Law

Scholarships

Renewable Annual Scholarships

At Cincinnati Law, we believe that costs should never keep you from pursuing your dream degree. That’s why nearly 95% of Cincinnati Law students receive fully renewable annual scholarships that range from $3,000 to full-tuition.

In fact, every year, we award more than $3 million to students like you through our extensive scholarship and fellowship opportunities. Our scholarships are renewable for each of your three years of law school as long as you remain in good academic standing. Scholarships are awarded to admitted applicants in order to attract and retain an academically talented and diverse student body. 

In the last eleven years, 100% of scholarships awarded by Cincinnati Law have been renewed.

Roughly 95% of incoming Cincinnati Law students receive scholarship awards. The average award is around $16,000.

Taft Scholars Program

The College of Law is proud to feature the Taft Scholars Program as part of our annual scholarship offerings. Taft Scholars receive a range of opportunities and resources to nurture their professional and intellectual growth, including full-tuition scholarship, a community mentor, guaranteed research assistant placement with faculty, an opportunity with our Centers and Institutes, and invitations to special events at the College.

These select experiences complement our robust academic offerings in the classroom and our countless opportunities that put your learning into practice. Consistent with our student-centered approach, the unique program will bring to bear our considerable resources at the University and the legal community to help you reach your goals.

But note that time is of the essence when it comes to our awards—we award scholarships to students as they apply and are accepted into our academically talented and diverse student body. All you need to do to be considered for a scholarship is complete your online application. Your offer of admission includes your scholarship award information.

To learn more about our scholarship data, or to compare our data to other law schools, you can reviewt our Consumer Information (ABA Required Disclosures). 

If you are joining Cincinnati Law during your second or third year of law school, you are still eligible for scholarships once we determine what funds remain after existing scholarships are renewed.

For other potential sources of funding, visit our list of external scholarships not affiliated with the University of Cincinnati.

Endowed Scholarships/Gifts

In addition to those scholarships provided for applicants from general university funds, the generous contributions of alumni and friends of the college make it possible to award the following annual scholarships.

The purpose of this fund is to award an annual scholarship to a student who possesses high academic skills, demonstrates a particularly high need of financial support, and has a great and abiding love and respect for the majesty of the law. Preference given to students who bring a diverse background to the University.

The Marian C. Atkins Fund II is a scholarship to be awarded to a College of Law student in need of financial assistance.

This fund provides a scholarhip for one rising 3L law student whose qualities of leadership and integrity reflect the following values: the recipient must either be

  • (A) an officer on the Moot Court Board in one of the four Director positions:
    • Executive Director,
    • Intramural Competition Director,
    • Rendigs Competition Director, or
    • Rendigs Problem Writer; 
  • (B) or an Officer of the Law Review in one of the three positions:
    • Editor-in-Chief,
    • Executive Editor, or
    • Managing Editor.

This scholarship fund provides support to law students from Medina County, Ohio, or Northeast Ohio. It is based primarily on academic achievement and secondarily on demonstrated financial need.

Fund established in memory of Charles J. Birt, Class of 1926. Income is to provide a scholarship award to a needy student with high scholastic achievement.

This Scholarship is awarded to the UC Law Student who annually serves as the President of the Black Law Students Association.

Established by Frederick H. Braun and Carol S. Friel, this fund provides a scholarship to matriculated students who demonstrate exceptional ability, promise, and need.

Established by Reeta H. Brendamour, this Scholarship is awarded to a single parent with high scholastic achievement.

This memorial scholarship was established by family, friends, and colleagues to honor the late Leo J. Breslin '53. This scholarship shall be awarded to a first-year law student who is a graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati who demonstrates exceptional ability, promise, or need in keeping with Leo Breslin's keen interest in helping others.

This scholarship, established by Theodore F. Burdsall, Class of 1950, in honor of Jeffrey A. Burdsall II is to be awarded to a Cincinnati area student in the College of Law or College of Business who maintains at least a 3.00 grade point average.

Established by Keating, Muething and Klekamp, P.L.L. as a memorial to Michael J. Burke, '68, partner in the law firm of Keating, Muething, and Klekamp. Recipients of this scholarship shall be matriculated students who demonstrate exceptional ability, promise, or need. Preference is accorded to graduates of the University of Notre Dame, residents of northern Kentucky, or students who were former participants in the Boys Hope Girls Hope Program.

This scholarship will provide full tuition support to one student per academic year, to be awarded on the basis of academic merit and achievement.

Fund established by the will of Mrs. Olive S. Carrell in memory of her husband, George P. Carrell, former Mayor of Cincinnati. Scholarship to be awarded to a student with high scholastic achievement.

This Scholarship is awarded to deserving law students who are members of the Moot Court Board of the College of Law and demonstrate exceptional leadership, ability, and need.

Scholarship awarded on the basis of academic merit and demonstrated financial need. Preference given to students who bring diverse backgrounds and talents to the University and the College of Law.

Established to commemorate the fiftieth graduation anniversary of the Class of 1948, recipients of this scholarship demonstrate exceptional ability, promise, and need. Descendants of the members of the Law Class of 1948, who meet those criteria shall be given preference. 

The Class of 1953 established the scholarship at its 35th reunion in memory of the deceased members of the class. The scholarship will be awarded to a first-year student with demonstrated financial need and academic merit.

In honor of 30 years of distinguished practice, the members of the Class of 1957 established the Class of 1957 30/30 Scholarship Fund. The scholarship will be awarded to a first-year student with demonstrated financial need and academic merit.

Following the tradition set by the Class of 1957, the members of the Class of 1958 established the Class of 1958 30/30 Scholarship Fund. The scholarship will be awarded to a first-year student with demonstrated financial need and academic merit.

The Class of 1966 scholarship is awarded to a matriculated first-year student based on demonstrated exceptional ability, promise and financial need. Descendents of the Law Class of 1966, who meet those criteria shall be given preference.

This Scholarship is awarded to full-time students who demonstrate financial need and show exceptional ability and promise. The Scholarship shall be renewable for up to six semesters pending student eligibility and fund availability.

This Scholarship is awarded to a student with demonstrated financial need and academic merit.

This Scholarship fund was established by Professor A. Christopher Bryant for scholarships to be awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional need, ability, or promise.

Endowed by Mrs. William R. Collins and J. Rawson Collins in memory of William R. Collins, an outstanding member of the Cincinnati Bar, this scholarship is awarded on the basis of scholastic achievement, legal aptitude, and demonstrated financial need.

Fund established by Mrs. Darby in memory of her husband, the Honorable Thomas H. Darby. The scholarship is awarded to worthy students in need of financial assistance.

This scholarship was established in memory of Judge Doan by his wife Sue Doan, daughter Holly Doan Spraul '88, and son-in-law Daniel G. Spraul '82. Judge Doan's family created this scholarship to honor his memory and to support students who not only excel academically but also bring vitality, individuality, and independence to the practice of law. The scholarship is awarded to a deserving student who has experience, achievement, or character that enriches the College of Law's student body and ultimately the legal community.

Established by Edwin P. and Polly M. Drury, this scholarship is awarded to matriculated students who demonstrate exceptional need, ability, or promise.

This award is made to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership, exemplary personal behavior, and financial need. Preference is given to individuals who have served a minimum of two years on active duty and have been honorably discharged or separated or to students who have demonstrated a commitment to a legal career in public service.

Established by George Fabe, Class of 1981. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of legal aptitude and financial need. Preference given to students who bring diverse backgrounds and talents to the University and the College of Law.

This scholarship will be awarded on the basis of legal aptitude, enthusiasm, and demonstrated need. Preference given to first-year students who bring a diverse background to the University.

This scholarship will be awarded to students from Northeast Ohio including Akron, Cleveland, Canton, and Youngstown.

This scholarship will be awarded to a student who has demonstrated personal leadership and/or community service through their endeavors prior to attending law school; and have the potential and/or interest to serve as an energetic and effective community leader after graduation.

Established in memory of Robert P. Goldman by the trustees of the AB, Dolly and Ralph Cohen Foundation and Mr. Goldman's family. The fund provides a scholarship for a second-year student with demonstrated financial need.

Established in memory of William J. Graham, Jr., by contributions of his friends. This scholarship will be awarded to students with superior academic achievement and demonstrated financial need.

This scholarship will be awarded to a worthy student in need of financial assistance. 

This scholarship was established by Norman ’71 and Cheryl Gutmacher. The Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving student. 

Recipients shall be matriculated students at the College of Law who are also pursuing their M.B.A. at the College of Business. They shall demonstrate exceptional ability, promise and/or need, as well as having demonstrated the highest ethical standards.

James B. Helmer, Jr., '75, established this scholarship to encourage students who have demonstrated high academic achievement to attend the College of Law.

This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding graduate of the University of Cincinnati each year in memory of Mr. Hermann, who was a member of the College of Law’s Class of 1904. Criteria for awarding this scholarship include academic merit and character along with financial need.

This scholarship is to be awarded to students in the colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Design, Architecture & Art, Engineering, or Law who excel academically.

This Scholarship was established under the will of Mrs. Meline Hoffman and is awarded to a student with high scholastic achievement.

This scholarship was created to honor Federal Judge John D. Holschuh, Sr., of Columbus, Ohio. This scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional ability, promise, and need.

This Scholarship was established by an anonymous donor and is awarded to a worthy student in the College of Law.

This scholarship will support the financial needs of students who bring diverse backgrounds and talents to the College of Law. Preference will be given to students who have completed a ‘pipeline’ program such as the Summer Work Experience in Law (SWEL), Law and Leadership Institute (LLI), Council on Legal Education Opportunity (CLEO), or other similar programs.

Established in memory of George C. Katsanis, Class of 1960, by contributions of his friends and classmates. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student in need of financial assistance.

Established in 2003 in honor of Robert T. Keeler, who was a partner with Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP and a distinguished practicing attorney in Cincinnati for more than 60 years. Preference in the selection of Keeler Foundation Scholarship recipients will be given to students from Ohio, particularly those with financial need and those with promise for academic and intellectual achievement.

Established in memory of Robert W. Kershner, a 1934 graduate of the UC College of Law. This scholarship is awarded to individuals based on academic achievement, financial need, and strong character.

Established by Joseph P. Kinneary, this Scholarship is awarded to matriculated students who demonstrate exceptional ability, promise, and need.

Annual scholarship awarded to students who are full-time and have demonstrated ability and need.  Preference for upper-level students whose grade point average places them in the top half of the class.

Established by the estate of Harvey Dale. Scholarship will be awarded to students based on academic achievement and demonstrated financial need.

This fund awards Scholarships to matriculated students who demonstrate exceptional ability, high academic achievement, and financial need.

Established by George Wood Logan, Commander U.S.N., in memory of his father, Thomas A. Logan, a graduate of the Class of 1851 and for many years a member of the Cincinnati Bar. Scholarship is to be awarded to a student with high scholastic achievement.

Established under the will of Ms. Jean E. Levy in memory of her brother, Joseph L. Meyer. The Scholarship is to be awarded to a student demonstrating high scholastic achievement.

This scholarship is to be awarded to a student with high academic achievement and demonstrated financial need. 

This Scholarship will be awarded annually with a preference to female students with exceptional promise and/or demonstrated financial need. Scholarship recipients shall be selected by the Steering Committee of the Program at the College of Law. Student applicants shall be required to submit written materials for consideration.

Established by Walter A. Porter, a University of Cincinnati graduate, Engineering ’48 and Law ’49. Consideration is given to students who show exceptional promise and need, especially from the Greater Dayton, Ohio area, where Judge Porter grew up and practiced law for over 50 years.

The Miami University Undergraduate Scholarship was established by Lloyd H. O'Hara, '42, and William M. Junk, '46, to pave the way for future Miami graduates to attend the College of Law with the help of Miami alumni who have preceded them. This scholarship is intended to assist law students who have financial need.

This scholarship is to be  awarded to a student based on ability, promise, and need with preference given to an entering College of Law student.

Established in memory of Paul A. Newmann, Class of 1972, by contributions of his friends, colleagues, and classmates. Criteria for awarding the scholarship include academic merit and financial need.

This scholarship was initiated by the Cincinnati law firm of Peck, Shaffer & Williams to award a Scholarship  to a student who demonstrates exceptional ability, promise, and need.

Established by the estate of Grant Owings, this Scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and demonstrated financial need.

Established in memory of Victor Ray III. This Scholarship is awarded to students at the College of Law with demonstrated academic achievement.

Established by contributions of friends of the College in memory of Frank S. Rowley, Professor of Law (1927-1952) and Dean (1946-1952). The scholarship is to be awarded to a deserving member of the University of Cincinnati Law Review.

This Scholarship to be awarded on the basis of academic achievement and financial need. Preference given to students who bring a diverse background to the University and who have a special interest in public service and/or civil rights work.

This scholarship is endowed by Alan L. Siff, a graduate of the Class of 1963 from the College of Law. The scholarship is awarded to students evincing strong traits of moral character, perseverance, independence, and intellectual ability. The amount of the scholarship awarded is not to exceed one-third of the tuition cost and receipients must maintain a grade average in the top one-half of their class.

Established by the estate of Mrs. Martha Seasongood Stern, by the trustees of the fund, Murray Seasongood, former Mayor of Cincinnati, and the Central Trust Company, in honor of Max Stern, his wife, Martha S. Stern, and their son, Alfred M. Stern. This Scholarship may be awarded to worthy blind or other students of exceptional promise needing financial assistance. Preference will be given to students who evince an interest in the affairs of municipal corporations or other local governmental units.

Preference will be given to students who were intercollegiate athletes and who lettered for at least two years, have graduated from The University of Cincinnati, and want to attend the UC College of Law. Preference will be given to basketball and tennis players. In the event there are no applicants who fit these criteria, preference will be given to students who were intercollegiate athletes at their respective University.

This scholarship was established by the Cincinnati law firm of Strauss & Troy for merit scholarships to be awarded to incoming or current College of Law students.

Established by Mrs. Mary H. Sutphin to be awarded to entering students with a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts or Business Administration. Preference will be given to residents of Cincinnati.

The Third Year Challenge Scholarship is awarded each year to a first-year student based on academic merit and financial need. This fund is a product of the Third Year Challenge Fundraising Project, an annual campaign of graduating seniors.

Mary Jane Miller Toepfer and Robert A. Toepfer created this scholarship in 1980 to provide financial support for a student of high scholastic achievement. The Toepfer's leadership also led to the subsequent creation of the Northeastern Ohio Law Scholarship in 2000.

Established in memory of Harry M. Vordenberg to aid a worthy self-supporting first-year student who is a resident in the City of Cincinnati.

Established by the Robert Reakirt Foundation in memory of Leonard A. Weakley, who was an esteemed graduate of the College of Law, a respected attorney, and a partner of the firm, Taft, Stettinius, & Hollister. This scholarship is awarded to a matriculated student who demonstrates exceptional ability, promise, and need.

The Westerbeck scholarship is awarded to students considering the simultaneous pursuit of a law degree and a graduate business degree from the Colleges of Law and Business.

Michael L. Cioffi and his wife, Rachel R. Rowe, both graduates of the law school, established this scholarship as a tribute to Verna L. Williams, former College of Law Dean, and her husband, David Singleton. Preference given to graduates of institutions that have been designated as a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or a Predominantly Black Institution. Recipients must display exceptional financial need as evinced by receipt of a Federal Pell Grant or receipt of other need-based grants as an undergraduate student, or demonstrate a significant financial need based on their calculated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Established from the McBride Fund of the United Way of Greater Lafayette and Tippecanoe County, Inc. This scholarship may be awarded to 1L, without consideration of financial need, for three (3) years if the student maintains law school grades ranking in the top twenty percent (20%). The 1L must have an undergraduate GPA within the top ten percent (10%) of the student’s undergraduate graduating class and also among the top five undergraduate GPAs in the incoming law school class.

The recipient of this scholarship must work with the Ohio Innocence Project. Preference given to underrepresented students.

Established by Ms. Carol Livingston and Dr. Mitchel D. Livingston, this scholarship shall be awarded to an incoming student that participated in an Ohio Innocence Project – university chapter during their undergrad. If there is not a student who meets this criteria, the scholarship shall be awarded to an incoming student who has been selected as an Ohio Innocence Project Fellow.

Established by the College of Law to honor Dean Williams’ passion and advocacy for student scholarships to the College of Law. Preference for students who are underrepresented in the college.

This scholarship is awarded to a student involved with or expressed interest in the Women In Law (WIL) program or the UC Law Women (UCLW) student organization. Preference will be given to a student with demonstrated financial need.

The Wilbert Ziegler Scholarship was initiated to encourage outstanding students from northern Kentucky to attend the College of Law. Scholarships will be awarded annually to first-yer students from northern Kentucky with preference given to graduates of Thomas More College. The student’s academic record and financial need are also to be considered. Mr. Ziegler is a 1956 College of Law graduate and is the President of the Covington, Ky. law firm of Ziegler & Schneider.

Outside of the College of Law, many scholarship opportunities are made available from external groups, organizations and individuals. The following is a list of opportunities not affiliated with the University of Cincinnati College of Law:

Other Scholarship Opportunities