Law school is very expensive. Though many students receive some sort of aid or scholarship while attending, very few are able to go for free. Most, in fact, will take out substantial loans. As of 2025, a law school student’s average debt at graduation was over $100,000 across all institutions, and it was indeed much higher at many institutions.
Beyond all of the other stressful considerations that go into attending law school (researching programs, developing strong materials, studying for the LSAT, etc. etc.), figuring out how to manage the cost can feel overwhelming. This will be especially true this year, when new limitations on federal loan programs mean that many students beginning law school in the fall will also have to navigate the process of applying for private loans.
Thankfully, help is available. AccessLex Institute, a non-profit specializing in access and affordability in legal education, offers a wide range of free resources, tools, and events to help aspiring and current law school students, including:
- AccessConnex – a free financial counseling helpline, where Accredited Financial Counselors provide guidance to students interested in any degree program on scholarships, loans, repayment, and more
- MAX Pre-Law – a free collection of workshops, videos, and more for pre-law students
- Law School Scholarship Databank – a searchable database of external law school scholarships offered by law firms, bar associations, local governments, and more
- Diversity Pathway Program Directory – a searchable database of programs intended to support underrepresented students in their pursuit of legal education
- Student Loan Calculator – a tool to help you explore law school loan costs and repayment options
- Student Events – free webinars and other events on topics including researching law schools, building a budget, and exploring loan repayment options (including Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
Check out AccessLex today! And, as always, schedule an appointment with a Cornell Pre-Law Advisor at any time to chat about any part of the pre-law or law school application process.
