As a graduate student, you are automatically considered "independent" for financial aid purposes. That means parental income and assets are not counted in determining your financial aid eligibility. 

When you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (see "How to Apply for Financial Aid"), the federal formula is used to calculate your ability to contribute toward your educational costs, which is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Your EFC is subtracted from the Cost of Attendance (COA) to calculate your demonstrated need: COA - EFC = Need.

Financial Aid Office personnel will determine your eligibility for funds up to the total COA, as some loan programs are not "need-based."

Albany Law School Scholarships
New York State Programs
Outside Scholarship Opportunities
Federal Work Study Program
Writing Competitions

Albany Law School Scholarships
Albany Law School proudly offers an extensive scholarship program to Juris Doctor candidates.  Approximately 35 percent of the Class of 2011 received a scholarship, averaging $17,800 per year. Scholarships are offered by the Admissions Committee at the time of, or shortly following the offer for admission (there is no separate scholarship application).

Deans' and Founders' Scholarship awards are based on the strength of the admissions application. Class rank, as specified in the scholarship offer, is required for annual renewal.

Diversity Scholarships are awarded to applicants with unusual backgrounds including members of minority groups historically under-represented in the legal profession. These scholarships are renewed annually as long as satisfactory academic progress is made.

Scholarship amounts are pro-rated for those who elect the four-year program. Half of the annual award is credited toward the tuition bill each semester for up to six full-time (or eight part-time) semesters.

New York State Programs
The Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is available to J.D. and M.S. in Legal Studies candidates, and is based on New York State taxable income. Awards range from $75 to $550 per year.

The Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarship is available to J.D. students, specifically economically disadvantaged members of minority groups historically under-represented in the legal profession. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year, and recipients must agree to work for one year in the studied profession in New York State for each year an award is received.

New York State residency is required to be eligible for either The Tuition Assistance Program or The Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarship and recipients must register for and complete a minimum of 12 credits per semester.

Please visit http://www.hesc.org/ or call (888)NYS-HESC for additional information.

Outside Scholarship Opportunities
The Financial Aid Office frequently receives information from various outside organizations that offer scholarships. This information is distributed to Albany Law School students and/or applicants for admission, usually via e-mail, depending on the scholarship criteria. Click here to view External Scholarships.

Federal Work Study Program
Federal Work Study (FWS) is a valuable resource—not only because it can help to offset student loan debt, but also because it can enhance your résumé. Positions are available both on and off campus with various agencies including the New York State Attorney General's Office, Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Schenectady County District Attorney's Office.

FWS students are paid at a competitive rate. Second- and third-year students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. First-year students who attain a minimum 2.5 GPA their first semester can work up to 10 hours per week their second semester. Students can work up to 40 hours per week during summer and breaks. Prior to working, students must complete a work study packet and get approval from the Financial Aid Office.