The law school is fortunate in having endowed scholarships in place, so that more than $1 million is available annually for need-based grants. In addition, each year some students are awarded funds entirely on the basis of merit as determined through their application for admission; no additional application is necessary for merit scholarships.

Long-term education loans are the primary source of financial assistance. Federal, Cardozo and private loan programs ensure that virtually every student who needs it can receive some kind of financial aid for tuition and/or living expenses. Using a standard national application (FAFSA), a student’s financial need is calculated by a uniform system. 

The 2021-2022 academic year consists of the following semesters: summer '21, fall '21, and spring '22.

• If you anticipate requiring financial aid for the 2021-2022 academic year, please file your 2021-2022 FAFSA by visiting HERE.
• International J.D. Students: Please click HERE to file your 2021-2022 International J.D. Student Financial Aid Application.

The Department of Education has implemented several income-driven repayment plans, such as two versions of Income-Based Repayment (IBR), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and Revised Pay As You Earn (REPAYE), which are designed to assist student loan borrwers with more manageable and reduced monthly repayment options. For a detailed comparison of the income-driven repayment plans, please visit HERE.

Student loan borrowers who work in the public sector (government or public interest) may qualify for loan forgiveness through the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. For details on this program, please visit HERE.

Cardozo offers a Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) for eligible Cardozo J.D. graduates who have chosen to pursue careers in public service by providing funding to help reduce their educational student loan debt. For details on Cardozo's LRAP, please visit HERE.

Federal student loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, will have the following fixed interest rates:

• Unsubsidized Stafford: 4.30%
• Graduate PLUS: 5.30%

Please note the following:

• Loans disbursed during the above mentioned dates will be fixed for the life of the loan (during school and repayment).
• Interest rates are scheduled to reset every July 1st based on the 10-Year Treasury Note Index plus a set add-on.

* Due to the CARES Act, ALL federal student loan interest rates have been temporarily set at 0%, effective May 13, 2020 - January 31, 2021. Interest rates should return to the set rates indicated above, starting on February 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021. For further details, please visit HERE. 

Cardozo offers direct deposit for student refunds. Click HERE to enroll.

The Petrie Fund

The Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation Student Emergency Endowment Fund is an additional resource for law students with short term financial emergencies.

Through the Petrie Fund, Cardozo can provide emergency grants to students with significant financial need in good standing who have short-term financial emergencies. If you are a current student in need of such assistance, please meet with a member of the office to discuss your situation. 

For more information, please email Student Services at cardozostudentservices@yu.edu