Tuition and Financial AidCost of Attendance
The cost of attendance at Vermont Law School is based on the amount needed to meet direct institutional costs and provide a moderate allowance for living expenses for a 9- or 12-month academic year. Individual living and personal expenses may vary and costs in excess of the established allowances will have to be met from other sources. It should also be noted that the cost of attendance is related to your status as a student and cannot be increased to accommodate financial obligations beyond that status.
The total of scholarship and loan funds that you receive cannot be more than the total Cost of Education.
Whether or not this estimate provides sufficiently for you will largely depend on the choices you make. Available funding has limitations, and we suggest you consider using cost-cutting approaches, such as living with a roommate, driving a fuel-efficient car with a small (or no) payment, and paying down or eliminating personal credit card debt.
Tuition and Fees
|
| |
JD program |
Joint |
Masters/LLM |
| Tuition |
$45,207 |
$59,052 |
$39,554 |
| Fees |
$525 |
$525 |
$635 |
Cost of Living Allowance (Annual)
Two-Semester Programs
Rent, Utilities, and Food $12,600
Books and Supplies $1,500
Personal $2,250
Health Insurance $3,627
Transportation $2,250
Loan Fees $1,000
Three-Semester Programs
Rent, Utilities, and Food $16,200
Books and Supplies $2,250
Personal $3,000
Health Insurance $3,627
Transportation $3,000
Loan Fees $1,500
Student Budget Increase Policy
A student budget represents an estimate of the costs a student will incur for a specified period of enrollment, usually one academic year.
The total aid a student may receive from Student Financial Assistance programs and other sources cannot exceed the student’s budget.
The Financial Aid Office has set student budgets that represent the amount of tuition and fees needed to attend Vermont Law School.
Additional amounts are built into a student’s budget to represent estimated expenses for books, a modest cost of living allowance*, transportation, personal, Health Insurance and student loan fees.
A student’s budget may be increased on a case-by-case basis beyond the set standards for reasonable expenses.
Reasonable expenses and the accompanying required documentation are defined below.
*Financial aid programs are meant to fund the student and may not cover a spouse or family.
Reasonable Expenses and Required Documentation
Housing allowance is based on average apartment costs within the area and from the results of an annual student survey. We recognize that this may not reflect expenses for families or for house payments; however, the federal government only allows costs for the student. Therefore, we do not increase budgets for increased housing expenses.
Medical insurance for the student only is considered a valid expense for which a student’s budget may be increased. The maximum allowable increase for any student health policy is $3,627. Unreimbursed, emergency medical or dental expenses will be considered. Acceptable documentation is a copy of the PAID receipt, from the medical facility, physician, or dentist, documenting all insurance payments, with an annual adjustment of up to $2,500.
Child care costs for the student’s dependents are considered a reasonable budget expense. In determining reasonable expenses, consideration will be given to the age of the dependent(s). Documentation is required, in the form of a signed, written statement or a company receipt from the child’s care provider itemizing the monthly costs. Tuition and fees for preschool or private school are excluded.
PC or laptop computer adjustments require documentation in the form of a PAID invoice or receipt. Reasonable computer expenses will not exceed a one-time only adjustment of up to $2,500 or the cost of the receipt, whichever is less.
Transportation expenses such as automobile repairs will be considered. Only those repairs necessary to keep the automobile in safe working condition will be evaluated. Auto repair costs will be considered up to $2,500 annually. Acceptable automobile repair documentation is a copy of a PAID receipt and an invoice outlining the repairs. Normal upkeep and maintenance such as oil changes, tires, and tune-ups will not be considered.
Note: Automobile expenses such as car payments or car insurance cannot be considered.
Bar Exam Fee for one state exam can be included in a 3rd third-year law student’s budget. Students must submit the request in writing, stating the state in which the exam will be taken and the cost of the exam.
If you would like to make a budget adjustment, contact that financial aid office.
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