Cost of Attendance (COA)

The federally mandated formula used to determine financial aid eligibility is based on the premise that students are expected to contribute toward the cost of their education since they are the primary beneficiary of that education.  Based on the information that the student (and spouse) provide on the FAFSA, the Central Processor will determine an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and indicate this figure on the SAR.  Financial aid is to assist you with educational expenses and relying on financial aid without any personal resources will make your financial situation very difficult.

Below is an estimate of the fall 2019-spring 2020 COA based on living off campus for 9 months. If you attend summer classes, financial aid is a separate process with a separate COA. To receive financial aid you must be in a minimum of 6 hours in any given semester.

The Cost of Attendance (COA) or budget is determined by the SFA office each spring. This budget is developed based on the cost of living in this geographic area. Plan ahead for a successful budget.  Be aware of your available resources. The decision to take on debt will affect your lifestyle during law school as well as the years that follow.  Many students are limited to the funds they receive with financial aid and have no savings or personal resources on which to fall back.  This can make your financial situation very difficult. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, reach out to the financial aid advisor for options. 

The amount of financial aid a student is eligible to receive is based on the COA which includes:

• Tuition and Fees - The average cost of tuition and fees for a typical first year JD student based on enrolling in 31 hours for fall/spring for full time and 21 hours for part time.
• Room and Board - A reasonable estimate of what it would cost to live in Houston while attending school. Actual costs may vary by individual choices related to location and circumstances.
• Books and Supplies - The average cost of books and supplies for a an incoming student for fall and spring.
• Transportation - Represents travel to and from the student's residence and transportation costs to and from class and work.
• Personal - Personal items not included in room and board expenses.

The COA minus the EFC equals financial need.  The types and amounts of financial aid that UH can award is based upon this figure.

• Once your award is processed, any unmet need will have to be through personal resources, a federal Grad Plus loan or private loan, both of which are credit based. Instructions on how to apply for additional loans will be e-mailed in early summer.
• The SFA office will begin notifying accepted students of their financial aid award package by e-mail sometime in May. The award notification will be sent to you with instructions on how to accept your award(s) on line. Financial aid funds will be applied to your student account no sooner than the first day of class. Financial aid will pay your tuition and fee bill and the difference will be refunded to you for your living expenses.

The average debt of the 2019 graduating class was $96,382 with 70% of the class borrowing federal &/or private loans.

University of Houston Law Center
Financial Aid & Scholarship Office
4604 Calhoun Road
Houston, Texas 77204-6060
(713) 743-2269
School code 003652
lawfinaid@uh.edu