Budget & Lifestyle Planning

Managing Your Cost During Law School
Borrow with a vision for your future.  Most students fail to understand the nature of the financial obligations they are undertaking and what it will mean to them in the future.  Take a proactive approach and exercise prudent borrowing strategies, especially if you are relying on loans as a primary source of financial assistance.  You will have more disposable income in the future and will be better able to enjoy the freedom to achieve your professional goals.

The benefits of a legal education are more than just financial, and you will reap those benefits for your remaining working years.  When you reduce your cost of education through financial self-discipline, planning, and applying for all available aid, your investment becomes all the more valuable.  Keep these factors in mind and weigh the benefits - both tangible and intangible - against the cost you will incur.  This way, when you begin your legal education, you can be confident that you have made the best investment decision for your future.

Lifestyle….Ways to Reduce Expenses While in Law School

• Pay off prior consumer debt
• Share Housing
• Limit eating out
• Use the University’s athletic facility instead of costly private facilities
• Buy used books
• Seek summer employment and other sources of funding
• Purchase school sponsored medical insurance
• Utilize the free university shuttle service and reduce transportation costs
• Take advantage of the law school’s computer lab

By making adjustments to your lifestyle now, you reduce the impact student loan payments will have on your lifestyle after you graduate.  This should be part of your financial plan for law school.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 401-254-4510.