SCHOLARSHIPS

The Colleges of Law is dedicated to providing students with an excellent legal education at an affordable cost. Our scholarship programs are made possible through the generosity of donors, alumni, and other friends of the college, whose charitable giving allows us to extend these opportunities to students. The Colleges of Law manages a variety of institutional scholarships internally. It also provides students with information about external scholarships, which are not affiliated with the college but are shared for informational purposes only.

INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

All institutional scholarships at The Colleges of Law are designed to support our mission of accessibility and affordability, and award amounts vary depending on the specific scholarship and available funding. Whether focused on merit, financial need, or special criteria such as first-generation status or bar exam preparation, these scholarships aim to address the diverse needs of our student body. Award levels are determined annually and are subject to change. Students are encouraged to explore all available opportunities to maximize their financial support.

$1,000 | Non-renewable
Qualified first-year J.D. students will receive a $500 nonrefundable credit at the beginning of each of their first two semesters.

Eligibility requirements:

A recommendation letter from a Colleges of Law graduate on official letterhead, indicating graduation campus and year. This letter should be submitted with initial application materials, along with the other recommendation letter(s) required for admission.
Continuous enrollment in the J.D. program during the first year of study
Satisfactory academic progress in the first year of study

The Colleges of Law has a scholarship program for J.D. students created to honor the legacy of Christie Stanley (J.D. ’78), distinguished local attorney, prosecutor, and the first woman elected as district attorney of Santa Barbara County.

The Conflict Resolution Institute Scholarship supports students who wish to explore mediation training as part of their student internship. The scholarship is facilitated by The Colleges of Law and is meant to assist with some of the costs of CRI’s mediation training program.

Up to $2,000 | Non-renewable

Recipients of the Dean’s Scholarship are selected based on their past dedication and anticipated future contributions to service, academic excellence, and the Colleges of Law. To be eligible for consideration applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

Be a new incoming student
Hold a bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited institution
Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2
Demonstrated prior service contributions, academic excellence, and achievements

Dean’s Scholarships are awarded based on available funds and through a committee comprising faculty and administration.

Up to $1,500 | One-time award

The Global Engagement Scholarship supports Colleges of Law students participating in an approved field study experience, with a special focus on first-time international travelers. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must:

Be a current student in good standing
Enroll in a Colleges of Law field study program
Submit a personal statement (500–1,000 words) addressing their interest, goals, and plans to share their experience with the campus community

Awards are based on available funds and selected through committee review.

Available for students forging new educational pathways.

The Family Law Scholarship is funded by a graduate who wishes to support students who are interested in making contributions to their practice after graduation.

The Linda Ford-McCaffrey Environmental Scholarship is designed for J.D. students who are passionate about environmental law. The award aims to support those who demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for environmental issues, sustainability, and conservation. The scholarship was established to foster a deeper understanding of the ethical considerations surrounding environmental law, particularly the balance between environmental protection and economic and social responsibilities. The scholarship is open to all J.D. students, with special consideration given to first-time recipients.

The Colleges of Law’s Board of Trustees created the Trustee Scholarship to help recent graduates who are registered to take the bar exam. The scholarship will provide financial reimbursement for expenses related to taking the bar.

The scholarship application period is currently closed. Applications will reopen in December. Please check back then for updates and to apply!

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

At each campus, J.D. students in each class year with the three highest cumulative grade point averages as of the end of the preceding academic year will receive a scholarship of: $750 to #1 in the class, $400 to #2 in the class and $200 to #3 in the class.

ENDOWMENTS, CHARITABLE GIVING, AND DONATIONS TO THE COLLEGES OF LAW

As a nonprofit institution, The Colleges of Law appreciates the generosity of its community who help the college continue its mission of providing affordable and high-quality legal education. Your support directly impacts our students and allows us to offer scholarships, maintain affordable tuition, and enrich our academic programs.

Endowments are long-term investments in The Colleges of Law’s future. When you contribute to or fund an endowment, your gift is carefully invested, with the annual returns used to fund scholarships, enhance academic programs, or support other institutional needs. Endowments create a lasting legacy, providing continuous support to future generations of students.

Charitable donations to The Colleges of Law make an immediate difference. Your contributions can help fund new initiatives, improve campus facilities, and ensure that our students have access to the resources they need to succeed. Whether large or small, every gift makes a significant impact on our ability to serve our students and the community.

Supporting The Colleges of Law is easy. Donations can be made as one-time gifts, recurring contributions, or as part of estate planning. To learn more about how you can contribute to our scholarship funds, endowment opportunities, or other areas of need, please contact our development office.

Your generosity helps us continue to advance our mission, making a difference in the lives of our students and the legal profession. Thank you for considering a donation to The Colleges of Law. For questions on giving to The Colleges of Law, please contact Kryztofr Kaine, Sr. Manager of Institutional Advancement and Community Relations, at [email protected].