Admitted JD Students

Rudy Trejo, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Community Engagement and Equity and Community Engagement Unit Officer Darryn Chenault will cover a range of student-centered topics, including mental health resources, stress management techniques, and safety measures both on and off campus.

You will have the opportunity to connect with the Center for Professional Development for an insightful discussion on where you can go with a JD from UC.

This is your opportunity prior to beginning your 1L year to connect directly with Dean Margolis and ask questions about academic resources, bar exam preparation, and strategies for success in law school. 

In partnership with the AccessLex Institute® Center for Education and Financial Capability, we provide access to valuable tools and resources to help you build financial wellness.

As part of your strongly encouraged summer pre-orientation checklist, please complete the following by June 10, 2025 (Note: AccessLex will never share or sell your personal information):

• Register for the Financial Aid Week webinars on June 10, June 11, and June 12, 2025.
• Create your free AskEDNA account to access MAX. Use the following details: Enter your full name / Select Your Law School (Cincinnati Law) /  Enter your Cincinnati Law email address / Select your Class Year (2025)
• Create a personal password

Financial Aid Webinars
Let’s Meet MAX by AccessLex®
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
12:15 p.m. EDT

MAX by AccessLex^® is a personal finance program created just for law school students that provides quick and easy to understand lessons and activities, in-person and online learning opportunities, one-on-one financial coaching from Accredited Financial Counselors, and over $300,000 in scholarship incentives each year to keep you motivated! During this 30-minute webinar, AccessLex Institute National Director, Dr. Theresa Popp Braun, AFC®, CEPF®, will introduce the Education Network at AccessLex (Ask EDNA) and walk you through MAX and all the free resources available to you as a law student at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
Register Here

Building Your Law School Budget
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
12:15 p.m. EDT

Budgeting is the most effective tool for knowing exactly what’s in your bank account at any given time and keeping you on track toward your financial goals during law school and beyond.  This practical hands-on webinar will cover identifying your money coming in, projecting your money going out, and tracking your expenses.  We’ll also look at your budget and its connection to the Cost of Attendance (COA) and student loans.  Attendees will receive an entry into the annual MAX Scholarship Drawings.
Register Here

Federal Student Aid and Financial Aid at UC College of Law
Thursday, June 12, 2025
12:15 p.m. EDT

This webinar will cover the important differences between the types of Federal Student Aid available to law students versus undergraduates and the University of Cincinnati Financial Aid Office processes and timelines for getting your loan money and other forms of aid while you’re enrolled at Cincinnati Law.
Register Here

• Orientation will occur Monday, August 18 - Friday, August 22. Attendance in-person throughout the entire week is mandatory, and students should plan for the following times:    
• We will email you more information about Orientation during the summer months. When it becomes available, a schedule for the week will be found on the New Student Orientation Intranet Page (you will need to download the SharePoint app for access on your phone). 
• If you need to discuss accommodations prior to Orientation, please contact Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Community Engagement, and Equity Rudy Trejo (trejorg@ucmail.uc.edu).

THINGS TO DO BEFORE JUNE 1

• Pay Your Seat Deposit
  Admitted students must pay a non-refundable $500 Enrollment Deposit, which is split into two $250 installments ("First Enrollment Deposit", "Second Enrollment Deposit"). The Enrollment Deposit(s) reserves your place in the entering class and will later be applied as partial payment of your fall semester tuition. Deposit deadlines can be found in your acceptance packet and status portal. You can pay your seat deposits online through the links provided in your Applicant Online Status portal. 
  • Pay $250 First Enrollment Deposit
  • Pay $250 Second Enrollment Deposit

• Submit Your Confirmation Form
  In addition to the Enrollment Deposit(s), the online Confirmation Form ("Confirmation Form - Respond to Offer") must be completed in order to confirm your enrollment for the Fall term. This form is also used by the university to determine your initial status for state residency and student financial aid. You will receive instructions via email for accessing the confirmation form prior to your deposit deadline.

THINGS TO DO BEFORE AUGUST 1

• Complete and submit the Student Services Form
• Complete and submit the Student Photo Release Form
• Email trejorg@ucmail.uc.edu if you need accommodations for Orientation Week
• Request your UC Bearcat ID Card
• Obtain a Parking Pass Student Parking Services.
• Submit your Final Transcript
  
The transcript submitted to LSAC with your application does not satisfy this requirement. 

All transcripts must arrive before August 1. We must receive confirmation that your bachelor’s degree was conferred before you begin classes. If your bachelor’s degree will not be completed until the summer term immediately preceding the start of law school, you should contact the Office of Admissions as soon as possible to discuss documentation of your anticipated graduation.

University of Cincinnati Law Admissions, P.O. Box 210040, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0040

THINGS TO DO BEFORE AUGUST 12   

• Contact the Accessibility Resources Office if you need accommodations for a physical, mental, or learning disability.

KEEP YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION UPDATED
It is important to notify the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid of any changes to your primary email, phone number, and mailing address.

Questions? Contact the College of Law Office of Admissions at admissions@law.uc.edu or (513) 556-0078.

1. July 1st- FAFSA and aid-related Tasks in Catalyst should be submitted by this date to ensure completion of the full process in time for Fall bill payment due date. Students may continue to apply and complete tasks after this date; however, aid may not be processed by the time fall payment is due. 
2. Mid- July- Fall bills will be generated for all registered students.  
3. August 1st- Enroll in direct deposit. To set up direct deposit as a student, go to Catalyst and click the "My Finances" tile. On the left side click "Billing Information" and then "Direct Deposit Enrollment" from the drop-down menu. 
4. August 16- Fall Semester Financial Aid Disbursements Begins 
5. August 19- New Student Orientation Begins 
6. August 19- Fall Semester Direct Deposit Begins 
7. August 21- Fall Semester Bill Due  
8. August 26- Fall Semester Classes Begin 
9. September 9-End of Add/Drop Time

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I Check My Financial Aid?

Each academic year, follow the steps below to accept your aid:

• Log into Catalyst
• Select the My Finances tile.
• Under Financial Aid Information, click Accept/Decline Financial Aid
• Select the appropriate aid year.
• Select the awards that you wish to accept.
• For the Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, you must enter the dollar
• amount you wish to borrow in the accepted column. Federal Direct Parent PLUS and
• Grad PLUS Loans cannot be accepted in Catalyst.
• Grad PLUS Loans require an approved application and complete Master Promissory Note at Studentaid.gov from the parent borrower or graduate student borrower.

What Happens If There is Still a Balance?

Students with a past due balance are subject to late payment fees and limitations of service that can prevent future registration. Also, federal aid regulations limit aid from one academic year being used to pay off an amount owed from a previous academic year. Students should monitor their online bill and ensure their payments are up-to-date to avoid registration and aid problems in the future.

When Am I Getting My Refund?

Students with credit balances (CR will appear after the amount on the Amount Due line) for any terms will have a refund issued by the Student Accounts Office. Students will be mailed a check or can sign up for direct deposit. Federal Parent PLUS Loan overpayments will be sent to parents.

General refund policies are noted below:

• The refund process for a term will not begin until 10 days prior to the start of that term.
• Your online bill will display when your specific refund is processing with the anticipated date of the refund noted as well.
• Refunds may also be delayed due to academic action (e.g. withdrawing or adding classes) during the first 2 weeks of the term.
• Refunds based on a credit balance due to financial aid will be processed as oeverages occur. 
• Refunds on accounts that include a student payment may have a portion equal to the student payment held for 21 days prior to release.

How Can I Review Eligibility and Increase My Loans?

Loan awards are made using the best information on file at the time of awarding to project your appropriate class level and loan amount.

Once you have accepted any portion of your loan, your financial aid award offered amount will then reflect your accepted amount. Students who decline a portion of their loan may later ask to have their loan increased/reinstated if they remain eligible for the loan. Consult Enrollment Services (enrollmentservices@uc.edu; 513-556-1000; campus locations) to have eligibility evaluated.

Loan increases, when a student is deemed eligible, will appear as part of the award package within 5 business days. Please do not make multiple requests within a week's timeframe.

How Much Money Can I Borrow During Law School?

The yearly maximum $20,500 in borrowing will be made available to students in unsubsidized (interest-bearing while in school) loans based on eligibility. The maximum lifetime borrowing limit is $138,500. 

Do I Have to Reapply for Financial Aid Every Year?

Yes. Because eligibility for federal student aid does not carry over from one award year to the next, you need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each award year in which you are or plan to be a student. The next FAFSA date opens in December of 2023 for the 24-25 School Year. UC FAFSA code is 003125.

How Much Interest Do My Loans Accrue? 

Loans begin accruing interest as soon as they are disbursed to your account. The interest rates are available on the StudentLoans.gov. It is important that you understand how interest is calculated and the fees associated with your loan. Both factors will impact the amount you will be required to repay.  

What is Verification?

If your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is selected for verification, the Department of Education requires the University of Cincinnati to check the accuracy of the FAFSA information you provided. Verification must be completed before financial aid can be disbursed. You will be notified via your UC email of any required documentation. Instructions for your Financial Aid Portal will be listed on the To Do List in your Catalyst account. 

How Do I Learn About Veterans Benefits?

It's important that any student wishing to take advantage of Veterans Educational Benefits contact the Veterans Program and Services (VPS) Office. 

UC Veterans Programs and Services Office 
Voice: (513) 556-6811 
Fax:     (513) 556-0959 
E-mail:   vetcert@uc.edu 
In-Person: 230 University Pavilion (2nd floor)
(Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm)

When Will I Get A Refund for my Seat Deposit?

All seat deposits are credited in the fall as a partial payment on your fall semester tuition. 

Are There Any Loan Forgiveness Programs For Law Graduates?

Yes, some federal and state programs offer loan forgiveness or repayment assistance for law graduates who work in certain public service or nonprofit jobs. The most well-known program is the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Research and understand the specific requirements and conditions of these programs. 

Corporate Law Center | Center for Race, Gender, & Social Justice | Ohio Innocence Project | Urban Morgan Institute 

In addition to scholarships, our Centers of Excellence offer prestigious fellowships to incoming first year students and returning students. These fellowships offer in-depth, real-world experience to students interested in specialized legal fields, opening doors to future career opportunities. Many also come with additional scholarship and/or stipends, giving you extra support as you dive deeper into your legal journey.

Join us for an exclusive virtual information session on Friday, January 23 at 12:00 PM! Get the inside scoop as you connect with representatives from all four dynamic centers. Discover exciting fellowship opportunities and have your questions answered in real time. Don’t miss this chance to take your legal journey to the next level! 

 Register here. 

Please Note: 

• To be eligible, you must be a JD applicant for Fall 2025. While all applicants can apply for fellowships, only admitted students will be interviewed and considered for fellowship positions.

• Deadline to apply: February 14, 2025. Applications received after February 14 will automatically be placed on our fellowship waitlist and reviewed on a rolling basis at the director’s discretion.  

• Students may apply and interview for multiple fellowships but may only accept one. 

• Accessibility Resources
• Catalyst and Canvas
• Digital Technology Solutions
• Dining Options
• Enrollment Services
• International Services
• Parking
• Tuition, Financial Aid, & Residency
• Laptop Requirements
  • Windows (recommended)
    • Processor: 8th generation Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 3 with 2.0Ghz clock speed and quad-core    
    • Memory (RAM): 8GB (minimum), 16GB (recommended)
    • Hard Drive: 256GB (minimum), 512GB (recommended)
    • Built-in or External Webcam with Microphone and Speakers (These will be needed to participate in synchronous online classes.) 
  • Mac
    • Processor: 8th generation Intel i5 with 2.0Ghz clock speed and quad-core (recommended)
    • Memory (RAM): 8GB (minimum), 16GB
    • Hard Drive: 256GB (minimum), 512GB
    • We recommend MacBook Pro over MacBook Air
    • Built-in or External Webcam with Microphone and Speakers (These will be needed to participate in synchronous online classes.) 
  • While recent Windows Surface Pro tablets are supported, tablets running iOS (iPads), Android, or Windows RT are not supported for exams and are not appropriate laptop computers. Additionally, computers running Windows 10 S, Chrome OS, and Linux are not supported and will not work with the exam software.