person holding graduation cap with the word scholarships and money signs

Scholarships

Knowing how you will pay for law school is integral to choosing the right place for you, and scholarships are a vital part of this process. We offer a variety of scholarships, in addition to student loans, work-study, and other financial aid opportunities, to help make California Western an affordable option.

By the Numbers

80%
Entering students who received law school scholarships (Fall 2023).
$36,168
Median scholarship amount for entering students who received scholarships (Fall 2023).
7
Types of first-year scholarships entering students are considered for.

CWSL Scholarships by Year

First-Year Students

All admitted students are reviewed for scholarship eligibility, and awards range from partial to full tuition coverage. Most do not require an additional application. Some of our first-year scholarships include:

  • Justice Anthony Kennedy Scholarship Program
  • California Western Admissions Scholarship
  • Dean's Honor Scholarship
  • More

Upper-Division Students

Once you complete your first year, you may be invited to apply for other law school scholarships to help defray the cost of attending. For our second and third-year students, scholarships include:

  • Academic Merit Scholarships
  • Dean’s Community Service & Leadership Scholarship
  • Walid Taleb Memorial Scholarship

 

External Scholarships

External Scholarships

Our financial aid team regularly receives information about law school scholarships that are supported by external foundations, nonprofits, law firms, and networking groups.

 

More than financial support

Not only are scholarships a crucial piece in helping pay for school, they also introduce you to a broader community. Once you receive a scholarship, you are part of a broader network of recipients who can help you reach your goals.

The award means more than just the immediate financial support I have received. For me, this support means others believe in me and it gives me more reason to keep going.
Cristal Ruiz
San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association scholarship recipient
Cristal Ruiz

Scholarship Policies

These scholarship policies govern most entering and upper-division scholarships. However, students’ specific scholarship terms are governed by their scholarship award letters.

  • In order to be eligible for a scholarship in the third year, students must have: 1) completed the second year in three or fewer trimesters, and 2) taken during their second year at least four required or California bar-tested courses - each course having at least three or more credits.
  • If students are found guilty of an honor code violation, scholarships may be revoked and may not be reinstated.
  • Scholarships only apply toward classes taken at CWSL.