A strong education requires financial planning, and law school is no exception. Financial assistance plays a vital role in supporting students who wish to pursue a Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), or Master of Science in Law (MS in Law) at Maryland Carey Law. The University provides a combination of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to make education more accessible. A wide range of merit-based and need-based programs are managed by both the Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
This article provides a detailed overview of scholarship opportunities, financial aid programs, student financial planning resources, and special support systems available to students.
Table of Contents
Admissions and Financial Aid Overview
- Admissions and aid are closely linked at Maryland Carey Law, with prospective students being automatically considered for many scholarships.
- The Office of Admissions focuses on merit-based scholarships, while the Office of Student Financial Assistance manages need-based grants, loans, and work-study.
- Students must submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be eligible for federal loans, grants, or work-study.
- The University of Maryland, Baltimore, has the FAFSA code 002104.
Types of Financial Assistance
Financial support is provided in multiple forms. Each type has its own application process, eligibility, and retention requirements.
Grants and Scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships: Awarded by the Office of Admissions for JD, LLM, and MS in Law programs.
- Need-based grants: Managed by the Office of Student Financial Assistance, often called University Grants.
- External scholarships: Opportunities such as JD External Scholarships provide additional support beyond institutional aid.
Loans
- Federal loans and private loans are available for students who submit the FAFSA.
- Loans help bridge the gap when grants and scholarships do not cover the full tuition and living expenses.
Work-Study Programs
- Students may qualify for federal work-study positions.
- These opportunities provide part-time employment, often on campus, to help manage living costs.
Scholarship Programs by Degree
The Office of Admissions automatically reviews applicants for most scholarships. Some programs require additional applications.
| Program | Scholarship Opportunities | Application Requirement | Notification Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| JD Program | Maryland Law Scholars Program | Automatic consideration | Scholarship letters are sent separately from admission decisions |
| LLM Program | David Hoffman Fellows Program, Maryland Dean’s Scholars | Automatic consideration | Notifications sent by mail, separate from admission |
| MS in Law Program | MSL Scholarship Program | Requires submission of the MSL Scholarship Application | Notifications mailed after review |
Scholarship and Grant Retention
- Merit-based scholarships:
- Automatically renewable if students remain in good academic and character standing.
- No conditional scholarships are offered.
- Need-based University Grants:
- Renewable with timely FAFSA submission, proof of continued need, and availability of funds.
- Funding amounts may vary each academic year.
Student Financial Planning Support
A strong financial strategy reduces stress during studies. The Office of Student Affairs at Maryland Carey Law provides specialized support through a Student Financial Planning Coordinator.
Key Functions of Financial Planning Support
- Guidance on understanding scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study.
- Assistance in comparing aid packages and creating a personalized financial plan.
- Help with long-term debt management and repayment options.
- Support for prospective students preparing their first aid application.
Contact Person:
- Marilyn Jones
- Student Financial Planning Coordinator
- Email: mmjones@law.umaryland.edu
- Phone: 410.706.0873
Specialized Financial Support Programs
Veterans and Active Duty Military
- Maryland Carey Law supports military students through tuition assistance, federal veteran benefits, and specialized aid programs.
- Veterans may qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program and other Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funding sources.
FEDEM Grant
- A dedicated program supporting students with specific eligibility requirements.
- Helps cover tuition costs not met by other scholarships or grants.
Educational Debt Relief and Public Interest Loan Repayment Programs
- Designed for graduates entering public interest or government careers.
- Provides financial relief by helping repay educational loans.
- Encourages students to choose service-oriented careers without overwhelming debt concerns.
Student Emergency Fund
- Provides short-term financial help to students experiencing unexpected hardships.
- Covers urgent expenses such as housing issues, medical emergencies, or family crises.
Additional Aid Resources
- Access to external funding databases.
- Guidance in applying for national and international scholarship competitions.
- Financial literacy workshops to improve money management skills.
Fast Facts on Scholarships and Aid
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| FAFSA Requirement | Must list “University of Maryland, Baltimore” (Code 002104) |
| Merit Scholarships | Awarded for JD, LLM, and MS in Law applicants |
| Grant Renewal | Based on need, FAFSA submission, and funds availability |
| Scholarship Renewal | Based on academic and character good standing |
| Conditional Scholarships | Not offered |
| Work-Study | Available for eligible students |
| Emergency Support | Student Emergency Fund |
| Military Benefits | Veterans and active duty are eligible for federal and institutional programs |
Student Ambassadors and Leadership Opportunities
- Maryland Carey Law promotes leadership through scholarship programs such as Leadership Scholars and LEAP Scholars.
- Student Ambassadors assist in admissions events, guiding prospective students about aid opportunities.
- Participation in these programs provides both financial assistance and leadership development experience.
Visits, Events, and Communication with Admissions
- Prospective students are encouraged to attend visits and events organized by the Office of Admissions.
- These events often include sessions on financial planning, scholarships, and application guidance.
- Students can also connect through the Fostering Opportunity to Maximize Excellence (FOME) Podcast, which shares insights about aid and law school life.
Comparison of Aid Types
| Aid Type | Source | Eligibility | Renewal Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit Scholarships | Office of Admissions | Strong academic records, leadership qualities | Academic and character standing |
| Need-based Grants | Office of Student Financial Assistance | FAFSA submission, financial need | Continued need and FAFSA submission |
| Loans | Federal and private lenders | FAFSA required for federal loans | Repayment after graduation |
| Work-Study | Federal Program | FAFSA required, financial need | Based on continued eligibility |
| Military Benefits | Federal VA Programs + University | Veterans and active-duty students | VA policies and enrollment |
| Emergency Fund | University Resources | Unexpected financial hardship | Case-by-case review |
Moving Forward
Financial support at Maryland Carey Law reflects the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and equal opportunity. A diverse range of scholarships, grants, loans, and specialized programs make legal education more accessible to students from different backgrounds. With structured guidance from the Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Financial Assistance, students are empowered to focus on their education rather than financial obstacles. A clear planning system, combined with emergency and long-term repayment support, ensures that every student has the resources to succeed both during law school and beyond.
