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Paying for the Bar Exam
Taking the bar exam can be expensive. For estimated costs and information please see below.
What Financial Aid May Cover
Students that are eligible for federal loans can receive additional funds in federal loans, most likely Federal Graduate PLUS loans, to cover some of the costs of taking the bar.
To do so, please email Heather Smith-Lee at smithhea@hawaii.edu to increase your loans. Loans may only be increased up to the eligible amount for an academic year. If you request an amount greater than your eligible amount, your loan will only be increased to what you are eligible to receive. You must do this at least one month before the semester ends.
Maximum Costs Covered by Financial Aid
Bar Exam Fee for One State: $513
NCBE Application Fee: $315
MPRE Exam Fee: $100
You will be asked to attach receipts showing that the fees were paid for before the end of the enrollment period.
WHAT FINANCIAL AID WON’T COVER
Federal student loans are not available for expenses you incur after you graduate. Federal student loans are not available for the following costs:
- Bar prep courses
- Bar exam fees for more than one state
- Late bar exam registration fees
- Rent, food, car insurance, child care, etc
- Health insurance (Your UH Student Health Coverage will expire when you graduate. Make plans now to extend or replace your health insurance.)
- Laptop Examsoft fee for Hawaii bar exam (approx. $150)
PRIVATE BAR LOANS (A LAST RESORT)
Bar exam loans may be available to credit-worthy borrowers to help cover costs during the study period immediately after graduation.
- Bar loans are more expensive than federal loans. Financial aid recipients should borrow up to their maximum federal cost of attendance with federal loans before utilizing this option.
- Bar loans cannot be included in a federal student loan consolidation.
- Bar loans are not eligible for any of the Federal Loan repayment options currently available, such as Income Driven Repayment, and they cannot be included in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Before applying for a Bar Loan, check your credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com and rectify any discrepancies on the credit report. The website provides free access to your report from the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Transunion, and Experian.
Research your options, and apply to only one lender: Applications to multiple lenders may impact your credit score. Lenders include Wells Fargo [wellsfargo.com] , PNC [pnconcampus.com], Discover [discover.com], and Sallie Mae [salliemae.com].
Things to Consider
- What is the interest rate? Does the lender offer any interest rate reductions for either automatic debit or prior account or loan history with the lender?
- Are there origination or disbursement fees associated with the loan? If so, be conscious of the percentage that will be deducted from your loan disbursement.
- Is there any type of post enrollment grace period offered? Are there other deferment or forbearance options?
You may apply for the Bar Loan anytime during your final semester. Your lender will need the Law School to verify your enrollment status and expected graduation date. Please fax or email the form to smithhea@hawaii.edu.
BAR LOAN COMPARISON CHART*
*Information advertised valid as of 3/13/2023
| Bar Study Loan Sallie Mae (877) 279-7172 | Private Loans for Bar Study PNC Bank Education Lending (800) 762-1001 | Discover Bar Exam Loan Discover Student Loans (800) 788-3368 | Wells Fargo Bar Exam Loan Wells Fargo (800) 378-5526 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loan Limit | Minimum: $1,000 Maximum: $15,000 | Minimum: $1,000 Maximum: $15,000 | Minimum: $1,000 Maximum: $16,000 | Minimum: None Maximum: $12,000 |
| Aggregate Debt Limit | NONE with co-borrower $350,000 without co-borrower | $225,000 | $180,000 | $180,000 |
| Interest Rate | Variable rates*: 7.25% – 16.86% APR Fixed rates*: 5.25% – 13.66% APR*Rate may include repayment incentive | Variable rates for 15 year period*: 7.24% – 11.99% APR Fixed rates for 15 year period*: 8.39% – 13.14% APR*Rate may include repayment incentive | Variable rates*: 7.62% – 15.62% APR Fixed rates*: 6.99% – 14.99% APR*Rate may include repayment incentive | Variable rates*: 9.99% – 10.21% APR Fixed rates*: 12.45% – 12.67% APR*Rate may include repayment incentive |
| Fees | NO FEE | NO FEE | NO FEE | NO FEE |
| Deferral/Grace Period | Payments deferred while in school at least half time. Grace period for 9 months after graduation or cease half-time enrollment. | Payments deferred while in school. Grace period for 6 months after graduation or cease half-time enrollment. | Payments deferred while in school at least half time, on active military duty, serving a public service organization or in a medical residency. Grace period for 9 months after graduation or cease half-time enrollment. | Payments deferred while in school. Grace period for 6 months after graduation or cease half-time enrollment. |
| School Certification or Verification Required | YES | NO Student has option to provide verification of enrollment. | YES | YES |
| Application Time frame | Can apply during the final year of study if enrolled at least half-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. | Can apply during your final year of school and up to 30 days after graduation. |
| Disbursement | Disbursed directly to borrower | Disbursed directly to borrower | Disbursed directly to borrower | Disbursed directly to borrower |
| Repayment Period/ Repayment Incentives | Up to 15 years 0.25% Interest rate reduction for auto debit | Up to 15 years 0.50% Interest rate reduction for automated payments from checking or savings account. | Up to 20 years 0.25% Interest rate reduction for auto debit | Up to 7 years 0.25% Interest rate reduction for auto debit Up to 0.50% Interest rate reduction for Wells Fargo Customers |
**The information contained in this chart is not intended as a substitute for information included in the lender’s application materials or promissory notes.