Financing Law School in 2026: UH Law Professor Jim Hawkins Shares What Future Students Need to Know
April 20, 2026— Starting July 1, new federal loan caps will limit how much J.D. and LL.M. students can borrow, affecting how law students pay for their legal education. University of Houston Law Center’s Professor Jim Hawkins made a video explaining what prospective students need to understand and how they can plan their finances before enrolling.
Hawkins, whose expertise includes business, consumer credit and commercial law, breaks down key issues:
- Federal borrowing limits for J.D. and LL.M. students.
- How private loans work and what to watch out for.
- How to compare true cost of attendance across schools.
- Why completing FAFSA early matters.
- How scholarships and grants can help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
The video also highlights a potential cost-saving option at the UH Law Center – tuition waivers that allow eligible out-of-state students to pay in-state rates.
Watch the video to understand the changes, get Professor Hawkins tips and make informed decisions about financing your law degree:
