Chapter 14:
Financial Information

Statements in this handbook regarding expenses are subject to change without notice and are not to be construed to form a contract with the student.

Detailed information for tuition and fees during the 2024 – 2025 academic year can be found on the Tuition & Fees webpage. 

Cost of Attendance

The School of Law Financial Aid Office establishes the annual Cost of Attendance (COA) in accordance with federal aid regulations. The COA is based on the 9-month standard academic year and includes direct expenses such as tuition and fees as well as indirect living expenses. Students who enroll at least half-time in the summer term will have their standard COA increased to include the summer period of enrollment. The COA is the maximum amount of financial aid students may receive for their period of enrollment.

Cost of living allowances in the COA are determined based on student surveys of average costs and other public research data. If you have unusual circumstances, the School of Law Financial Aid Office may approve an increase to the COA. Expenses that may be approved include but are not limited to dependent care expenses, unexpected medical bills not covered by insurance or disability-related expenses, and a one-time computer purchase up to $1,800. All requests are reviewed on an individual basis and documentation is required.

Student Account Tuition & Fee Due Dates

• Fall Semester: August 1

• Spring Semester: December 1 

• Summer Sessions: June 1

Tuition and Fee Details (2024 - 2025 Academic Year)

Academic Year Tuition (Fall/Spring Semesters)

JD, LLM, and SJD-First Year Programs (Full-Time)            $55,162

SJD (Returning/Part-Time)                                        $27,582

MSL (Online) Degree Program         $1,164/credit hour

MSL Certificate Program                         $1,164/credit hour

Summer Session Tuition

Summer tuition is charged per credit hour for all programs based on tuition rates for the upcoming regular academic year.

Student Health Insurance

Most domestic and international students in the JD, LLM, and SJD programs are required to carry health insurance while enrolled at Wake Forest University. Please consult the Student Health Insurance website for detailed information, enrollment forms, and costs. Students who are covered under another plan may waive coverage for Student Health Insurance through the provider website. MSL students are not required to carry student health insurance.

Wellness Fee

A wellness fee of $394/year will be charged to all residential School of Law student accounts. This wellness fee grants access to campus wellness, recreation, and fitness facilities, equipment, and programs. Each semester’s charge ($197) will support the overall operation of the state-of-the-art wellbeing center facilities. Graduate students may opt to have the fee waived online through Workday Student.

Graduate students who elect to opt out of the wellness fee will not have access to campus wellness, recreation and fitness facilities, equipment, and related programs, such as intramurals and club sports. If you opt out and change your mind at a later date, you can obtain a membership fee on a month-to-month basis at a fee of $35/month.

Deacon Health Fee

Residential law students pay a $572/year Deacon Health Fee. This fee supports the services of the Deacon Health Service. MSL online students are not required to pay the Deacon Health Fee.

University Technology Fee

All students, including MSL students, must pay this $440/yr fee to support the use of the technology infrastructure at the University.

Student Activity Fee

Residential School of Law students pay a $100 /year Student Activity fee. MSL students are not required to pay the Student Activity Fee. 

Student Parking Fees

• On-Campus Commuter Permit: $570/year

• Off-Campus, Winston-Salem First Church Permit: $345/year

Both on-campus and off-campus permits are limited and are sold on a first come, first serve basis.

• Satellite, University Corporate Center (UCC) Permit: $85/year

Please note that if you choose an Off-Campus or Satellite/UCC permit, you can bring your vehicle on campus after 4:00pm on weekdays and all weekend. For more information on parking and regulations, visit Transportation & Parking Services website.

Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment

While this cost may vary among students, $1,600 is the average cost for JD, LLM, and SJD students for the academic year, based on student surveys. For MSL students, the average cost of books is $300 for the entire degree program.

Past Due Balances and Course Cancellation Policy

All amounts due from a student to the School of Law or to the University for tuition, fees, or other outstanding obligations must be paid by the Student Account Tuition and Fee Due Dates mentioned above. If not paid in full by the above dates, students may be subject to administrative withdrawal from classes. In most cases, administrative withdrawal for past due balances will be executed the last business day before the first day of classes each term. For incoming students, unpaid balances after the established due dates may result in rescinded admission.

In addition, past due balances may render students or former students ineligible view grades, receive a certificate or diploma, or may prevent current or future course registration. 

Student athletic passes to all University athletic events require a validated DeaconOne ID card. DeaconOne cards will not be validated if a student’s account has a balance owed.

Regular Tuition Payment Procedure

Wake Forest’s preferred payment method for tuition & fees is through Workday - Student Financials, which allows students to make payments via e-check. Student Financial Services accepts payment by check, Flywire, CIBC, or, cash paid to the Cashier. Students may also participate in a scheduled, monthly payment plan via Nelnet.

All payments must be made using U.S. dollars. Student Financial Services only accepts funds that cover a student’s educational expenses. If a payment is received that is not for payment of educational expenses for the current term, a student can request to either: (1) leave the funds on their student account to cover future term educational expenses or (2) Wake Forest will return the funds via the original method of payment to the originator of the payment.

When calculating tuition, students should subtract scholarships and approved loans (Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and/or Graduate PLUS Loan, or certified private student loans) to determine the amount, if any, owed. 

Debit/credit cards are not accepted to pay charges on student accounts.

Workday Student Financials 

The Student Financials tab in Workday allows students to view their account activity, print statements, and make payments. This electronic billing system allows students and and users with Third-Party Access to view student account activity in real-time, 24/7. Payments are made via e-check through an Authorized Clearinghouse (ACH). Workday accounts are automatically set up for all incoming students. Students access the Student Financials tab by logging into Workday > View Profile > Student Financials. 

Temporary Tuition Clearance

Students who finance part of their education through loans sometimes experience delays in the disbursement of loans by the specified deadlines. Students’ accounts with loans pending (approved), will receive clearance, permitting the student to register and attend class until the loan funds are disbursed.

If payment is not received by the due date, a registration hold will be placed on the student’s account. This will prevent the student from confirming the student’s class schedule and/or making any changes to a schedule. Non-payment may also result in the cancellation of classes.

Refund of Charges Policy

A student who officially withdraws or is granted Leave of Absence during a semester may be entitled to a refund of tuition charges depending on the date of withdrawal, date of Leave of Absence status, and/or the last day residing in University housing. 

The effective date of withdrawal or Leave of Absence is the last date of class attendance or, in cases of online courses, the last date of academic engagement. Nonpayment for classes for which a student is registered, or non-attendance in a registered class, does not release the student from financial obligations and will not drop the student from the class. Student Financial Services will calculate any refund of charges and will apply any applicable tuition refund per the schedule listed below. Student Financial Services maintains an example of the application of the University Refund of Charges Policy for viewing. 

IMPORTANT: A withdrawal, course drop, or Leave of Absence may affect financial aid eligibility. Students should contact the Law School Financial Aid Office to determine any impact to financial aid.  

A student using scholarships, grants, or loans to help pay educational expenses, and whose account was paid-in-full prior to withdrawal, is likely to owe the University after withdrawal. Return of Title IV funds are handled in accordance with federal law. If charges originally paid by financial aid funds are no longer covered after financial aid funds are returned to the respective programs, the student is responsible for the remaining balance.

Tuition and Fees Refunds

Tuition refunds are based on the date of official withdrawal or Leave of Absence. Please refer to the official “Schedule of Refunds for Withdrawal or Leave of Absence” below for the respective term of enrollment to determine a possible refund. Refunds will be reduced by the amount of any outstanding charges on a student’s account. If refunded charges leave a credit balance on the student account, the student is responsible for completing an online student refund request or the credit balance will remain on the student account and will be applied for future semesters. If the credit is a direct result of Title IV aid, the credit is automatically refunded to the student.

There are no refunds for mandatory fees after the first class day in a semester as reflected in the academic calendar.

Vehicle registration fees will not be refunded unless the issued permit is returned to Transportation and Parking Services before the first day of class. Students graduating or studying abroad for spring semester may receive a prorated refund of the vehicle registration fee by returning the issued permits to the Transportation and Parking Services office.

Schedule of Adjustments for Withdrawal or Leave of Absence

Fall/Spring Semesters

Summer Half Sessions

Summer Full Session

Conduct or Honor Code Violations

Tuition, fees, housing, dining and all other charges will not be refunded when a student is suspended or expelled from the University as a result of a conduct or honor code violation. Similarly, housing charges will not be refunded when a student is suspended or expelled from University housing. Any required Return of Title IV funds are handled in accordance with federal law.

University Disruption Refund Policy

Circumstances may arise during a semester that cause significant disruptions to University operations and result in the University closing the campus. These circumstances include, without limitation, extreme weather, fire, natural disaster, war, labor disturbances, loss of utilities, riots or civil commotions, epidemic, pandemic, public health crisis, power of government, or any other circumstance like or unlike any circumstance mentioned above, which is beyond the reasonable control or authority of the University.

In the event of a significant disruption to University operations either:

• During a semester that results in the University closing campus for the remainder of the semester;

• At the beginning of a semester that delays or prevents the University opening campus; or

• During a semester that results in the University closing campus temporarily during the semester.

The University will issue refunds for wellness and parking fees to students where applicable and according to the refund schedule below. There will be no refunds for tuition or Deacon Health, Student Activity, or any other fees paid by or on behalf of students. Refunds (if applicable) will be calculated at the end of the semester.

This policy applies to significant disruptions where the University closes campus. It does not apply where students officially withdraw from the University or are officially granted Leave of Absence status during a semester. Refunds, if any, in those circumstances are governed by the University’s Refund of Charges Policy.

Fall and Spring Semesters

Summer Half Sessions

Full Summer Session

Return of Title IV Program Funds Policy

The 1998 amendments to the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 (Section 484B), and subsequent regulations issued by the United States Department of Education (34 CFR 668.22), establish a policy for the return of Title IV grant and loan funds for a recipient who withdraws. A student who is not officially withdrawn or granted continuous enrollment status is considered to be withdrawn for the purpose of Title IV, HEA Program funds upon ceasing academic engagement during a semester. Wake Forest University does not have a leave of absence policy that would either exempt any student from the requirements of the Return of Title IV Funds policy or extend federal student loan deferment benefits. Title IV funds subject to return include the following aid programs: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant, Teacher Education Assistance for College & Higher Education Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized), and Federal Direct PLUS Loan.

The percentage of the payment period completed is determined by dividing the total number of calendar days comprising the payment period (excluding breaks of five or more consecutive days) into the number of calendar days completed. The percentage of Title IV grant and loan funds earned is: (1) up through the 60% point in time, the percentage of the term completed, (2) after the 60% point in time, 100%.

The amount of Title IV grant and loan funds unearned is the complement of the percentage of earned Title IV funds applied to the total amount of Title IV funds disbursed (including funds that were not disbursed but could have been disbursed).

If the amount earned is less than the amount disbursed, the difference is returned to the Title IV programs. If the amount earned is greater than the amount disbursed, the difference is treated as a late disbursement in accordance with the federal rules for late disbursements.

A student who completes all the requirements for graduation from his or her academic program before completing the days in the payment period that he or she was scheduled to complete is not considered to have withdrawn. 

In a program offered in modules, a student is not considered to have withdrawn if the student successfully completes:

i. one module that includes 49% or more of the number of days in the payment period, excluding scheduled breaks of five or more consecutive days and all days between modules;

ii. a combination of modules that when combined contain 49% or more of the number of days in the payment period, excluding scheduled breaks of five or more consecutive days and all days between modules; or

iii. coursework equal to or greater than the coursework required for definition of a half-time student for the payment period.

Successful completion of a module requires that the student receive at least one passing grade for that module. Successful completion of coursework equal to or greater than the coursework necessary for half-time enrollment requires that the student receive a passing grade in a sufficient number of credits to comprise half-time enrollment status for the payment period.

Institutional charges include tuition and required fees. When calculating the return of Title IV funds, the University is required to first apply federal aid toward institutional charges, regardless of any non-federal aid received.

Unearned funds, up to the amount of total institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of funds, are returned by the University; the return of Title IV funds may be rounded to the nearest dollar for each aid source. The student returns any portion of unearned funds not returned by the University.

A student repays the calculated amount attributable to a Title IV loan program according to the loan’s terms. If repayment of grant funds by the student is required, only 50% of the unearned amount must be repaid. A student repays a Title IV grant program subject to repayment arrangements satisfactory to the University or the Secretary of Education’s overpayment collection procedures.

Funds returned are credited in the following order: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Direct Subsidized Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Teacher Education Assistance for College & Higher Education Grants, and other Title IV funds for which a return of funds is required.

The Law School Financial Aid Office calculates the amount of unearned Title IV grant and loan funds and can provide an example of the application of this federal policy as well as the relevant section of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 668.22).

Academic Engagement for MSL Students Relating to Financial Aid

If an MSL degree student who is utilizing federal loans for tuition and/or fees fails to log in, submit an assignment, or meet another online course deadline, and as a result is more than one week behind in coursework, and the student has not contacted the instructor, the Program Manager will contact the student via their Wake Forest email, explaining that they have one week to log in and participate in the course or they will be subject to withdrawal procedures.

If at the end of week two, there has been no activity and no communication from the student, the Program Manager will notify the student that an administrative withdrawal for lack of activity has begun.

If the student responds with plans to continue, they will work with the Program Manager and Course Instructor to determine a plan for the student to catch up with any associated deductions for late work and implications for any missing assignments. In this case, the student will be considered active and there would be no financial implications.

If the student responds and decides to withdraw, withdrawal procedures will be initiated. The student will be advised the decision is time sensitive and must be made within two business days. If the student does not reply within this time period, the administrative withdrawal procedure will begin immediately. Please refer to Withdrawals/Refunds for information on tuition refunds.

The Financial Aid Application (FAFSA)

All students who are interested in borrowing federal student loans or participating in the Federal Work Study Program must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The FAFSA can be completed online at the link below. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by July 1 to prevent delays with their financial aid for the upcoming academic year. Graduate Students are not eligible for federal Pell grants.

Federal Loans

For federal student aid eligibility, a student must:

• be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen;

• have a valid Social Security Number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau);

• be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program;

• be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Direct Loan funds;

• maintain satisfactory academic progress;

• sign the certification statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form stating that the student is not in default on a federal student loan, does not owe money on a federal student grant, and will only use federal student aid for educational purposes; and

• show qualification to obtain a college education by having a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or other eligible qualification.

Verification

The U.S. Department of Education requires schools to verify certain information of aid applicants who are selected for verification. If your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is selected for verification by the Central Processing System (CPS), you will be asked to provide additional documentation to the Law School Financial Aid Office to maintain eligibility for federal student aid.

Loan Disbursement

Federal student loan funds are electronically deposited to the Wake Forest student account. Students with a credit balance after tuition and fees are paid are eligible for a refund.

Title IV Authorization for Use of Federal Funds

Before accepting financial aid in the Financial Aid Portal, you will be asked to provide authorization for federal student aid funds to pay for allowable, educationally-related charges other than tuition, fees, room, and board. Not providing authorization may result in charges being billed to your student account for health services, computer service, parking fines, automobile registration, emergency loans, and returned check charges, which may create a hold on your account. Holds could cause delays in registering for classes or obtaining official diplomas. You may change your answer at any time by contacting the Law School Financial Aid Office.

Student Account Refunds

Students whose accounts are left with credit balances after all semester charges have been satisfied may receive a refund for the credit balance. Refunds can be deposited directly into your bank account through Direct Deposit. If you do not sign up for Direct Deposit, your refund check will be printed and mailed directly to the permanent address on file. Note: Direct Deposit for student accounts is different from direct deposit for student payroll purposes and requires the student to set up payment elections in Workday Student.

Outside/Additional Aid

Recipients of additional aid from any source which is not included on the financial aid letter must notify the Law School Financial Aid Office of receipt. The total amount of all sources of financial aid may not exceed the Cost of Attendance.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Section One: Policy for Federal Financial Aid

Federal regulation requires that students maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward a degree for continued eligibility for federal student aid. The standards of academic progress outlined here are for the purpose of evaluating eligibility to continue receiving financial aid. They do not replace or modify academic standards required for continued enrollment at Wake Forest University School of Law. The standards for financial aid eligibility are as strict as, or stricter than, the standards required for continued enrollment.

The Higher Education Act requires that institutions of higher education establish minimum standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for students receiving federal aid. When assessing SAP for federal financial aid, the University reviews all terms of enrollment at Wake Forest University School of Law as well as transfer work accepted toward degree requirements at Wake Forest, regardless of whether the student received financial aid during those terms.

Section Two: Qualitative and Quantitative Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress

Evaluation of students' progress for financial aid purposes is made at the end of each term to determine financial aid eligibility for the upcoming fall, spring, or summer term. Students must meet the minimum standards below at the time SAP is evaluated.

I. Grade Point Average

Students must have achieved the following cumulative grade point average:

• 2.33 for students in the Juris Doctor (JD) program,

• 2.0 for students in the Master of Laws (LLM) program,

• 2.5 for students in the Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program, and

• 2.0 for students in the Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) program.

II. Credit Hour Completion Rate

Students must have successfully completed 67% of all attempted coursework. Successful completion of a course means receiving one of the following grades: A, B, C, D, H, L, P, S, or CR.

III. Maximum Time Frame

Students must complete the requirements for their degree within the 150% maximum time frame or maximum length of degree program as defined in the Wake Forest University School of Law Student Handbook. A student becomes ineligible for aid at the point it is determined that they cannot complete the degree requirements within the remaining maximum time frame.

Incomplete coursework, withdrawals, transfer credits, pass/fail coursework, and course repetitions impact the GPA and Attempted Credit Hours in the following ways:

• Incomplete coursework (grade = I) is not included in the GPA or in the number of credits earned but is counted as attempted credit.

• Courses from which a student withdraws after the Drop/Add period has ended are not included in the GPA or in the number of credits earned but are counted as attempted credit.

• Transfer credits are counted in the number of credits attempted and earned but are not included in the GPA.

• Pass/Fail and Credit/No Credit courses are counted in the number of credits attempted but are not included in the GPA.

• Repeated courses are counted only one time as earned credits. However, credits for each course taken, including all repeated courses, are counted as attempted credit. All grades earned in repeated courses will be calculated in the cumulative GPA.

• Audited courses do not count as credits attempted or earned and are not included in the GPA.

Section Three: Financial Aid Warning and Loss of Eligibility

Students not meeting the SAP requirements for federal financial aid at the end of the term will be placed in a warning status for the following term. During the warning term, students will remain eligible to receive federal student aid during that term. If, at the end of the warning term, students are still not meeting SAP, they will not be eligible for any additional financial aid until the standards are met.

Section Four: Appeals

Denial of aid under this policy may be appealed by the student, in writing, to the Law School SAP Committee at lawfinaid@wfu.edu. Appeals will be considered for the following circumstances: the death of a relative of the student; an injury or illness to the student; or other special circumstances. A student's appeal must include information regarding why the student is not meeting the SAP standards and what factors have changed that will allow the student's academic progress to improve by the next evaluation.

Section Five: Reinstatement of Aid Eligibility

Successful appeals will lead to one of two SAP statuses: Financial Probation or Academic Plan. A student may be placed on Financial Probation for the subsequent enrolled term if it is determined that the student can regain eligibility after one term. If the student cannot regain eligibility after one term, the student will be placed on an academic plan that outlines future academic progress for the student as established by the Law School SAP Committee. The student will be notified of their SAP status via the student’s Wake Forest email based on the outcome of the appeal. If the appeal is not granted, the student will be notified of the decision and will be financially responsible for their educational expenses.

Loan Exit Counseling

All Federal Direct Loan borrowers are required to complete exit counseling upon graduating, withdrawing, or dropping below half-time enrollment. Exit counseling can be completed online at the link below. For more information, please review the Direct Loan Exit Counseling Guide. 

Veterans Benefits & Transition Act of 2018

Pursuant to The Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-407), signed into law on December 31, 2018, Wake Forest University establishes a policy to conform:

GI Bill® and VR&E beneficiaries (Chapter 33 and Chapter 31 beneficiaries) may attend a course of education or training for up to 90 days from the date the beneficiary provides a certificate of eligibility, or a "statement of benefits" obtained from the VA's eBenefits web site, or a valid VAF 28-1905 form for Chapter 31 authorization purposes, provided that the student beneficiary provides such documentation to the appropriate VA Certifying Official no later than the first day of a course of education, and provided that the student provides any additional payment amount due that is the difference between the amount of the student's financial obligation and the anticipated amount of the VA education disbursement to Wake Forest University.

This policy allows a student to attend the course until VA provides payment to Wake Forest University. Wake Forest University will not impose a penalty, or require the beneficiary to borrow additional funds to cover tuition and fees due to late payments from VA.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Scholarships, Loans, and Work-Study

Financial aid information regarding scholarships, federal and private student loans, and work-study programs are discussed in detail on the School of Law Financial Aid website. The School of Law Financial Aid Office is available to counsel current and prospective students on how to manage the costs of a legal education. Students who have questions about financial aid options or the impact of borrowing student loans can contact the office at lawfinaid@wfu.edu. 

Budgeting and Debt Management

The School of Law Financial Aid Office is available to counsel current and prospective students on how to manage the costs of a legal education. You may contact us at lawfaid@wfu.edu to schedule a personal appointment.  You may also attend one of our in-person presentation that discuss topics such as money management, budgeting, student loan repayment, or public service loan forgiveness (to name a few). 

Additionally, Wake Forest Law has partnered with the Access Lex Institute®, the largest nonprofit organization in the country, to help you learn more about financial awareness and money management, student loans, and other resources to manage your student loan debt.  

• MAX by AccessLex® is a free personal finance program created just for law students. In addition to online personal finance lessons, and in-person law presentations, each time you participate in an activity, you receive a scholarship entry to win one of MAX by AccessLex® Scholarships! 

• AccessConnex by AccessLex is a student loan helpline that allows law students to receive on-on-one financial counseling by Accredited Financial Counselors.

• Ask EDNA!® is the platform that will access to complete finance lessons and more!

Scholarship Terms and Conditions

All Wake Forest Law institutional scholarships are subject to the following terms and conditions:

1. Every Juris Doctor scholarship recipient must submit a Need-Based Assessment form.

2. All scholarship recipients must remain in good academic standing. Student Handbook, Chapter 6, Academic Eligibility & Changes of Enrollment.

3. The School of Law reserves the right to revoke or reduce any institutional scholarship awarded to a student who violates the student code of conduct, honor code, or other University policies related to student conduct. Student Handbook, Chapter 12, Student Code of Conduct.

4. Institutional scholarships may cover costs up to the total of tuition and established fees. Fees that may be covered by institutional scholarships include Wake Forest University Student Health Insurance, the Student Wellness Fee*, the Deacon Health Fee, the Student Activity Fee, and the Technology Fee.

If a student receives veterans education benefits (VA benefits), any institutional aid will be deducted from total tuition and fees to determine net tuition and fees (T&F - institutional aid = Net T&F). Net tuition and fees will be used for certifying benefits. VA benefits may only be certified up to the cost of total tuition and fees.

*Students may opt-out of the Student Wellness Fee, which is otherwise automatically applied to student accounts. Opting out of the Student Wellness Fee will restrict a student’s access to the Wake Forest University Wellness Center and services.

5. Institutional scholarships are not subject to negotiation except in cases of material change to a pre-matriculant applicant’s file (e.g., increase in LSAT score or cumulative GPA). Scholarships are not subject to negotiation after matriculation.

6. Juris Doctor scholarships will be applied in six equal payments to fall and spring semesters for up to three years. Students completing their course of study in less than six semesters will forfeit any unused award.  Master of Laws (LLM) scholarships will be applied in two equal payments to fall and spring semesters for one year.

Scholarship awards are not available for study abroad, summer or intersession courses, externships, or other credits earned during the summer academic sessions.

7. If the recipient student pursues a joint or concurrent degree, the total amount of the scholarship will be reduced for hours awarded outside of the law program.

8. By accepting an institutional scholarship award, student recipients agree to allow the University to release their directory information to the donor individuals and organizations. The University’s definition of directory information can be found in Chapter 16, Student Rights to Privacy & FERPA.

9. Student recipients of named scholarships may be required to write a thank you note to the donor as a condition for renewal and may be encouraged to participate in student recruitment activities such as admitted student days and admitted student contact.

Students who withdraw from the School of Law prior to completing exams in any given semester may be required to repay the balance of their scholarship not refunded to the School of Law by the University for that semester and could lose whatever portion of the scholarship that is unrecoverable from the University should they return to the Law School. This is dependent on the circumstances of the withdrawal, the School of Law reserves all right in this regard.

Scholarship and Leaves of Absence

Juris Doctor students who are approved for a Leave of Absence by the Sr. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs or the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs may be eligible to extend their remaining six semester scholarship installments beyond the established three-year term. All semester scholarship installments must be utilized within four years of the student matriculation date. If a student is approved for a Leave of Absence and withdraws during the semester, that scholarship installment will be counted towards the six total installments.

Master of Laws (LLM.) students who are approved for a Leave of Absence by the Sr. Associate Dean for Academic Affairs or the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs may be eligible to extend a semester scholarship installment beyond the established one-year term. All semester scholarship installments must be utilized within two years of the student matriculation date. If a student is approved for a Leave of Absence and withdraws during the semester, that scholarship installment will be counted towards the two total installments.

Student Employment

Both the law school and accrediting bodies require that students maintain the ability to devote most of their working hours to the study of law. Therefore, first-year students are strongly discouraged from accepting any kind of employment during the first academic year. Similarly, upper-class students are advised not to exceed twenty hours of employment per week throughout the academic year. Due to the intensity of the curriculum, work-study funds are not available to first-year students.

The law school posts student employment opportunities on Simplicity through the Center for Professional Development and through email. Students interested in student employment must contact the Law School Budget Office for eligibility.

Tuition Insurance

Students are encouraged to consider enrolling in tuition insurance. Through a partnership with A.W.G. Dewar Inc., Wake Forest offers students an elective tuition insurance plan which might minimize financial loss if a student suffers a serious illness or accident that forces them to withdraw before the end of a semester.

The plan extends and enhances the refund policy. In cases of withdrawal due to accident, illness or mental health conditions as defined in the plan, the plan assures up to a 75% refund throughout the term. To learn more and to enroll, visit the A.W.G. Dewar Inc. website. Student enrollment must be completed by the first day of classes.

Tax Information

Many tax benefits exist for students attending a higher education institution. Student Financial Services recommends that students consult with a tax professional. For more information, please visit the Student Financial Services website linked below.

Contact Information