Educational Loans
Apply for Educational Loans
The largest portion of financial aid received by students is in the form of student loans. Please note that loan eligibility requires good credit. We strongly recommend that you get a copy of your credit report and resolve any negative issues right away. You may access a free credit report online.
Note on Federal Direct Graduate Plus (GradPLUS) Loans
On July 4, 2025, a reconciliation bill was signed into law that significantly impacts federal financial aid programs. One of the major changes is the elimination of the GradPLUS Loan program, effective July 1, 2026.
Students who borrowed GradPLUS Loans before that date may continue to borrow under legacy provisions through the completion of their current program. However, new borrowers will no longer be eligible for GradPLUS Loans after July 1, 2026.
For more information on recent changes to federal student loan programs, visit One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates | Federal Student Aid.
See below for information about Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Private Loans, and Federal Direct Loans vs. Private Student Loans.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Federal Direct Loan applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Starting July 1, 2026:
- Incoming (new) JD students who qualify for Federal Direct Loans may borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans up to $50,000 annually, with a maximum aggregate eligibility of $200,000. The lifetime borrowing cap will be $257,500 on all federal student loans ($200,000 for professional degrees, plus $57,500 for undergraduate degrees).
- Incoming (new) Graduate students (i.e., MLS, LLM, and HPL students) will be eligible to borrow Direct Unsubsidized Loans up to $20,500 annually, with a maximum aggregate eligibility of $100,000. Graduate students who have completed or plan to complete a professional degree (ex. JD or MD) may only borrow a lifetime aggregate of up to $200,000 for their professional and graduate studies.
For the 2025-26 academic year, the Federal Direct Loan had an interest rate of 7.94 percent, and a loan origination fee of 1.057 percent. The federal government automatically deducts the loan fee from each disbursement; therefore, the original (gross) amount requested and the disbursed (net) amount differ. Interest rates for the 2026-27 academic year will be set by the Department of Education during the summer of 2026.
The student is responsible for the interest, which accrues immediately upon disbursement. Repayment begins six months after graduation or upon dropping below half-time enrollment.
Students applying for a Federal Direct Loan must submit a FAFSA and the UC Law SF Financial Aid Supplement.
To apply for Federal Direct Loans, you must submit both the FAFSA and the UC Law SF Financial Aid Supplement.
2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Be sure to designate UC Law San Francisco in the school section and include our School Code: G03947. Login with your FSA ID. If you don’t have an FSA ID, you must create an account. The FAFSA must be completed each year by all students who wish to be considered for Federal Direct Loans.
Complete the following two federal loan requirements. Failure to follow through with both requirements will delay disbursement of your eligible Federal Direct Loan.
1. Master Promissory Note (MPN): The MPN is an online form you complete to agree to the terms of your federal student loan. It explains your rights and responsibilities as a borrower. By signing it, you agree to repay your loan, along with any interest and fees, to the U.S. Department of Education.
Step 1: Click on “Complete a Master Promissory Note” located towards the center of the page.
Step 2: Under Subsidized/Unsubsidized MPN click the box “Complete sub/unsub MPN”
Step 3: Complete the MPN
Step 4: Sign
2. Entrance Counseling Session: All first-time federal loan borrowers at UC Law SF are required to complete an online Entrance Counseling Session. This can be accomplished by reviewing the counseling session materials and taking an online quiz. All quiz results are transmitted electronically to the UC Law SF Financial Aid Office.
Be sure to indicate “UC Law San Francisco” in the school section as your institution when registering your account to ensure that you are directed to the entrance exam.
Step 1: Go to https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/
Step 2: Choose the “I am a Graduate or Professional Student” option.
Step 3: Complete the counseling session.
To apply for Federal Direct Loans, you must submit both the FAFSA and the UC Law SF Financial Aid Supplement: 2026-27 Financial Aid Supplement
(Continuing students, your Supplement form is on Sharknet.)
Private Student Loans
Private loans are offered by a variety of banks and lenders independently of the Department of Education.
Private loans are best utilized only if eligibility for Federal Direct Loans has been exhausted. Private loans are not guaranteed by the federal government. Terms vary based on the lender and the borrower’s (and, if required, cosigner’s) credit-worthiness. Loan terms are printed directly on the application and also are governed by federal and state lending regulations.
The choice of lender rests solely with the student, but students will need to meet the lender’s credit requirements. Please see UC Law SF’s Preferred Lender List.
To apply for a Private Student Loan, submit an application with the lender of your choice and inform the Financial Aid Office of your pending application.
Private Education Loan funds are disbursed directly from the lender to UC Law SF.
University of California Code of Conduct Regarding Preferred Lender Arrangements
UC Law SF partners with AccessLex to provide private loan counseling to admitted and prospective students.
Federal Direct Loans vs. Private Student Loans
Students considering student loans need to be aware of the differences between Federal Direct Loans and Private Student Loans:
- Federal Direct Loans are required by law to provide a range of flexible repayment options including, but not limited to, income-based and income-contingent repayment plans as well as loan forgiveness benefits that private lenders are not required to provide.
- Federal Direct Loans are available to most students regardless of income. Other qualification criteria do apply. For more information, please visit http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/eligibility.
- Private Student Loan lenders can offer variable interest rates that can increase or decrease over time, depending on market conditions.
- The interest rate on a private loan may depend on the borrower’s and/or co-signer’s credit rating.
- Private Student Loans have a range of interest rates and fees and students should determine the interest rate of, and any fees associated with, the private student loan included in their financial aid award package before accepting the loan. Students should contact the lender of the private student loan if they have any questions about a private student loan.