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Application. Application for financial aid is a separate process. Applicants who need financial assistance must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal financial aid. Paper applications can be obtained from the University of Oregon Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships or students may apply online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. The application should be completed and sent or transmitted to the federal processor for analysis by early February at the latest to ensure receipt by the UO Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships by March 1 of the year for which aid is sought. Because some funds are limited, applicants should submit a FAFSA even if they have not yet been informed of the decision on their application for admission to the School of Law. For additional information visit, write or call the University of Oregon Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, 260 Oregon Hall, (541) 346-3221 or (800) 760-6953.

Scholarships. Graduate students are sometimes eligible for awards granted by federal agencies and private foundations. The Reference Department of the University of Oregon's Knight Library maintains an annotated bibliography of reference materials on grants, scholarships, and financial aid. You can also conduct an online search, which will locate both University and outside scholarship opportunities. The University of Oregon Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships posts notices regarding outside scholarships on the bulletin board located outside its office, as well as on its home page. The School of Law also offers dozens of merit- and need-based scholarships to entering and continuing students.

Federal Work-Study Program. The Federal Work-Study Program is a federally funded financial aid program that enables students to earn money toward college expenses by working on campus, in the government, or in selected nonprofit agencies serving the community. Students receive a monthly paycheck (based on an hourly wage) that they can use for educational expenses.

Because of heavy time commitment to out-of-class preparation, some graduate students elect to forgo all or a portion of the federal work-study award in favor of loans. During the academic year students may work a maximum of 20 hours a week while enrolled full-time. Under certain circumstances, second and third-year students may pre-earn work study monies in the summer preceding the academic year for which the award is intended, if the work is law related, furthers their legal career, and they are not enrolled in summer session. For further information, consult the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs.

The University of Oregon Career Center maintains an online database for work-study and part-time jobs on campus and in the community. You can apply directly through the Web site, which is updated daily.

Federal Perkins Loan Program. The Federal Perkins Loan Program offers long-term, low-interest loans for students with financial aid eligibility. Interest is 5 percent per year on the unpaid balance. Because Perkins funds are limited, the maximum amount a student may borrow per year may vary from year to year. Payment amounts and the length of the repayment period depend on the size of the debt. A minimum payment amount may be required, and repayment usually cannot exceed ten years. Under special circumstances, repayment of a Federal Perkins Loan not in default may be deferred or canceled.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. The Direct Loan Program includes both subsidized and unsubsidized long-term, low-interest loans. Under direct lending, the federal government lends funds to eligible students through the higher education institutions they attend. The interest rate on either type of Direct Loan is variable, but cannot exceed 8.25 percent. The rate is established each year on July 1. Repayment begins six months after a student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half time. Payment amounts, and the length of the repayment period depend on the size of the debt and the repayment option chosen. A 3 percent fee is deducted from each disbursement of a Ford Direct/Stafford Loan. These charges do not reduce the principal amount a student is required to repay. First time federal direct loan borrowers are required to sign a promissory note and complete entrance counseling.

Subsidized Direct Loans are only available to students with demonstrated financial aid eligibility. There is no interest on the subsidized loan while the student is enrolled in school at least half time and until repayment begins.

Unsubsidized Direct Loans are available to students with or without financial aid eligibility. The student is responsible for the interest on the unsubsidized loan while attending school. The interest can be paid monthly or quarterly, or it can be added to the principal. We recommend that students pay the interest to the extent they are able so the loan balance does not continue to grow while students are enrolled. However, if a student is unable to make interest payments while in school, he or she may choose to have the interest added to the principal of their loan. An Unsubsidized Direct Loan can replace the expected family contribution, but cannot exceed the difference between the cost of education and other financial aid.

Private Loans. Privately funded programs are not based on need, so no federal formula is applied to determine eligibility. However, the amount borrowed cannot exceed the cost of education, less other financial aid and outside resources. Information about private-sector loans is available from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

University Short-Term Emergency Loans. Limited assistance is available through emergency loans to help students meet short-term education-related expenses. The maximum assistance is $300 for a period of 90 days. Borrowers must be currently enrolled. Students may have no more than one outstanding loan at a time and must have no record of delinquent accounts with the university. An $8 service charge is assessed. Inquiries concerning University emergency short-term loans should be directed to the Student Billing Office on the first floor of Oregon Hall.

Bar Examination Loans. Bar examination loan applications are available in the law school administration office. These loans are private guaranteed non-subsidized loans and are available only to graduating students. Principal and interest amounts vary by lender.

Law School Short-Term Loans. In addition to the emergency loan monies available through the University, the School of Law offers assistance to help students meet short-term educational needs. Up to $2,000 is available through the Carpenter-Busselle and Coyle loan funds in the School of Law's Student Affairs Office. Inquiries should be made to the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. The loans are repayable in 90 days. They assess an $8 loan fee, but charge no interest for the period of the loan. A delinquent balance is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Oregon revolving charge agreement. Only one short-term loan is allowed at a time.

Disbursement. Students receiving loans, scholarships or grants should follow the instructions on the reverse side of their registration statement. Students who must complete paperwork to receive their financial aid disbursement or who have questions about loans, scholarships or grants not reflected on their registration statement should contact the University of Oregon Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. Students who withdraw from school may be expected to repay a portion of their financial aid. According to a formula prescribed by state and federal regulations, any refundable amount used to pay tuition and fees or for university housing