students.

Financing Your Education

Wise decisions and careful debt management will reduce your future debt and broaden your legal employment options.

A cost-benefit analysis makes the point clear. Our students graduate to work at the same law firms and earn the same starting salaries as those who attend pricey private law schools. But without crippling debt, our graduates don’t have to choose their career path based on salary alone. Consistent with the School of Law's commitment to non-profit work and government service, they enjoy great flexibility to follow their passion for the law wherever it may take them.

Tuition for 2023-24*

  In-State Non-NY Residents
J.D & LL.M.
$26,170 $31,160
J.S.D. $11,310 $24,260

* These figures do not include additional fees and expenses.
Tuition rates are subject to change.

Refer to UB’s Student Accounts for the most current information regarding New York State residency. 

Note:

Successful in-state applicants will be required to provide proof of New York State residency post-admission.

Learn more about:

Watch our Webinar
Financing your Education Webinar

Financing Options

Free Application for Federal Student Aid 
If you wish to be considered for financial aid, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit it as soon as possible after Oct. 1 for the following academic year. The Title IV Code Number for UB School of Law is 002837.

Loans Options

To help you meet the expenses of a legal education, there are loan programs available:

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans offer a maximum of $20,500 per academic year. The University at Buffalo is a direct lending institution. If you still have financial need after borrowing the maximum in Federal Direct Loans, you may contact our financial aid coordinator for information about other loan options.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans are credit-based federal loans that graduate or professional degree students can use to help pay education expenses. More information can be found on at UB's Financial Aid - Loans.

Perkins Loan and College Work-Study are campus-based aid. Students are automatically considered for both if the FAFSA is processed by March 1. Awards are based on need and availability of funds.

Additional Information:

Merit Scholarships

The School of Law offers a wide range of financial assistance to help pay for your legal education. 89 percent of the fall 2023 entering class received merit scholarship assistance, ranging from $2,000 to full tuition. As New York State’s public law school, we value the contributions that our talented students make to the state and to the legal profession. We want to make our law degree as accessible as possible to academically talented students, whatever your background.

Unlike many schools, the School of Law does not award scholarships that depend on your academic performance in law school. All of our merit scholarships last for the duration of your academic program, provided you remain in good academic standing.

MAX BY ACCESSLEX®

Law students receive free access to Ask EDNA! – the Education Network at AccessLex.

EDNA provides personal finance programs specifically for law students. Register for free at AskEDNA.AccessLex.org to enter MAX by AccessLex® and to sign up for live events and one-on-one financing coaching with Accredited Financial Counselors®.

Need-Based Grant

Economically Disadvantaged First Professional Study (EDPS) Program. The Economically Disadvantaged First Professional Study (EDPS) Program is a partial tuition waiver program funded by New York State in conjunction with participating educational institutions. This program provides partial tuition waivers to full time Medical, Dental, Pharmacy and Law students who are pursuing graduate or first professional degrees, and who are determined to have exceptional need by the Financial Aid Office. Visit UB's Economically Disadvantaged First Professional Study (EDPS) Program page for additional information.

New York State Residency

Because we are a public law school, our in-state tuition is very affordable. Successful applicants who identify as New York State residents on the application for admission are required to provide residency documentation indicating they have lived in New York State for at least 12 months.

Out-of-state residents pay a slightly higher tuition but may be eligible to establish New York residency for their second and third years of study. If you are an out-of-state student, consider applying for New York residency after residing in New York State for 12+ months. Visit UB's  Student Accounts to access an Application for Residency for In-State Tuition Purposes.

Outside Funding Opportunities

Scholarships, grants and fellowships – available through bar associations, community groups and national organizations – do not have to be repaid. We encourage you to learn more about the sources of funding listed below.