students who are applying for need-based grant aid.  If you are not applying for grant assistance, you should skip this step.
  • Complete the Need Access or the CSS Profile application. Please be advised that you need to complete only one of the two applications! The applications collect detailed information from both you and your parents (including all step-parents and non-custodial parents) and assist in determining your need-based grant aid eligibility.  Georgetown Law requires parental information regardless of student age, marital status or financial independence.
 

Step 3: Georgetown Law Financial Aid Application ("Yellow Form")

  • This is the application used specifically by Georgetown Law, which provides us with more detailed information about who you are and the financial aid that you are requesting.
  • The Yellow Form is available to admitted students through the Admitted Students website.  The Admissions Office will provide you with log-in information after you are admitted.
  • Students applying for only loans and/or Federal Work-Study should complete only Part I. Students also applying for need-based grant aid should complete both Parts I and II.  Note: Only full-time JD students may apply for grant assistance.  Part-time students may apply only for loans and/or Federal Work-Study.
  • Be sure to correctly list your mailing address (note that two addresses are requested if you will have a different address during the summer) and e-mail address so that we can contact you if necessary.

Step 4: Award Notice

  • After the Financial Aid Office has reviewed your completed application, you will receive an e-mail notification that your award is available online. Be sure to watch for and carefully read this e-mail.  When reviewing your offered financial aid, you should first learn more about first-year awards and then proceed to the additional steps below (as applicable).
 

Step 5: Loan Application Process

  • Review your award notice and determine which loan(s) to borrow.
  • To borrow your federal loan(s), visit studentloans.gov, login using your FAFSA PIN and select "Georgetown University" in each of the following steps:
    • Complete the online federal loan entrance interview.
    • For Federal Direct Stafford Loans, complete the Stafford Master Promissory Note (MPN).
    • For a Federal Graduate PLUS Loan
      • Complete the “Start PLUS Application Process” step for the credit check and request “maximum” as the loan amount. You will tell us the dollar amount you wish to receive (after loan fees have been deducted) on the Georgetown Law Blue Form (step below).
      • Complete the Grad PLUS MPN via the “Complete Master Promissory Note” link.
  • To borrow a private/commercial student loan, complete your application/promissory note with the lender you choose.
 

Step 6: Tax Documents

  • If your financial aid award package includes a Dean's Tuition Grant, you must submit copies of your (and your spouse's, if applicable) and your parents' 2010 federal tax returns and all W-2s to the Financial Aid Office.  Your grant assistance will not be finalized until these documents are received and reviewed.
 

Step 7: Student Loan Information Sheet ("Blue Form ")

  • The "Blue Form" is used by incoming JD students to indicate the amount and types of loans for which the student is applying.  NOTE: You should NOT complete this form until AFTER you have received notification of your financial aid award and completed your loan promissory notes and application, if applicable.
 

Returning JD Students

If you're a returning student, complete the following applications for financial aid by May 1. (However, we recommend filing the FAFSA by April 15 to account for government processing time.) If you haven’t filed your taxes before applying for aid, estimate your information as accurately as possible.  Summer students should see the section below that applies specifically to them.

Step 1: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • File a FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov If you don’t remember your PIN, you may find it online at www.pin.ed.gov
  • You’ll only need to provide your (and your spouse’s if applicable) information on the FAFSA. Be sure to enter the Georgetown Law Federal School Code, G21075, so that we receive your FAFSA results from the Department of Education.
 

Step 2: Loan Application Process

  • To borrow your federal loan(s), visit studentloans.gov, login using your FAFSA PIN and select "Georgetown University" in each of the following steps:
    • Complete the online federal loan entrance interview if this is the first time you have borrowed federal loans at Georgetown Law.
    • For Federal Direct Stafford Loans, complete the Stafford Master Promissory Note (MPN) if you did not borrow Stafford loans during the 2010-2011 academic year.
    • For a Federal Graduate PLUS Loan,
      • Complete the “Start PLUS Application Process” step for the credit check and request “maximum” as loan amount. You will tell us the dollar amount you wish to receive (after loan fees have been deducted) on the Georgetown Law Green Form (step below).
    • Complete the Grad PLUS MPN via the “Complete Master Promissory Note” link. (You must compelte this step even if you've borrowed Grad PLUS loans before.)
  • To borrow a private/commercial student loan, complete your application/promissory note with the lender you choose.

Step 3: Georgetown Law Financial Aid Application (Green Form)

  • As a new student, you completed two institutional forms, the Yellow Form initially and later the Blue Form. As a returning student, you complete only the Green Form, which provides us with more detailed information about who you are and the financial aid you are requesting.
  • Students applying for only loans and/or Federal Work-Study complete only Part I. Students who receive need-based grant aid must complete both Parts I and II.
  • If you did not apply for or were not awarded a need-based grant previously and you are applying for need-based grant assistance this year, you must also complete either the Need Access or CSS Profile application.  (As a reminder, only full-time JD students being charged full-time tuition are eligible for grant consideration.)

Step 4: Tax Returns and W-2 Forms (Georgetown Law grant recipients)

  • If you are a Georgetown Law grant recipient, you must submit signed copies of the previous year’s federal tax return and all W-2 forms for yourself and your parents so that we can verify your grant renewal eligibility.

JD Student Applying for Summer Aid

If you intend to enroll at Georgetown Law, attend the summer London Program, or Visit Away during the upcoming summer semester, please complete the following requirements by April 21.

Students Eligible for Federal Direct Stafford Loans for the Summer Session:

  • Did not borrow a federal loan to attend summer school in 2010
  • Will not graduate upon the conclusion of the Summer semester
  • Have not reached Federal Stafford student loan aggregate limit ($138,500)
  • Have completed a 2011-2012 FAFSA
  • Are enrolled at least half-time (JD - 3 credit hours, LL.M. – 2 credit hours)
 

Summer Financial Aid Application Checklist

  • File the 2011-12 FAFSA online at: www.fafsa.ed.gov by April 15, 2011.  If you have forgotten your PIN, it may be obtained at: www.pin.ed.gov.
  • Complete the Loan Application Process
    • To borrow your federal loan(s), visit studentloans.gov, login using your FAFSA PIN and select "Georgetown University" in each of the following steps:
      • Complete the online federal loan entrance interview if this is the first time you have borrowed federal loans at Georgetown Law.
      • For Federal Direct Stafford Loans, complete the Stafford Master Promissory Note (MPN) if you did not borrow Stafford loans during the 2010-2011 academic year.
      • For a Federal Graduate PLUS Loan,
        • Complete the “Start PLUS Application Process” step for the credit check and request “maximum” as loan amount. You will tell us the dollar amount you wish to receive (after loan fees have been deducted) on the Georgetown Law Green Form (step below).
        • Complete the Grad PLUS MPN via the “Complete Master Promissory Note” link.
    • To borrow a private/commercial student loan, complete your application/promissory note with the lender you choose.
  • Complete and submit a Georgetown Law Financial Aid Application (Green Form) by April 21. There is no separate summer aid application.  The green form is your application for aid for the Summer 2011, Fall 2011, and Spring 2012 semesters.
  • If you are a Georgetown Law grant recipient or applicant, you must submit signed copies of the 2010 federal tax return and all W-2 forms for yourself and your parents so that we can verify your grant renewal eligibility.  (If you did not apply for or were not awarded a need-based grant previously and you are applying for need-based grant assistance this year, you must also complete either the Need Access or CSS Profile application.  As a reminder, only full-time JD students being charged full-time tuition are eligible for grant consideration.)
  • If you have been selected for FAFSA verification, please submit copies of your 2010 W-2 statement(s) and signed copies of your 2010 Federal tax return with all schedules and attachments.  Your Student Aid Report (issued by the US Department of Education upon receipt of your FAFSA) will indicate your verification status.
  • Georgetown Law students attending the London program should register for direct deposit by setting up their bank profile in the Student Accounts section of MyAccess if they have not already done so. 
  • Georgetown Law students studying elsewhere (other than through the London Study Abroad program) should complete the appropriate Consortium Agreement available on our website and follow our JD Student Visiting Away instructions.  Non-Georgetown Law students visiting the Law Center (including our London program) should contact their home school financial aid offices for application requirements.
 

How do we determine your eligibility for summer loans?

Your academic year will typically begin with the Summer session and run through to the end of the Fall semester.  Your eligibility is limited to the published cost of attendance of your program and the summer session loan certified amounts will be determined in compliance with Federal Regulations.
 

What happens to my financial aid during the Spring 2012 semester?

The spring semester will typically begin a new loan eligibility period. Most students will be able to borrow up to $20,500 of additional Stafford loans for the spring semester. Usually, students find that their need to borrow Grad PLUS loans is significantly reduced or eliminated altogether.

Please note that since the Spring semester will likely begin a new loan period, any loan or budget adjustments for the Summer or Fall 2011 semesters must be made prior to the end of Fall semester.
 

Disbursement Processes

Georgetown Law On-Campus Students

  • Loan funds and  will credit to your student account in the same manner as this year.

Georgetown Law London Program Students

  • Loan funds credit to your student account and you must register for direct deposit refunds through MyAccess.  Loan refunds will be made available on or about July 1, 2011.

Study Abroad (Non-Georgetown Law London Program) Students

  • If you are studying abroad at a non-Georgetown Law program, Georgetown will receive loan funds from your lender approximately 10 days prior to the start of your first day or summer classes.  We will disburse the tuition amount to the non-Georgetown Law program.  Funds for living expenses can then be obtained from the Law Center via direct deposit.  Because the tuition payment process takes several days, you should not expect to be eligible for your living expense refund until at least the first day of your classes.

The timely and thorough completion of all above steps is key to making sure that your summer financial aid is processed successfully and you receive your funds on time!
 
 

JD Student Visiting Away

If you're a current Georgetown Law student who has been granted permission to visit away and have been accepted into an accredited program at another institution, you may request student loans to fund your summer, semester, or year away.  Students visiting away are not eligible for Georgetown Law grant or scholarship aid.  Note that in order to be eligible for federal financial aid while you are visiting away, your host institution must be an institution eligible to receive federal aid.  You should confirm with your host school or inquire at the Georgetown Law financial aid office.
 

Step 1: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

If you have not already done so, file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you do not have you PIN from last year's FAFSA, you may retrieve your PIN online. Utilizing your PIN will speed up the on-line process. Be sure to submit the FAFSA by the appropriate deadline!
 

Step 2: Loan Application Process

  • To borrow your federal loan(s), visit studentloans.gov, login using your FAFSA PIN and select "Georgetown University" in each of the following steps:
    • Complete the online federal loan entrance interview if this is the first time you have borrowed federal loans at Georgetown Law.
    • For Federal Direct Stafford Loans, complete the Stafford Master Promissory Note (MPN) if you did not borrow Stafford loans during the 2010-2011 academic year.
    • For a Federal Graduate PLUS Loan,
      • Complete the “Start PLUS Application Process” step for the credit check and request “maximum” as loan amount. You will tell us the dollar amount you wish to receive (after loan fees have been deducted) on the Georgetown Law Green Form (step below).
      • Complete the Grad PLUS MPN via the “Complete Master Promissory Note” link.
  • To borrow a private/commercial student loan, complete your application/promissory note with the lender you choose.
 

Step 3 : Georgetown Law Financial Aid Application (Green Form)

The "Green Form" should be returned to the Financial Aid Office by June 1. If you are just applying for loans you are only required to complete the first two pages. This portion of the Green Form indicates what type of loan(s) you are planning to borrow and in what amounts. Georgetown Law institutional aid recipients must complete all four pages of the Green Form, however you may only receive institutional aid for a Georgetown program or semester.
 

Step 4 : Letter of Acceptance & Letter of Approval

Provide a letter of acceptance from the host institution and a letter of approval by the appropriate J.D. Academic Dean.
 

Step 5 : Consortium Agreement

The Consortium Agreement must be filled out by both Georgetown Law and the host institution.
 

LLM Student

If you're an LLM student, complete the following applications for financial aid by June 1. If you haven’t filed your taxes before applying for aid, estimate your information as accurately as possible. International LLM students should start with Step 2, below.
 

Step 1: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • Complete your FAFSA online. If you don’t remember your PIN, you may find it at www.pin.ed.gov.
  • You’ll only need to provide your (and your spouse’s if applicable) information on the FAFSA. Be sure to enter the Georgetown Law Federal School Code, G21075, so that we receive your FAFSA results from the Department of Education.
  • To receive federal aid, you must:
    Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
    Be enrolled at least half-time (4 credits) each term.
    Not be in default on any previously borrowed student loans.
 

Step 2: Loan Application Process

  • To borrow your federal loan(s), visit studentloans.gov, login using your FAFSA PIN and select "Georgetown University" in each of the following steps:
    • Complete the online federal loan entrance interview if this is the first time you have borrowed federal loans at Georgetown Law.
    • For Federal Direct Stafford Loans, complete the Stafford Master Promissory Note (MPN) if you did not borrow Stafford loans during the 2010-2011 academic year.
    • For a Federal Graduate PLUS Loan,
      • Complete the “Start PLUS Application Process” step for the credit check and request “maximum” as loan amount. You will tell us the dollar amount you wish to receive (after loan fees have been deducted) on the Georgetown Law Green Form (step below).
      • Complete the Grad PLUS MPN via the “Complete Master Promissory Note” link.
  • To borrow a private/commercial student loan, complete your application/promissory note with the lender you choose.

Step 3: Georgetown Law Financial Aid Application (Green Form)

  • LLM students complete the Green Form each year, which provides us with more detailed information about who you are and the financial aid that you are requesting.
  • LLM students are eligible for only loans and/or Federal Work-Study and need to complete only Part I.
 

International Student

If you're an international student, options for financing your education at Georgetown Law are limited to commercial loans. Helpful tips and suggestions to aid you in your search for aid sources are found in the International Student Financial Aid Information document.
 

Certificate Program Student

If you're a certificate program (non-degree) student, options for financing your education at Georgetown Law are limited to specific sources of loan funding. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.