Santa Clara University School of Law awards scholarships under several scholarship programs. These merit-based awards are available to those who demonstrate outstanding potential for the study of law.
James A. Emery, S.J. Merit Law Scholarship
Awarded to entering students who have achieved outstanding academic merit credentials.
- Awards: Vary
- Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and meet satisfactory academic progress
- Not indexed to tuition increases
- Coordinated with federal, state and other aid
- No application required as recipients are selected at time of admission
Law Faculty Scholarship
Awarded to entering students who are expected to enrich the diversity of the law school.
- Awards: Vary
- Must meet satisfactory academic progress
- Not indexed to tuition increases
- Coordinated with federal, state and other aid
- No application required as recipients are selected at time of admission
Public Interest Scholarship
Awarded to entering students who demonstrated commitment to public interest law and professional promise.
- Awards: $10,000
- Must meet satisfactory academic progress
- Not indexed to tuition increases
- Coordinated with federal, state and other aid
- Separate application is required and selected at time of admission. Deadline TBD.
Dean’s Fellow
Awarded to academically outstanding entering students to the law school.
- Awards: Varies up to full tuition
- Must meet satisfactory academic progress
- Coordinated with federal, state and other aid
- No application required as recipients are selected at time of admission
NOTE: To be considered for the Dean’s Fellow, entering students must have the Admissions application complete by February 15.
Upper-Division Law Student Scholarships
The law school has established several endowed scholarships that are awarded to upper-division students in recognition of their academic excellence, diversity and public service. Please note that any scholarships awarded are coordinated with existing financial aid.
B.T. Collins Scholarship
B.T. Collins came to Santa Clara University as a student after losing an arm and leg as a U.S. Army captain in the Vietnam War. He went on to serve as the Director of the California Conservation Corp, Director of the California Youth Authority, a California State Assembly member and the Chief of Staff for Governor Jerry Brown.
To commemorate the life of B.T. Collins, friends, classmates and colleagues established a scholarship in his honor which is awarded to upper-division JD students who are dedicated to pursuing public service careers, and demonstrate outstanding leadership potential.
- Awards: Vary
- 3L and 4L students in good academic standing
- Coordinated with federal, state and other aid
- Separate application is required
More information about the life of B.T. Collins, and the scholarship here.
2023-2024 Deadline: Extended to October 21, 11:59 p.m. APPLY HERE
Eleven Easy Pieces Scholarship
Eleven Easy Pieces was the name of the 1970s and 1980s Women’s Law School Flag Football Team. To commemorate the team, former members and coaches established a scholarship awarded on merit, need and contribution to the law school’s spirit and student body.
- Awards: Vary
- 2L, 3L, 4L students in good academic standing
- Coordinated with federal, state and other aid
- Separate application is required
2023-2024 Deadline: October 15, 11:59 p.m. APPLY HERE
Law Alumni Association Scholarship
Awarded to upper-division students who demonstrate a commitment to the law school, participate in community activities and are involved in law school activities.
- Awards: Vary
- 2L, 3L, 4L students in good academic standing
- Coordinated with federal, state and other aid
- Separate application is required
2023-2024 Deadline: October 15, 11:59 p.m. APPLY HERE
Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Scholarship
Recognizing a record of community service.
Awarded to upper-division students who have demonstrated commitment to equality, inclusion, and social justice; have a record of community service with a commitment to eliminating racial, social, and economic disadvantage in under-served communities; and intend to pursue a legal career that advances equality and social justice.
- Awards: Vary
- 2L, 3L, 4L students in good academic standing
- Have a record of community service with a demonstrated commitment to eliminating racial, gender, sexual orientation, economic and/or other social discrimination
- Coordinated with federal, state, and other aid
- Separate application required
2023-2024 Deadline TBD
Women and Law Scholarship
Awarded to promote the efforts and successes of women in the legal field. The Women and Law organization seeks to enhance the law experience by supporting members through networking opportunities, community service projects and meaningful educational enrichment.
- Award: Vary
- 2L and 3L Women and Law members in good academic standing who demonstrate the ideals of the Women and Law Association
- Coordinated with federal, state and other aid
- Separate application is required
2023-2024 Deadline: October 15, 11:59 p.m. APPLY HERE
Other Funding Opportunities
Public Interest Social Justice Law Board Summer Grants
Santa Clara law students who have completed at least one year of full-time or part-time study are eligible for public interest summer grants. To qualify for a grant, students must arrange a full-time summer position doing legal work with a non-profit organization having a public service or social justice mission. Some government attorney positions also qualify. Additional information about the Public Interest Social Justice Law Board Summer Grants can be found here.
External Scholarships
Another potential funding source to explore are external scholarships. These scholarships can be offered by outside agencies such as professional organizations you or a family member are a part of, your church or community organizations, service groups (like Rotary, Kiwanis, P.E.O., etc.), volunteer organizations, or national, state and local foundations. A little time networking and searching for opportunities can pay off in the end. To get started, check out the links below for some external scholarship resources including those provided by Law School Admissions Council, the American Bar Association, and AccessLex Max Scholarship Incentives. Our External Scholarships page will get you started!
As you review scholarship and fellows, you may want to learn about costs, how to apply, types of financial aid, repayment, contact information and other terms and conditions related to financial aid.
Contact Us: lawfinancialaid@scu.edu
FAFSA School Code: 001326
