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Educational Loans

Most students take out educational loans to finance some of the costs of attending law school. To apply for government loans, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ listing Vanderbilt University’s Title IV code, 003535. The priority filing date is March 20.

Admitted applicants who submit the FAFSA to Vanderbilt University by the priority filing date will receive a Financial Aid Award Notice in March showing federal student loan eligibility. Award Notices will be processed periodically for admitted students submitting FAFSAs after that date.

The amount you may borrow is normally the difference between total estimated cost of attendance and scholarships awarded.  This figure is the maximum loan amount the university will approve for a qualified student borrower through a combination of federal student loan programs. This means that a student receiving no scholarship can borrow up to the full amount of the estimated cost of attendance, and a student receiving a scholarship can borrow up to the amount of the estimated cost minus the scholarship amount.

Complete federal student loan information is available at http://www.vanderbilt.edu/financialaid/.  

The importance of good credit

Your credit history stays with you for a long time and can impact your eligibility for student loan programs. For example, having "adverse credit" may disqualify a Federal Direct PLUS Loan applicant. It is a good idea to check your credit report six to nine months before you apply for student loans. A free copy of your credit report from each of the three national consumer reporting agencies is available at www.annualcreditreport.com.  

VLS Financial Handbook

Additional information about borrowing, including strategies for controlling living expenses and educational debt, can be found in the Financial Handbook.  

Questions? Contact the Admissions Office

615-322-6452  |  admissions@law.vanderbilt.edu