First-Year Scholarships

Scholarships

Most scholarships do not require an additional application. There are a handful of scholarships for which a separate application is required, so we encourage all admitted first-year students to thoroughly read the details of each scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on a number of criteria including, but not limited to, academic merit, cultural background, life experience, and skill level.

Justice Anthony Kennedy Scholarship Program

This is the most selective of the first-year scholarships. Only applicants with an exceptional academic record receive the Kennedy Scholarship.

• Includes full current tuition, clerkship, and mentoring opportunities.
• Renewable for the student's 2L and 3L years upon the maintenance of a cumulative grade point average (“GPA”) of 3.00 or greater, up to 90 units.
  
  • Students are classified as second-year students upon the completion of 27 units.
  • Students are classified as third-year students upon the completion of 57 units.
• No application required.
• Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring terms.

The Trustees' Scholarship

The Trustees' Scholarship is awarded to entering first-year applicants with an excellent academic record and strong potential for success in the law program.

• $58,000 tuition scholarship for the first year of law school for full-time students entering during the 2025–2026 academic year. The scholarship will be divided evenly between the student's first two semesters ($29,000 per semester).
• $61,500 tuition scholarship for the first year of law school for part-time students entering during the 2025–2026 academic year. The scholarship will be divided evenly between the student's first three semesters ($20,500 per semester).
• Renewable for the student's 2L and 3L years upon the maintenance of a cumulative grade point average (“GPA”) of 3.00 or greater, up to 90 units.  
  
  • Students are classified as second-year students upon the completion of 27 units.
  • Students are classified as third-year students upon the completion of 57 units.
• No application required.
• Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring terms.

Dean’s Honor Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to entering students. Past academic achievement and academic potential are factors in the selection criteria.

• $50,000 tuition scholarship for the first year of law school for full-time students entering during the 2025–2026 academic year. The scholarship will be divided evenly between the student's first two semesters ($25,000 per semester).
• $54,000 tuition scholarship for the first year of law school for part-time students entering during the 2025–2026 academic year. The scholarship will be divided evenly between the student's first three semesters ($18,000 per semester).
• Renewable for the student's 2L and 3L years upon the maintenance of a cumulative grade point average (“GPA”) of 3.00 or greater, up to 90 units.  
  
  • Students are classified as second-year students upon the completion of 27 units.
  • Students are classified as third-year students upon the completion of 57 units.
• No application required.
• Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring terms.

California Western Admissions Scholarship

Each year, California Western Admissions Scholarships are awarded to new students with outstanding academic records.

• Awards range from partial to full current tuition.
• First Year scholarships are non-renewable.
• Students are eligible for Academic Merit Scholarships and the Dean’s Diversity, Service and Leadership Scholarships for 2L and 3L years.
• No application required.
• Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring terms.

Steven R. Smith Scholarship (Application Required)

The Steven R. Smith Scholarship is awarded to one student in the entering fall class every year. The scholarship is traditionally awarded to an applicant who shows a commitment to serving their community along with past and future academic and professional potential. This award is given in honor of former President and Dean of California Western Steven R. Smith for his service to the law school and legal community. 

• Partial scholarship award.
• Application required.
• Application deadline is April 1, 2025.
• Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring terms.

Elaine Galinson and Herbert J. Solomon Scholarships to Advance Racial Justice and Equality

Factors included in the selection of recipients include academic record, financial need, actual or potential leadership skills, and commitment to increasing diversity and advancing racial justice and social equity.  

• Several awards are made annually.
• Awards range from $2,000 to $10,000.
• Preference is given to candidates who apply for admission by the priority deadline.
• Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring terms.

Han P. and Meredith J. Ching Endowed Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is awarded to entering students who were born in the state of Hawaii and have resided there for a minimum of 10 years. Preference is given to students who have overcome difficult challenges or circumstances in their pursuit of a law degree.

• Partial award scholarship.
• Additional preference given to candidates who apply for admission by the priority deadline.
• Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring terms.

Walid Taleb Memorial Scholarship

Friends and family established the Walid Taleb Memorial Scholarship to honor the memory of alumnus Walid Taleb '87, who lived in the Ivory Coast, West Africa. Incoming and current students from Africa or Lebanon, who plan to return there and work with the criminal justice system following graduation, are eligible to apply.

• Award amount each year will be determined by California Western.
• Financial need is not a factor in the selection criteria.
• Application required. Posting will be updated to include application when available.
• Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring terms.

  Financial Aid Office

  The Financial Aid Office is here to help you navigate the financial aid process. If you require assistance or have questions about first-year scholarships, please contact our office.

  Contact Us

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  (619) 525-7060

  Location

  225 Cedar St.
  San Diego, CA 92101