Need-based Grants

Through the generosity of alumni and other donors, need-based grant funds are available to students who demonstrate significant financial need. Need-based grants are especially valuable to first-year students who are expected to devote more time and energy to academic efforts and are discouraged from working. The need-based grants for returning second- and third-year students tend to be slightly lower than that provided in the students’ first years. The expectation is that after completing the first year of study, students will find part-time and summer employment more easily. Please note that all students awarded need-based grants will be expected to borrow the maximum federal Stafford Loan amount.

Although the federal government considers all graduate and professional students to be independent, students who wish to be considered for need-based grants from Penn State Law must report parent information on the FAFSA, despite the FAFSA instructions. A parent contribution is factored into all need-based grant aid evaluations if the analysis indicates that a student’s parents have the ability to contribute. This policy applies to applicants who are younger than thirty years of age who are not supporting a dependent other than a spouse.

Incoming first-year students applying for need-based grant assistance must submit the FAFSA and their Penn State Law Financial Aid Applications by March 1, whether or not they have been notified of a decision on their admission application by that date. Applications submitted after March 1 are considered only as funds are available.