Vanderbilt Law School Background Image

Scholarships

  

Overview  |  Cost  |  Scholarships Loans

 

  • VLS merit scholarships and need-based grants awarded in the admission process automatically renew each semester the recipient is enrolled in the Law School.
  • Through the generosity of Vanderbilt Law alumni, VLS provides innovative  Access2VLS need-based grants  to entering J.D. students with demonstrated financial need for tuition funding.  
  • VLS does not award conditional scholarships. Students must remain in good academic standing to retain their Law School scholarships or grants. Good academic standing requirements can be found in the Academic Regulations section of the  Law School Catalog
  • Federal Direct Loans are available for tuition costs not covered by scholarships / grants as well as for living expenses.

 

Scholarships Awarded in the Admission Process

Law School Scholarships and Access2VLS Need-based Grants

During the  JD 1L admission process, all admitted applicants are automatically considered for Law School merit scholarships that are awarded in varying amounts based on an individuals' full application for admission in the context of the admitted pool, and in a separate, subsequent process, admitted students may request consideration for  Access2VLS need-based grants  which are allocated to those with demonstrated need for funds to pay tuition costs not covered by their VLS merit scholarships.

While we provide Law School scholarship decisions as soon as possible following an offer of admission, timing will vary in individual cases.

 

Law Scholars Merit Awards 

Each year, Vanderbilt provides several merit awards valued at full tuition to admitted applicants through a competitive selection process. To be considered, admitted applicants must complete the Application for Law Scholars Merit Awards contained in the VLS Application Status Portal. The deadline for submitting Law Scholars applications is January 10.

| Additional information concerning Law Scholars Merit Awards |

 

Raymonde I. Paul Scholarship in International Legal Studies

Vanderbilt's International Legal Studies Program prepares students to practice law in a global environment by combining substantive classroom exposure to cutting-edge international law topics with practical experience through the International Law Practice Lab and ILSP intern/externships  in the U.S. and abroad. The ILSP core faculty includes respected scholars with expertise in key areas of international law..

The Law School awards a scholarship in memory of the late Raymonde I. Paul, who developed a diverse practice in international law and participated extensively in the International Federation of Women Lawyers.

To be considered for the Raymonde Paul Scholarship applicants must complete the form in the VLS Application Status Portal by January 10th.

Current Scholars
  • Stacy Jo, '25 Raymonde Paul Scholar
  • Anna Coplon, '24 Raymonde Paul Scholar
  • Melissa Gerdts, '23 Raymonde Paul Scholar
Previously Awarded Scholars

See below for information on the Helen Strong Curry International Legal Studies Scholar award for a rising 2L. 

 

Yellow Ribbon Program - U.S. Military Veterans

Vanderbilt Law School participates in the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program through which eligible Veterans in the J.D. program may receive tuition assistance from VLS and the government. MORE...

 

Scholarships Awarded to Rising 2Ls

Garrison Social Justice Scholars

Vanderbilt's George Barrett Social Justice Program offers comprehensive, hands-on training and mentoring specifically designed to prepare graduates for work in the public interest, and our Assistant Dean for Public Interest coordinates public interest law opportunities and facilitates public interest law careers for students and recent graduates.

Each year, the Law School selects at least one Garrison Social Justice Scholar from among current first-year J.D. students who apply. This award includes a supplemental scholarship for the second and third years and summer stipend support for the two summers prior to graduation. > Read more...

  

Helen Strong Curry International Legal Studies Scholars

Vanderbilt's International Legal Studies Program prepares students to practice law in a global environment by combining substantive classroom exposure to cutting-edge international law topics with practical experience through the International Law Practice Lab and intern/externships in the U.S. and abroad. The ILSP core faculty includes respected scholars with expertise in key areas of international law.

Each year, the Law School will select one Helen Strong Curry International Law Scholar from among current first-year J.D. students who apply. The Helen Strong Curry Scholar will receive supplemental scholarship funds to support study in the field of international law for each of the second and third years of study at VLS.  > Read more...  

 

Cheek Business Law Scholars

Vanderbilt's Law & Business Program allows students to build expertise in business law, corporate management, accounting and finance by choosing among an extensive array of elective courses, including intensive transactional courses and seminars, without extending their studies beyond the normal three-year J.D. program. Law and Business students take five required core classes and then pursue an elective curriculum specifically designed to produce lawyers who understand the complexities of corporate governance, finance and accounting.

Each year, the Law School will select at least one Cheek Business Law Scholar from among current first-year J.D. students who apply. The Cheek Business Scholars receive supplemental scholarship funds for their second and third years of study and complete the requirements for a certificate of specialization in Law & Business.  > Read more...  

 

External Scholarships

We maintain a listing of external scholarship opportunities that come to our attention. In addition, school counselors, civic associations, local bar associations and other organizations may be helpful to identifying scholarship funds for law school.

    

Questions? Contact the Admissions Office

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