Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Each year, the University Financial Aid Committee establishes a cost of attendance (COA) budget for law students in accordance with federal aid regulations. A student’s financial aid package is based upon the cost of attendance budget, and may only cover the 9-month academic year. The total COA varies based on the student's residency status and if they will be receiving federal loans.

It is important to understand that the Cost of Attendance Budget does not represent how much you will be charged by UVA Law, but is meant to be used as a budgeting tool to provide you with a realistic idea of the expenses you can expect to incur. The COA also represents the maximum amount of total aid a student can receive during the 9-month academic year (including scholarships, loans, etc.). 
  
In setting the cost of attendance budget, the Financial Aid Committee uses average estimated cost figures that allow for a relatively modest lifestyle. Some students may spend more than the budgeted amounts, while others may spend less, depending upon individual lifestyles. 

The cost of attendance budget is updated each year in March. Historically, tuition and fees have increased approximately 3% to 4% each year.

J.D. Program Budget, 2024-25

*Loan fees are only included for borrowers of federal loans. The amounts listed above include $216 for students who are offered Unsubsidized Loans and an additional $2,248 (resident) or $2,262 (non-resident) for students who are offered Grad PLUS loans. Grad PLUS fee amounts are based on actual averages from 2023-2024 borrowing.

1. Students may request an increase to their COA on a case-by-case basis for the purchase of a health insurance plan.
2. Students may request an increase to their COA on a case-by-case basis (up to $2,500) for the purchase of a laptop computer for educational use.
3. In their third year of law school, students may request an increase to their COA on a case-by-case basis to accommodate the cost of the bar exam (up to $1,500).

Living Expense Itemization (9-Month Budget)

Possible Increases to Annual Cost of Attendance Budget

Some students may find that they are in need of additional funds, even after having borrowed the maximum amount allowed. In such instances, they can appeal to have their COA increased in order to borrow additional funds beyond the standard limit. Allowable appeal categories include:

Cost of Health Insurance

Federal regulations give the Law School Financial Aid Office the ability to adjust a student’s Cost of Attendance budget on a case-by-case basis for the purchase of a health insurance plan. Please complete the Health Insurance Expense Request Form and submit it to the Financial Aid Office.

Cost of a New Computer (One-Time Expense)

The cost of a computer purchased for educational purposes can be included in the Cost of Attendance budget one time only during law school. You must provide a copy of your receipt and the Computer Expense Form to verify your purchase. The maximum increase for the purchase of a computer is $2,500.

Costs for Dependent Care

Students with dependents may request an increase in their Cost of Attendance budget by the cost of dependent care. The expense must be reasonable and similar to the cost of dependent care in the community. Students who have spouses, domestic partners and/or children must understand that financial aid is not intended to support families and cannot replace or supplement the earnings of spouses or domestic partners. Students who have children may request budget increases to cover reasonable childcare expenses.  Please make an appointment with financial aid to review your circumstances and review the documentation required.

Cost of Bar Exam

Students in their third year of law school may have the cost of the bar exam included in their budget if the cost is not covered by an outside entity. Please complete and submit the Bar Exam Expense Form. The maximum increase for the cost of the bar exam is $1,500. 

Cost of Study Abroad

Students participating in international exchange programs or in approved study abroad programs may request budget increases to cover additional expenses related to studying outside of the United States. Please complete the Study Abroad Expense Form and make an appointment with Financial Aid to review your circumstances and determine what documentation is required.

Other Unique Circumstances

Upon written request, accompanied by supporting documentation, the Law School Financial Aid Office will consider requests for budget increases for extraordinary and unanticipated expenses. Examples of extraordinary and unanticipated expenses may include medical expenses, dental expenses, expenses related to disabilities, or other unusual circumstances. We review each request individually on a case-by-case basis. 

If you have or expect to incur any of the above costs and wish to increase your cost of attendance budget, please make an appointment and/or complete the appropriate form and submit it to the Law School Financial Aid Office for review at @email.