Bar Examination Loans

Below is a snapshot with basic information about the different bar loans that are currently available to students. Please contact the lender directly to get more information about the loans including their rates and terms.

Bar Study Loan

(877) 279-7172

Bar Study Student Loan

(800) 762-1001

Bar Exam Loan

Loan Limit

Minimum: $1000
Maximum: $15,000

Minimum: $1000
Maximum: $15,000

Minimum: $1000 Maximum: $16,000

Deferral

Payments deferred while
in school.

Payments deferred while
in school.

Check with Lender.

Grace Period

Grace period for 9 months after graduation or cease half-time enrollment.

Grace period for 6 months after graduation or cease half-time enrollment.

Check with Lender.

Application

Time Frame

Can apply during the final year of study if enrolled at least ½ time or up to 12 months after graduation. Must sit for the bar exam no later than 12 months after graduation

Can apply during the final year of study or up to 6 months after graduation. Must sit for the bar exam no later than 6 months after graduation

Can apply during the final year of study or up to 6 months after graduation.

How to Apply for a Bar Loan

1. Complete and submit the Intent to Apply for a Bar Exam form to the Law School Financial Aid Office.
2. Choose a lender and complete the bar loan application directly with the lender.
3. When you apply directly through the lender online or over the phone, you normally receive a credit decision within a few minutes. If you are approved for credit, the lender will send the Law School Financial Aid Office a request for school certification (if required).
4. When the lender receives all of the required information from both the student and school (if school certification is required), the lender will disburse the funds directly to the student on or around the dates requested by the student.

Generally, if you complete the online application, bar exam loans can take 7-10 days to process. Paper applications can take longer. The Law School Financial Aid Office will determine if you have any remaining eligibility through a federal Stafford loan before certifying your bar loan application. Due to the more favorable interest rate and terms, you should always borrow up to your limit through the federal loan program before you take on any private loan debt.

Good credit is essential to your eligibility for a bar loan. If you are denied for a bar loan based on your credit, you do have the right to appeal directly through the lender. You may be given the option of applying with a cosigner. However, a cosigner does not make up for a borrower’s unacceptable credit history. If your bar loan application is denied by your original lender, you can apply through another lender provided their deadline has not already passed. If you choose to apply for a bar loan through another lender, you will need to complete a separate application for that lender and submit proof of your credit denial from the original lender to the Law School Financial Aid Office. If you anticipate that the credit criteria could be a problem, you should apply for the loan as soon as possible. Doing so will allow you enough time to appeal or apply with another lender.

Temple Law Financial Aid
215-204-8943
800-560-1428
lwfinaid@temple.edu