Frequently Asked Questions

The law school considers all applicants for merit scholarships. Awards are based on undergraduate academic achievement and aptitude for the study of law. A separate application form is not required.

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We recommend that prospective students file this form by February 25. Current students should file by May 15; current students who will attend summer session should file by March 1.

Students must also submit the loan application(s) at least six weeks prior to the start of the term in order for funds to be available at the start of the term. For more detailed information about loans, visit our loans page.

The total of all aid, including scholarships and loans, cannot exceed the Cost of Attendance as established by the Financial Aid Office.

Yes, you must re-submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and loan applications each year.

Scholarships awarded when a student enters the first year of law school will continue in the student’s second and third year for the amount originally awarded, provided the student is in good standing and meets the standards on satisfactory academic progress.

All financial aid except Federal Work Study is credited directly to the student's account, at the beginning of the term, once the student has submitted all required forms and met all requirements for the aid. Aid for the academic year is split evenly between fall and spring terms. If the amount of financial aid exceeds your billable charges at Richmond, then you are eligible for a refund. The Student Accounts Office will automatically generate a refund for a credit balance caused by Federal financial aid within fourteen days of the actual disbursement date. Any other credit balances will remain on your account unless you request a refund from the Student Accounts Office.

Federal Work Study funds are paid in a bi-weekly pay check. The actual amount earned is based on the number of hours worked and the wage rate for the job.

In the 2013–14 academic year, funds will disburse to student accounts on August 21, 2013 for the fall semester and January 8, 2014 for the spring semester.

Disbursement dates for summer sessions are set for the first day of the start of the earliest summer session in which you enroll. Disbursement dates for study abroad programs are set for 10 days prior to the first day of classes for each program.

The Student Accounts Office will automatically generate a refund for a credit balance caused by federal financial aid within 14 days of the actual disbursement date. Any other credit balances will remain on your account unless you request a refund.

Yes. Federal Direct Loans are available for summer term if you enroll for three or more credit hours. The amount borrowed for summer will reduce the amount of Federal Direct Loan available to you for the fall and spring terms. If you plan to enroll for summer term, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and submit the Summer Federal Direct Loan application no later than March 1.