First Year Scholarships

Scholarships

Most scholarships do not require an additional application. There are a handful of scholarships where a separate application is required, so we encourage all admitted first-year students to thoroughly read the details of each scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on a number of criteria including, but not limited to, academic merit, cultural background, life experience and skill level.

Justice Anthony Kennedy Scholarship Program

This is the most selective of the first-year scholarships. Only applicants with an exceptional academic record are asked to become Kennedy Scholarship recipients. 

• Includes full current tuition, clerkship and mentoring opportunities.
• Renewable for an additional two years upon the maintenance of a cumulative grade point average (“GPA”) of 3.00 or greater up to 90 units.  
  
  • Students are classified as second year students upon the completion of 27 units.
  • Students are classified as third year students upon the completion of 57 units.
• No application required.

More Information:

The Trustees' Scholarship

The Trustees' Scholarship is awarded to entering first-year applicants with an excellent academic record and strong potential for success in the law program.

• Full tuition scholarship for the first year.
• Renewable for an additional two years upon the maintenance of a cumulative grade point average (“GPA”) of 3.00 or greater up to 90 units.  
  
  • Students are classified as second year students upon the completion of 27 units.
  • Students are classified as third year students upon the completion of 57 units.
• No application required.

More Information:

Dean’s Honor Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to entering students. Past academic achievement and academic potential are factors in the selection criteria.

• 75% tuition scholarship for the first year.
• Renewable for an additional two years upon the maintenance of a cumulative grade point average (“GPA”) of 3.00 or greater up to 90 units.  
  
  • Students are classified as second year students upon the completion of 27 units.
  • Students are classified as third year students upon the completion of 57 units.
• No application required.

More Information:

No data on prior years as scholarship was initiated in the 2022-2023 academic year.

California Western Admissions Scholarship

Each year, California Western Admissions Scholarships are awarded to new students with outstanding academic records.

• Awards range from partial to full current tuition.
• First Year scholarships are non-renewable.
• Students are eligible for Academic Merit Scholarships and the Dean’s Diversity, Service and Leadership Scholarships for 2L and 3L years.
• No application required.

Steven R. Smith Scholarship (Application Required)

The Steven R. Smith Scholarship is awarded to one student in the entering fall class every year. The scholarship is traditionally awarded to an applicant who shows a commitment to serving their community along with past and future academic and professional potential. This award is given in honor of former President and Dean of California Western Steven R. Smith for his service to the law school and legal community. 

• Partial scholarship award.
• Application required.
• Deadline: April 1.

Elaine Galinson and Herbert J. Solomon Scholarships to Advance Racial Justice and Equality

Factors included in the selection of recipients include academic record, financial need, actual or potential leadership skills, and commitment to increasing diversity and advancing racial justice and social equity.  

• Several awards are made annually.
• Awards range from $2,000 to $10,000.
• Preference is given to candidates who apply by the priority deadline.

Han P. and Meredith J. Ching Endowed Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is awarded to entering students who were born in the state of Hawaii and have resided there for a minimum of 10 years. Preference is given to students who have overcome difficult challenges or circumstances in their quest to attain a law degree.

• Partial award scholarship.
• Additional preference given to candidates who apply by the priority deadline.

Military

California Western School of Law is approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code. 

California Western School of Law proudly participates in the Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program ®, a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.

For more detailed information, please visit the more information section on the financial aid pages.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.