Federal Financial Aid

The federal government offers financial assistance to professional/graduate students in the form of the Federal Stafford loans, the Graduate PLUS loan and Federal Work-Study.

In order to determine eligibility for the federal student aid programs, law students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. Saint Louis University's FAFSA Federal School code is 002506. The annual FAFSA form can be completed on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov (paper copies of the FAFSA are available upon request). It is best to file the FAFSA or a renewal FAFSA as soon after January 1 for maximum funding consideration. You must renew your FAFSA every year to be considered for federal financial aid. For the academic year 2008-2009, you will use your 2007 Federal tax return(s) to file the 2008-2009 FAFSA. You can file the 2008-2009 FAFSA starting January 1, 2008.

Four to six weeks after filing the paper version of the FAFSA or two to four weeks after filing the on-line FAFSA, all filers will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) either to the email address provided or via the mail. Any corrections should be made on the SAR and returned to the processing center at the address indicated on your SAR.

Students enrolled in a minimum of six (6) credit hours per semester may qualify for the Federal Stafford Loan, the Graduate PLUS Loan and Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. Professional students are NOT eligible for the Federal Pell Grant or any state-funded grant programs.

Federal Stafford Loan Program

Saint Louis University participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). Under FFELP, loan funds are provided by a private lender (a bank, credit union or other lender who participates in the FFEL program). FFELP Stafford Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. It is possible to receive a subsidized and an unsubsidized loan during the same enrollment period.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program

The Graduate PLUS loan can be used to help bridge the gap between the financial aid package and the remaining cost of education. A student enrolled at least half-time may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other aid. The Graduate PLUS loan is unsubsidized with a fixed interest rate of 8.5% and a 3% origination fee, as set by the Department of Education. Interest begins to accrue from the date of disbursement.

Federal Work Study Program

Law students can participate in the Federal Work-Study Program. Students are allowed to work up to 15 hours a week during in-school periods, and up to 40 hours per week during holiday and summer sessions. Federal Work Study funds are limited and are awarded on the basis of financial need. Students must file the FAFSA in order to determine eligibility for federal work-study. 

Available federal work-study jobs are posted on the financial aid web page. Students must apply and be hired for the position and then a member of the department will submit the request for the student to be considered for federal work-study. Work-study funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come basis. Students who have a completed SAR report received by Saint Louis University prior to March 1st will have priority consideration for work-study funds. Students who are not approved by the Office of Financial Aid for federal work-study or who have not filed the FAFSA and have begun to work, will NOT be paid from federal work-study funds. 

Full-time first year students are encouraged not to work during the first year of law school. However, if the student feels s/he must work during their first year, s/he must first speak with the Assistant Dean of Students.