Law

Loan Options

The University of Cincinnati’s Student Financial Aid Office manages all financial aid for graduate and professional students, including those enrolled at Cincinnati Law. Available funding may include federal and private loans, as well as awards provided by individual programs, centers, the Graduate School, and the Student Financial Aid Office.

FEDERAL DIRECT UNSUBSIDIZED LOANS
Eligible U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens may borrow up to $50,000 per academic year for professional programs such as law, with a $200,000 lifetime limit. No credit check is required. An origination fee is deducted from each disbursement, and interest begins accruing immediately.

ELIMINATION OF GRADUATE PLUS LOANS
Graduate PLUS Loans will not be available for students enrolling after July 1, 2026. This change is part of recent federal legislation aimed at simplifying graduate borrowing and reducing reliance on high-interest, credit-based loans. To offset this change, the federal government has significantly increased Unsubsidized Loan limits for professional students, ensuring most students can meet their educational costs without PLUS loans.

PRIVATE LOAN OPTIONS
Private loans may help bridge funding gaps. Terms vary by lender, and eligibility is based on credit (often requiring a cosigner). Compare interest rates, fees, and repayment flexibility before borrowing, and exhaust federal options first.

Planning Tips for Private Loans

  • Start early: Check your credit score for free and improve it if needed before applying.
  • Compare lenders: Review interest rates, origination fees, repayment terms, and cosigner release options.
  • Consider nonprofit or state-based lenders: They often offer lower rates and better borrower protections.
  • Understand repayment: Private loans rarely offer income-driven repayment or forgiveness—plan for consistent payments after graduation.
  • Borrow conservatively: Only take what you need to cover gaps after federal aid.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness remains available for law graduates who plan to work in qualifying public service roles and make 120 qualifying monthly payments under an eligible repayment plan. Recent federal legislation introduces important changes effective July 1, 2026:

  • Beginning July 1, 2026, Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) replaces older income-driven repayment plans and qualifies for PSLF.
  • Only employers meeting federal criteria will qualify. Organizations determined by the Department of Education to engage in a “substantial illegal purpose” may be excluded.
  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans remain eligible for PSLF under RAP.

For detailed loan information, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website or the Federal Student Aid website.