Outside Scholarships

If you have received an outside scholarship, please review our information on outside scholarships. Any student who has been awarded an outside scholarship should submit the Educational Resource Form. If you have questions about an outside scholarship, please email lawfinaid@syr.edu.

A good place to start your outside scholarships search is within your own community, you may perhaps wish to contact organizations with which you’re already affiliated.

Each state in the U.S. has a bar association that often offers scholarships to law students, especially those demonstrating financial need or an interest in public service law. Similarly, County, Regional, and National Bar Associations also may offer scholarships, grants, or essay contests for law students in their area.  Some examples include, but are not limited to:

Some private local law firms offer scholarships, internships, or fellowship opportunities to law students. Students employed part-time at a law firm may find scholarship opportunities through their employer. It’s a good idea to inquire with your employer for any remitted-tuition type benefits that may be available to you.

Many chambers of commerce offer scholarships to students who show leadership potential, community involvement, or interest in entrepreneurship and business law.

Many government entities (e.g., U.S. Department of Justice, state attorney general offices) offer scholarships, internships, or fellowships for law students, especially those pursuing careers in public interest or government law.

Organizations like Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, or Kiwanis Clubs often sponsor scholarships for students pursuing higher education, including law degrees. These groups may offer scholarships based on leadership, community involvement, or other factors.

Nonprofit organizations and foundations sometimes offer funding opportunities through scholarships and fellowships for students pursuing careers in public interest law. Some examples might include, but also extends beyond:

In most cases, the awarding agency is responsible for selecting the recipient and determining the value of the scholarship.

As part of our commitment to supporting our students’ financial needs, we are proud to promote our partnership with AccessLex Institute. As a Syracuse Law student, you have access to the AccessLex Institute’s Scholarship Databank. This invaluable resource houses over 800 thoughtfully selected and rigorously reviewed scholarship opportunities and writing competitions, totaling more than $3 million in aid. There are opportunities tailored to your background and practice interests whether you are a 1L student or a seasoned legal scholar. Don’t miss out on this incredible resource to help fund your legal education.

Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising

Syracuse University’s Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA) works to raise awareness of competitive national fellowship opportunities, some of which are open to graduate and professional students. CFSA helps connect applicants with awards best suited to their goals and qualifications and assists with every stage of the application process from planning and drafting materials, to preparing for interviews.

More information can be found using their National Scholarships Directory.