FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating the financial aid process can be complex, and students often have questions about eligibility, application requirements, funding options, and timelines. This page provides answers to frequently asked questions to help you better understand the financial aid process and available resources. If you need additional assistance, our Financial Aid team is available to provide personalized guidance and support.
GETTING STARTED
What is the FAFSA, and do I need to complete one?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for all federal financial aid, including federal loans. You need to complete it every year you wish to receive federal aid. It is free to complete at studentaid.gov. The Colleges of Law’s school code is 042501.
- Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov
As early as possible, and no later than 90 days before the start of the relevant semester. The FAFSA for each academic year opens on October 1st of the prior year.
Am I eligible for financial aid?
To receive federal financial aid, you must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible degree program (JD, HJD, or MBLT), be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and meet other federal criteria. See the Eligibility page for the full list.
What is the federal school code for The Colleges of Law?
The Colleges of Law’s FAFSA school code is 042501.
What is the Student Aid Index (SAI), and why does it seem high?
The Student Aid Index (SAI), formerly called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), is a federal calculation that estimates your ability to contribute to your education costs for the year. It takes into account factors like family size, household income, assets, taxes paid, and the number of family members currently enrolled in college. The SAI often feels higher than expected, and we hear that concern often. It is important to remember that it does not represent the exact amount you must pay. It is simply a measure used to determine your aid eligibility. If your SAI leaves a gap between your aid and your costs, there are options including loans, payment plans, and scholarships that can help bridge it. Our financial aid team is happy to help you think through your full picture.
I’m starting school soon. What steps do I need to take to receive financial aid?
Welcome — we’re glad you’re here. Here’s where to start:
- Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov as soon as possible, if you haven’t already.
- When prompted for a school code, enter The Colleges of Law’s federal school code: 042501
- Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) once you receive it and correct any errors promptly.
- Watch for any requests for additional documentation from our financial aid office and respond quickly. Any delays in submitting documents can delay your aid.
- Once you receive your financial aid offer, review it carefully and accept only what you need.
- If you’re borrowing federal loans for the first time, complete Entrance Counseling and your Master Promissory Note (MPN) at studentaid.gov before funds can be released.
Our full step-by-step guide to the financial aid process is available on our main financial aid page.
TYPES OF AID
What types of financial aid are available to me?
Most students piece together a combination of aid sources. Your options may include federal grants, institutional scholarships, Federal Work-Study, and federal or private loans, depending on your enrollment status, program, and financial need. Visit our Types of Aid page for a full breakdown of what’s available and how each type works.
What types of loans are available?
The Colleges of Law participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to eligible students. Graduate PLUS Loans are no longer available to new borrowers for terms beginning on or after July 1, 2026 due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Private loans may be available through outside lenders.
How much can I borrow?
The JD program is classified as a professional degree program under new federal regulations. JD students may borrow up to $50,000 per year and up to $200,000 aggregate (graduate-professional level) for new borrowers beginning July 1, 2026. MBLT students are limited to $20,500 per year and $100,000 aggregate. See the Federal Legislation Updates and Federal Loans pages for full details.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. The Colleges of Law offers a limited number of institutional scholarships, which vary from year to year. All scholarships are awarded as tuition credits and are not refundable. Students are also encouraged to seek external scholarships.
Can I receive financial aid if I am an international student?
International students are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid. However, institutional scholarships and private loans (typically requiring a U.S. co-signer) may be available. Contact the Financial Aid Office for guidance.
SAP and Academic Progress
What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
SAP is the standard used to determine whether you are progressing adequately toward your degree. JD students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA; MBLT students must maintain a 2.7 cumulative GPA. All students must complete at least 67% of attempted units and finish within 150% of the program’s standard length. SAP is evaluated at the end of each applicable review period.
What is Satisfactory AcademicWhat happens if I fail to meet SAP?Progress (SAP)?
Students who do not meet SAP standards may be placed on Academic & Financial Aid Warning or Probation, which can affect financial aid eligibility. You may petition to continue through the Academic Standards Committee. Full SAP policies are in the Academic Catalog, Sections 6.9 (JD) and 6.10 (MBLT).
Withdrawal and Refunds
What happens to my financial aid if I withdraw?
If you withdraw before completing 60% of the semester, the School is required to calculate how much of your Title IV aid you have earned. Unearned aid must be returned, which may result in a balance owed. Contact Financial Aid before withdrawing to understand the financial impact.
What is the refund schedule if I drop a course or withdraw?
Refund percentages depend on when you withdraw. Generally for JD courses: 100% refund before Week 2; 75% during Weeks 2–4; 50% during Weeks 5–8; 0% thereafter. Different schedules apply to MBLT, 8-week online, and specialty courses. See Sections 7.5 through 7.9 of the Academic Catalog for full schedules.
Veterans and Military
Does COL accept GI Bill® benefits?
Yes. The Colleges of Law accepts GI Bill® education benefits, Tuition Assistance, and related VA programs. A special Military and Veteran Tuition Rate is also available. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details.
What happens to my financial aid if I am called to active duty?
Service members ordered to state or federal duty may withdraw from all courses and receive a 100% refund of tuition and fees. Readmission rights are protected under the Higher Education Opportunity Act. See Section 6.13 of the Academic Catalog for full policies.
FEDERAL AID CHANGES
I’ve heard that federal student aid is changing. What do I need to know?
You’ve heard correctly and we want to make sure you have accurate information. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025, makes significant changes to federal student loans beginning July 1, 2026. The most important changes for graduate and professional students include the elimination of Graduate PLUS Loans for new borrowers, new annual and lifetime caps on Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and the launch of a new repayment plan called the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). These changes do not affect aid already received for the 2025–2026 academic year. Visit our Federal Legislation Updates page for a full breakdown or contact our financial aid office if you have questions specific to your situation.
I’m currently on the SAVE repayment plan. What should I do?
The SAVE plan was eliminated in March 2026 following a federal court ruling. If you are currently enrolled in SAVE, you will need to switch to another repayment plan. The new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) launches July 1, 2026, and Income-Based Repayment (IBR) remains available now. We strongly recommend contacting your loan servicer as soon as possible to understand your options and avoid any gaps in qualifying repayment credit, particularly if you are pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Our financial aid office can help you think through which plan makes the most sense for your situation.
I’m expecting a refund. When will I receive it?
You will receive a refund when your financial aid exceeds your charges for the term. Before spending any refund funds, please confirm the amount is accurate as aid and charges can both fluctuate due to enrollment changes or adjustments to your award. The fastest way to receive your refund is through direct deposit. If you haven’t set that up yet, we recommend doing so early in your enrollment.
I’m dropping a class. How does this affect my financial aid?
Dropping a course can affect your financial aid in several ways depending on how many credits you’re dropping and whether it changes your enrollment status. If dropping a course takes you below half-time enrollment, it could affect your loan eligibility. It may also affect your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standing if you don’t complete a sufficient percentage of attempted credits. We strongly recommend contacting our financial aid office before dropping a course so you can understand the impact before it happens.
I need to withdraw from school or take a leave of absence. What happens to my aid?
Withdrawing or taking a leave of absence will almost certainly affect your financial aid. Federal regulations require The Colleges of Law to calculate how much of your Title IV aid you have earned based on how long you were enrolled, and any unearned funds must be returned to the federal government. This can result in a balance owed on your account. Please notify our financial aid office in writing before making any changes to your enrollment status. The earlier we know, the more we can do to help you minimize the financial impact.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
I have a question that isn’t answered here. What should I do?
Our financial aid team is here for exactly this. Whether you have a quick question or need to talk through a complicated situation, we want to hear from you. No question is too small, and no situation is too complicated to at least start a conversation about.