Kelli Rodriguez, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs at Seattle University School of Law, oversees the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program. In a recent webinar, she and Lynette Splinter, Director of Student Financial Services, discussed financial aid options and recent changes affecting prospective MLS students. Recent updates to federal financial aid policies make it especially important for students to understand their options when planning for graduate education.
Seattle University School of Law’s Student Financial Services office supports law students and graduate law programs throughout the financial aid process. The office works closely with the university’s business office, which manages tuition billing and the disbursement of funds. Student Financial Services focuses on awarding and processing financial aid, including federal and private loans as well as scholarships.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Students admitted to the MLS program may be eligible for scholarships as part of the admissions process. Scholarship consideration is integrated into the standard application, and students are automatically considered as long as they complete the necessary section. Decisions are based on a holistic review of application materials, including transcripts and professional experience. Applicants are notified of scholarship awards at the time of admission, and those funds are deducted from tuition.
Students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet eligibility requirements may qualify for federal student loans. The primary loan available to graduate students is the Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, which currently allows students to borrow up to $20,500 per year.
Loan eligibility is based on the program’s cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses such as housing, food, and transportation. However, students are not required to borrow the full amount and may choose to borrow only enough to cover direct costs such as tuition and fees.
Discussion of Recent Policy Changes
Recent policy changes have also affected graduate borrowing. For students entering programs beginning on or after July 1, 2026, the Grad PLUS loan program has been discontinued. As a result, the primary funding sources for many students will be federal unsubsidized loans and private education loans. Even so, for the majority of MLS students, the unsubsidized loan covers most of the program’s direct costs.
Students who prefer not to rely on private loans may also consider alternative payment options. Seattle University offers payment plans that allow students to divide remaining tuition balances into smaller payments over the course of a term. The amount owed is calculated by subtracting financial aid, such as scholarships and loans, from the total tuition and fees.
Some students also receive financial support from their employers. Many organizations offer tuition reimbursement programs, and the university’s business office frequently works directly with employers to process tuition payments.
Steps and Tips for Prospective Students
After admission, the first recommended step for prospective students is to complete the FAFSA, even if they are unsure whether they plan to take out loans. The FAFSA typically opens in October for the following academic year and uses prior-year income information.
Students should also be aware that enrollment status may affect financial aid eligibility. Policies related to half-time enrollment may result in prorated loan disbursements if students drop below full-time status. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with the financial aid office before making changes to their course load.
Prospective students with questions about the MLS program or financial aid options are encouraged to contact the admissions or financial aid teams at lawfa@seattleu.edu for additional information!
