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Cost and Aid

Financial support from the State of Illinois and our “Pay It Forward” pledge allows graduates of the SIU School of Law to enjoy an average debt load that is below the national law school average. In fact, SIU Law was ranked 16 out of 193 law schools for average debt incurred at graduation by US News in their annual Best Law Schools rankings.

Learn more about 2023-24 Tuition and Costs.

For individual student loan counseling, contact Tammy Hopkins at tammy@siu.edu.

SIU Resources

TUITION AND FEES

As the only public law school in the southern Illinois region, SIU Law is committed to affordability by offering a one-rate tuition for all domestic students. This means all domestic students, regardless of their residency, pay the same tuition rate!

Student loans and work-study opportunities are administered by the university's Financial Aid Office.

2022-23 Tuition and Costs

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

SIU School of Law offers competitive admissions scholarships up to the cost of tuition. Scholarships awarded at time of admission are unconditional and guaranteed for all three years of legal education long as the recipient remains in good academic standing.

See a list of additional scholarships and awards for which enrolled SIU School of Law students may apply. 

External Resources

Student Budget Increases

Student budget increases are discretionary and approved by the SIU Financial Aid Office. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to speak with an Advisor within the Financial Aid office regarding the possibility of your request. Be sure to get the name of the person you speak with.

In order to secure funding for any acceptable budget increases, you have three options.

  • Use any remaining Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan money available to you ($20,500). You can access your financial aid records by logging into your Salukinet account. Complete an Award Notice Change/Request Loan Form and fax it to Financial Aid with your supporting documentation.
  • Use any remaining Graduate PLUS loan money or apply for the increase through studentaid.gov. Fax your supporting documentation to Financial Aid two days after submitting your online loan request.
  • Apply for a private educational loan of your choice if you have room in your budget.

Acceptable Increases

Computer Purchase

This is a one-time allowance up to $1,500. The computer must be purchased from a retail or online retail store. You must attach an itemized receipt as proof of purchase, along with the Budget Increase for Computer Purchase form.

Dependent Care

Students with dependent children may request additional funds to assist with expenses. You must attach a completed Dependent Care form.

Bar Expenses

Third-year law students may request a one-time budget increase for expenses paid to take one bar exam (this does not include bar preparation). Examples of allowable costs are: application fees (pre-registration if applicable) to take the exam (bar exam only & MPRE); background check; finger printing; transcripts; two-night hotel room during exam. You must attach copies of all expenses paid.

Maintenance  Prescription Drugs

Students who are required to take prescription drugs on a maintenance basis may request a budget increase. You must attach copies of the maintenance prescription(s) showing drug name, the monthly cost of the prescription(s) and the doctor prescribing it.

Medical, Dental, Optical Expenses

Students who have necessary medical, dental or optical expenses not covered by insurance may request a budget increase. Budget increases will only be allowed for necessary treatment. You must attach a statement from the provider listing the service performed along with amount paid to provider.

Private Health Insurance

Students who must carry a private health insurance policy because of a pre-existing condition may be eligible to add the cost of the insurance to their budget. You must attach documentation describing why the student is required to maintain the extra policy and a statement from the insurer showing the current annual premium charged and period covered.