Financial Aid and Scholarships

 

Federal Student Aid

Significant changes to Federal Financial Aid for law students are taking place on July 1, 2026. These changes will affect new students.

 

Understanding Total Cost of Attendance

Students should have an understanding of all costs associated with attending law school. Students should consider the entire cost of attendance (COA), not just tuition, when applying to law school. COA includes tuition, fees and all other expenses a student may incur during the academic year. Items like books, transportation, housing and food are included. The 2025-2026 estimated total COA fo a full-time student at Wilmington University School of Law is $48,984.  Part-time COA is less.  Students should note that federal financial aid is not meant to cover summer expenses.  See our cost of attendance page for a complete breakdown of costs.

 

Understanding Federal Financial Aid for New Students after June 30, 2026

Law students are eligible to apply for Federal loans. Federal grants are not, and have not been, available for law students.  The new annual Federal Student Loan limit is $50,000.  The lifetime limit for professional studies is $200,000.  Federal financial aid changes are below.

 

Students who started Law School Prior to July 1, 2026

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Up to $20,500 annually.  $138,500 aggregate limit which includes other federal loans received as an undergraduate. 

 

Federal Direct Grad Plus: Maximum amount is cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.

Students starting law school after June 30, 2026

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Up to $50,000 annually, $200,000 total for the program lifetime.  $257,500 aggregate limit which includes other federal loans received as an undergraduate.

 

Federal Direct Grad Plus: Not available after June 30, 2026

 

New Loan Limits and Wilmington University Law Students

The new $50,000 annual loan limit should have limited impact on Wilmington University School of Law students. Part of the school’s mission is to make legal education accessible and affordable.  The full-time 2025 - 2026 COA , which includes all tuition, fees, and estimated expenses for books, transportation and living expenses, is less than the maximum annual federal student loan.  

Students should still keep personal expenses to a minimum. Choices of apartments and other living expenses could expand an individual’s COA beyond the federal loan limit.

Part-Time students should also feel little impact.  However, the level of the impact is still unclear as final rules concerning loan proration have yet to be determined.  Updates to this section will be made as more information becomes available.

 

Steps for Federal Student Aid

 

File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

You are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available.  Check the FAFSA website for availability.  There is no need to wait for an admissions decision.  Note that the application for two aid years may be available.  Select the 2026 - 2027 aid year.  Also, select Wilmington University from the list of schools or enter our school code, 007948, so we can receive your FAFSA.  

Award Offer

Starting in late March, admitted applicants will receive a financial aid package from the office of financial aid.  The award will be sent via email.  The award will consist of the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and any scholarship received.  The total award cannot exceed Cost of Attendance.

 

Accept your aid


Follow the instructions found in the award email
Visit the myWilmU portal
Click on the Financial Aid/Pay Bill icon
You may accept, decline or change the award. Select Change if you wish to reduce the amount of the loan.

Other Steps


If you accept any part of the loan, you must then
Complete the Master Promissory Note 
Complete entrance counseling 

 

Loans will be disbursed to your student account in two equal amounts, one in August and one in December. A refund will be issued if the disbursed amount is greater than tuition charges.

Private Loans

Credit-based private loan programs are available for students who are credit-worthy but unable to borrow federal student loans. Because terms and conditions vary greatly among private loan programs, it is important to familiarize yourself with all pertinent details before making commitments. 

FASTChoice is a helpful tool used by WilmU to help you to find the loan that best fits your needs.

Scholarships

The Office of Law Admissions makes scholarship offers to qualified students shortly after admission. Applicants do not need to submit a separate application.  Scholarship offers range from $1,000 to $5,000.  Our mission is to make legal education accessible to all students, not just those receiving a scholarship. 


Students should also consider applying for external scholarships. Visit the Law School Scholarship Databank for opportunities.

We're ready to help you get started!

Ask a question, start a conversation about a program, inquire about schedules or financing your legal education-whatever you need, we’re here for you.