11 Best Law School Loans of January 2026
If free financial aid won’t cover all of your law school costs, you may need student loans. Opting for federal student loans before private loans can help reduce what you pay overall for financing.
To find the best law school loans, compare interest rates, fees and repayment options — and only borrow after exhausting grants and scholarships.
Federal loans are a safer choice than private options to pay for law school. Private loans may cost less if you have good credit, but federal programs like income-driven repayment protect you if you want to work in the public sector or don’t land a high-paying job.
Our picks for the best law school loans are below, as well as some additional information on choosing between federal and private options. Note that the ratings apply to each company's standard undergraduate loan, but we've noted specific features that apply to law student loans.
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- 19 student loans lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 10+ years of combined experience covering higher education and consumer lending.
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Why trust NerdWallet
- 19 student loans lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 10+ years of combined experience covering higher education and consumer lending.
- Objective, comprehensive star-rating system assessing 40 categories and more than 50 data points across student loan origination and student loan refinance.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Best Law School Loans
Lender | NerdWallet editorial rating | Min. credit score | Fixed APR | Variable APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.0 /5 | Mid-600s | 2.74-15.99% | 3.89-15.99% | Read Review on NerdWallet | |
4.5 /5 | Mid-600's | 2.89-14.99% | 3.87-13.47% | Read Review on NerdWallet | |
Best for customer support and wide availability 5.0 /5 | Low-Mid 600s | 3.49-15.31% | 4.69-15.40% | Read Review on NerdWallet | |
5.0 /5 | Mid-600s | 3.18-14.83% | 4.39-15.86% | Read Review on NerdWallet | |
5.0 /5 | None | 8.94-8.94% | N/A | Read Review on NerdWallet | |
5.0 /5 | None | 6.39-7.94% | N/A | Read Review on NerdWallet |
Our pick for
Private law school loans
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Mid-700s.
- Minimum income: $35,000 per year.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to the total cost of attendance.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Nine-month grace period is longer than other lenders offer.
- You can defer payments up to an additional 12 months during clerkship after your grace period.
- You must be at least halfway through your repayment term before you can request a co-signer release.
- One of the few lenders to provide loans to part-time students.
- Non-U.S. citizens, including DACA students, can apply with a U.S. co-signer.
- You can't see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Rating and details displayed are for Sallie Mae's private student loan. Sallie Mae's law school loan is available to students enrolled less than half-time, making this a good option if you're studying for your JD at night or part-time. The loan also offers 48 months of deferment during a clerkship or fellowship.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: Not available.
- Minimum income: Not available.
- Loan amounts: up to $400,000.
- Among the best for payment flexibility.
- Grace period of 9 months is longer than many lenders offer.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Stands out for features that enable faster loan repayment.
- You must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- Multiple in-school repayment options available, including interest-only and flat-fee, and deferred for undergrad and grad students.
- Does not offer bi-weekly payments via autopay.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: 758.
- Minimum income: $35,000.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to your total cost of attendance.
- Option to skip one payment every 12 months.
- No late fees.
- Nine-month grace period is longer than most lenders offer.
- Loans aren't available in Nevada.
Rating and details displayed are for Earnest's private student loan. Earnest offers a specific law school loan, but it has the same underlying terms as the lender's other products.
- May offer lower rates for graduate students than what are available through the federal government.
- Applies extra payments to the loan principal by default.
- Offers five loan terms, which is more than most lenders.
- Not available to borrowers enrolled in two year programs at community colleges.
- Biweekly payments via autopay is not available.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: Not available.
- Minimum income: $35,000.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 up to your total cost of attendance.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
- You are assigned a student loan advisor.
- No co-signer release available.
- Typical credit score of approved borrowers: Does not disclose.
- Minimum income: Did not disclose.
- Loan amounts: $1,000 to $100,000.
- Six-month grace period extension is available.
- Loyalty discount for existing Citizens Bank customers.
- Multiyear loan approval is available.
- You must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Our pick for
Manageable payments post-graduation
Federal programs like income-driven repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness make graduate PLUS loans best for those who plan to go into public interest law or government. They’re also a solid choice for those who want to keep their career options open.
- Grad PLUS loan borrowers must not have adverse credit history.
- Borrowers with adverse credit history can still receive a grad PLUS loan by enlisting a co-signer without adverse credit history or documenting extenuating circumstances for their credit history.
- Loan amounts: Total cost of attendance minus other financial aid.
- More flexible repayment options for struggling borrowers compared with private lenders.
- All borrowers who attend a school authorized to receive federal aid can qualify.
- May have higher interest rates compared with private lenders.
- You pay an origination fee.
- You can’t see if you’ll qualify without a hard credit check.
Graduate students can receive only unsubsidized direct loans. They can also qualify for federal graduate PLUS loans, which have higher interest rates and fees than unsubsidized loans but allow you to borrow more money.
Our pick for
All borrowers as a first option
You can borrow up to $20,500 per year in unsubsidized loans, which may not be enough to cover all your law school costs.
- No credit check or minimum income is needed to borrow.
- Loan amounts for undergraduates: $5,500 year one, $6,500 year two, $7,500 year three and thereafter, up to a total of $31,000
- Independent students and graduate students have higher loan limits.
- Undergraduate interest rate fixed at 3.73%, while grad students get higher 5.28% rate
- More flexible repayment options for struggling borrowers than other lenders.
- Subsidized loans do not collect interest while in school or during deferment.
- Lower interest rates than many private lenders.
- You pay an origination fee.
Our pick for
International law students
Many lenders let international students take out loans with an eligible co-signer; MPOWER is one of few that waives this requirement.
- MPOWER considers future income potential but does not factor in credit scores.
- Loan amounts: Minimum $2,001. Maximum loan is $100,000, limited to $50,000 per academic period.
- Offers a hard-to-find option: non-co-signed student loans for international and DACA students.
- Borrowers are assigned a dedicated student loan advisor.
- Borrowers can request forbearance of up to 24 months, which is longer than many lenders offer.
- Payment required while in school.
- Offers only one repayment term: 10 years.
Types of law school loans
Law students may be eligible for two types of federal student loans:
Direct unsubsidized loans
These have a lower interest rate and fee than other government loans, so take them out first. However, the amount of direct unsubsidized loans you can borrow is limited to $20,500 annually.
Graduate PLUS loans
You can borrow up to your cost of attendance, minus other aid received, in graduate PLUS loans. If you max out your unsubsidized loans and still have a gap, PLUS loans can fill it.
(Note: that grad PLUS loans will change due to the budget reconciliation bill passed in July. Read 8 Major Student Loan Changes From Trump’s Budget Bill to learn more.)
Private loans
Some private lenders, such as Sallie Mae, offer branded “law school loans” or loans for bar exam expenses. These may have features that cater to law students’ specific needs — like deferring payments during a clerkship or fellowship.
However, you can also use any private graduate student loan for law school. Compare rates and features to find the least expensive option if you opt for private loans.
Which law school student loan is right for you?
Average law school costs can vary based on the type of school and resident status. For example, for public resident and nonresident students, annual law school tuition averages $31,542 and $44,859, respectively, according to Law School Transparency, an organization that tracks law school data.
For private school law students, the average annual tuition is $57,927.
If you’ve exhausted free aid like scholarships to cover those expenses and are torn about which law school loan is the better option, here are some considerations to help you decide.
Federal loans for law students
These law loans may be the better choice in these situations.
You have bad credit. Direct unsubsidized loans are not credit-dependent. You will need to pass a credit check to get PLUS loans for law school, but these standards aren't as strict as with private lenders. All eligible federal loan borrowers also receive the same interest rate, regardless of their credit score.
You want flexible repayment options. Law students finish school owing an average of about $137,500 in student debt, according to a 2024 American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division survey. Federal loans offer more repayment options to handle that debt load, such as income-driven repayment plans, and may be eligible for law school loan forgiveness or repayment programs.
Private loans for law students
Loans from private lenders could make sense and save you money in certain circumstances:
You have excellent credit and are able to qualify for a private loan.
You don’t think you will need to qualify for federal student loan benefits.
Comparison of federal and private loans for law school
Here's a cost comparison of repaying $137,500 in student debt using federal versus private loans.
Feature | Grad PLUS Loan | Private Loan |
|---|---|---|
Interest rate | 8.94%. | 6.90% (fixed rate). |
Origination fee | 4.228%. | Typically none. |
Loan amount student receives | $131,686 (after fee deducted). | $137,500 (no fee). |
Total repayment cost | $208,479 over 10 years. | $190,730 over 10 years |
Monthly payment | $1,737. | $1,589. |
Other considerations | Has federal protections, but more costly. Student receives less. | Lower cost, but has fewer protections. More money goes toward school. |
APRs and origination fee are accurate for 2025-2026 school year. The origination fee is typically deducted from each monthly disbursement. For comparison purposes our example deducts the fee amount from the balance upfront. | ||
How federal loan protections can affect law school affordability
Either federal or private loans might be unaffordable if you choose to be a legal services attorney or public defender whose median starting salaries range from $64,200 to $69,600, according to the National Association for Law Placement (NALP).
But with federal loans, starting income-driven payments at those salaries could be between $280 and $340, depending on factors like filing status and family size. Additionally, Public Service Loan Forgiveness could erase the balance after 10 years.
Projected starting salaries are higher if you plan to practice in the private sector, with a median of $200,000 according to NALP. Wages rise even more if you join a Big Law firm. Still, opting for federal loans can protect you if you don’t land the job or salary you expect. And if you do, you can always refinance law school loans after graduating to recoup some savings.
How to take out loans for law school
Taking out loans for law school requires only a few steps. If you applied for financial aid as an undergrad, you’ll likely know what to do — though there are a couple of differences.
1. Fill out the FAFSA
You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to receive all types of federal financial aid, including work-study and student loans. Many private scholarships and grants require the FAFSA as well.
When completing the FAFSA, indicate that you’re going to be or already are a graduate student. This means you don’t have to include your parents’ information on the form; it also increases your borrowing limits.
2. Complete other required applications
In addition to the FAFSA, some law schools may make you submit the CSS Profile to receive nonfederal financial aid. Alternatively, your school might require an aid application that’s unique to its program.
Unlike on the FAFSA, you may need to provide your parents’ financial information on these forms to receive institutional scholarships or grants. Double-check the application process with the school’s financial aid office — including when its priority filing deadline is — so you don’t miss out on free money.
3. Work directly with private lenders
You don't need to complete the FAFSA for private student loans. If you've decided a private student loan makes sense for you, apply directly with the lender. The lender will likely require proof of your identity, income and law school you're attending, among other information.
Each lender has its own underwriting standards. Be sure to shop around and compare interest rates. You may need a co-signer to get the best possible deal.
Last updated on January 12, 2026
Frequently asked questions
What law school loans are available?
You can take out unsubsidized federal student loans, federal PLUS loans and private student loans to pay for law school. You should typically max out federal loans as a first option.
Can law school loans cover living expenses?
Yes. You can borrow up to your law school’s total cost of attendance in loans. Cost of attendance typically includes money for living expenses such as off-campus housing and transportation.
Are bar study loans the same as student loans?
Loans for bar exam expenses are more like personal loans than student loans. Bar loans have higher interest rates than student loans, and you usually cannot refinance them with your student loans.
What is the average law school debt?
On average, law students graduate with $137,500 in student loans, including undergraduate debt, according to a 2024 American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division survey.
How we chose the best student loans
Our team of student loan experts follows an objective and robust methodology to rate lenders and pick the best.
19
Lenders reviewed
19
Lenders reviewed
We reviewed 19 banks, credit unions, and online lenders — including the top 10 by market share and search volume — plus lenders serving niche and nontraditional borrowers.
40
Features assessed
40
Features assessed
Each lender is evaluated across five weighted categories, covering dozens of features related to affordability, eligibility, consumer experience, flexibility, and application process.
50+
Data points analyzed
50+
Data points analyzed
Our team tracks and reassesses more than 50 data points annually, including APR ranges, fees, credit requirements, and borrower tools, ensuring up to date, accurate comparisons.
Star rating categories
We evaluate more categories than competitors and carefully weigh how each factor impacts your experience.
5.0
Overall score
NerdWallet reviewed 19 banks, credit unions and online lenders offering student loans and student loan refinancing. We included the top 10 lenders by market share and the top 10 lenders by online search volume, as well as lenders that serve specialty or nontraditional markets. Some lenders are NerdWallet partners, but this did not influence our selection of the winner.
We consider 40 features and more than 50 data points for each financial institution. Depending on the category, these include the availability of biweekly payments through autopay, minimum credit score and income requirement disclosures, availability to a wide range of borrowers in all states, extended grace periods and in-house customer service.
The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star. Read more about our ratings methodologies for student loans and our editorial guidelines.
NerdWallet's Best Law School Loans of January 2026
- College Ave Law Student Loan: Best for Private law school loans, Fixed APR: 2.74-15.99%
- Sallie Mae Law School Loan: Best for Private law school loans, Fixed APR: 2.89-14.99%
- Ascent Law Student Loan: Best for Private law school loans, Fixed APR: 3.49-15.31%
- SoFi® Law School Loan: Best for Private law school loans, Fixed APR: 3.18-14.83%
- Federal Grad PLUS Loan: Best for Manageable payments post-graduation, Fixed APR: 8.94-8.94%
- Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan: Best for All borrowers as a first option, Fixed APR: 6.39-7.94%
- Earnest Law School Loan: Best for Private law school loans, Fixed APR: 4.45-14.90%
- Brazos Private Student Loan: Best for Private law school loans, Fixed APR: 2.71-7.38%
- MPOWER Private Student Loan: Best for International law students, Fixed APR: 12.99-15.99%
- ELFI Private Student Loan: Best for Private law school loans, Fixed APR: 2.99-14.22%
- Citizens Private Student Loan: Best for Private law school loans, Fixed APR: 3.24-15.49%