Navigating Cornell Law School Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Cornell Law School offers a rigorous academic environment and a vibrant intellectual community, attracting students from around the globe. With a commitment to fostering future legal leaders, Cornell provides various financial aid opportunities to support students in their pursuit of legal education. This article delves into the scholarships and financial aid options available at Cornell Law School, including eligibility requirements and application processes.

Cornell Law School: An Overview

Cornell Law School has a long-standing tradition of international engagement, dating back to its founding in 1887. The school's Master of Laws (LLM) program, which has been offered for over 90 years, welcomes students holding a non-US first professional degree in law. The program's flexible degree requirements, dedicated faculty, and Ivy League affiliation make Cornell Law an attractive choice for those seeking advanced legal studies.

LLM Program Specializations

The general LLM program is a full-time, one-year course that begins in the fall semester in Ithaca, New York. The curriculum is flexible, with only one required course: Introduction to the American Legal System. Students can specialize in areas such as:

American/US Law and Legal System
Corporate Law and Financial Regulation
Criminal Law and Litigation
Employment and Labor Law
Environmental and Health Law
Human Rights Law
Intellectual Property
International and Comparative Law
Jurisprudence and Legal Theory
Tax and Estate Planning

LLM students can choose courses from the regular law school curriculum, including first-year courses and clinical offerings. A thesis option is available for those interested in advanced scholarly work. Cornell LLM graduates may be eligible to sit for the New York State Bar Examination if their first law degree qualifies and they receive approval from the NY BOLE.

JSD Program

The Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD) program is designed for students who wish to conduct original research into specific legal topics. Applicants typically complete LLM-level work before applying, and admission to the JSD program usually requires earning an LLM degree at Cornell Law School.

Community and Location

Cornell Law School fosters a close-knit community, with just over 100 LLM students and about 600 JD students. This environment allows for a supportive law school experience, complemented by the resources and opportunities of the larger university community. Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell University's campus overlooks Cayuga Lake and is nestled in the Finger Lakes region. Ithaca offers a blend of small-town life with the cultural amenities of a larger city.

Tuition and Financial Aid at Cornell Law School

Pursuing an advanced legal degree represents a significant financial commitment. Tuition for the LLM program is $84,722 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Cornell Law School provides a limited number of financial awards to LLM students based on merit.

Need-Based Aid

Cornell University Scholarships are financial aid opportunities for both domestic and international students. Cornell grants and endowed scholarships are the cornerstone of Cornell’s undergraduate aid program and longstanding commitment to access and affordability. Cornell grants and endowed scholarships are need-based “gift aid” that do not need to be repaid. Eligibility is based on information you provide on your CSS Profile application(s) as a first-year student, and information you provide on your FAFSA form as a continuing student. Cornell grants are available to eligible undergraduates who complete annual aid application requirements, and who demonstrate financial need.

Cornell grants and endowed scholarships are awarded after federal, state, and other external grant or scholarship funding, up to demonstrated financial need. Amounts vary.

Undergraduate students who are eligible for a Cornell grant may also be eligible for named endowed scholarships. No additional application is necessary. Endowed scholarships are awarded in combination with Cornell grants to eligible undergraduates who match donor-established criteria or preferences for each endowed fund.

Read also: Immersive Pre-College Experience

Cornell grants and endowed scholarships are awarded after federal, state, and other external grant or scholarship funding, up to demonstrated financial need. Endowed scholarships may replace a Cornell grant, work-study, or student loan offer, depending on donor-established criteria or preferences.

Scholarship Opportunities

91% of students receive a scholarship with an average award of 31k. Admission to Cornell Law School is highly competitive. However, we do not evaluate candidates solely by their numbers. We also take into consideration extracurricular and community activities, life experiences, work background, and recommendations.

A scholarship is the most direct and powerful way to help a student attend Cornell Law School. Tuition and ancillary costs-room and board, books, health insurance, transportation-are always rising. Although we provide financial assistance to most of our students, nearly every one also must borrow to meet the annual expense, now well over $85,000, of attending the J.D. or LL.M.

Donors with the interest, means, and motivation to do so may establish a named scholarship in Cornell Law School at the $100,000 threshold. All such awards are made at the discretion of the Allan R.

Specific Scholarship Funds

Cornell Law School offers a variety of scholarships, each with its own criteria and purpose. Here are some notable scholarships:

Read also: Cornell University Semester Guide

Henry W. Saint Lawrence University - Cornell Law School Scholarship: This scholarship prioritizes J.D. candidates with strong academic records who hold an undergraduate degree from St. Lawrence University. It aims to support students from upstate New York and those with modest financial resources.
Alfred M. Saperston Student Aid Fund: Established in honor of Alfred M. Saperston, LL.B.
Saperston and Day Scholarship: Awarded annually based on merit, at the discretion of the dean, in memory of Alfred M. Saperston, LL.B. 1919, by his law firm.
Judge Nathan A. Schatz Emergency Loan Fund: Established in memory of Judge Nathan A. Schatz, LL.B.
Rudolf B. Schlesinger Fellowship: This fellowship is awarded annually to a foreign LL.M. candidate or a J.D. student as a tuition-assistance grant. It was established in honor of Rudolf B. Schlesinger, the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of International and Comparative Law.
Norma and Stewart J. Schwab Scholarship: Awarded annually to a J.D. candidate of demonstrated academic merit, at the discretion of the Allan R. Tessler Dean. This scholarship honors Norma and Stewart Schwab for their service to the Law School.
David J. and Marilyn A. Scott Law Scholarship: Provides financial assistance to a J.D. student, with preference given to residents of New York State. It was established in 2013 by David J. Scott J.D.’78 and spouse Marilyn A. Scott.
Serafini Family Scholarship: Awarded annually based on financial need and academic merit at the discretion of the dean, in memory of Joseph Serafini and Sheldon Siegel.
Judge Harold E. Simpson Memorial Scholarship: Established by the family and friends of Judge Harold E. Simpson, LL.B. 1921.
Doris M. Sims Scholarship Fund: Established from the estate of Doris M. Sims, LL.B. 1923.
Dean’s Scholarship endowed by Arthur M. and Mary Ann Siskind: Awarded on the basis of academic merit, with preference given to students with a Cornell undergraduate degree.
Sam Spiegel Law Scholarship Fund: Provides assistance to a student on the basis of academic merit and overall potential contribution to the Law School community, at the discretion of the dean.
Eva Howe Stevens Scholarship: Awarded to a law student on the basis of financial need and scholarship.
Charles Thorp Stewart Scholarship Fund: Established in honor of Charles Thorp Stewart, A.B. 1940.
Barbara A. and Milton G. Strom Scholarship: Established in 2000 by Milton G. Strom, J.D. 1967, and Barbara A. Strom.
Blaine F. Sturgis Scholarship: Established through a bequest from the estate of Mrs. Florence E. Sturgis in memory of her husband, Blaine F. Sturgis, LL.B. 1907.
Robert S. Summers Scholarship: Provides financial support to a Law student who self-identifies as a member of an underrepresented minority group, and is awarded at the discretion of the Allan R.
Robert D. Taisey J.D. 1953 Law Scholarship: Established in 2000 through gifts from Robert D. Taisey J.D. 1953.
Tashlik Family Scholarship Fund: Established by Theodore W. Tashlik, LL.B. 1964.
Felice Rose Dixon Taylor Scholarship: Established from the estate of William C. Taylor, B.C.E. 1948, in memory of his mother, Felice Rose Dixon Taylor.
Lee E. Teitelbaum Scholarship: Honors former dean Lee. E. Teitelbaum for his service and contributions to the Cornell Law School as a teacher, legal scholar, and as the school’s dean.
Tessler Student Aid Fund: Established by a gift from Allan R. Tessler, A.B. 1958, J.D. 1963, and his wife, Frances Goudsmit Tessler, A.B. 1959, to provide assistance to deserving and needy law students.
Gerard Thomas LL.B. ’51 Memorial Law Scholarship: Awarded annually at the discretion of the dean to a student of academic merit and character equal to the standard set by Gerard Thomas.
Professor George Jarvis Thompson Memorial Scholarship: Awarded at the discretion of the Allan R.
Professor Gray Thoron Scholarship: Endowed by Edward vK. Cunningham, A.B. 1956, LL.B. 1962, and Jean Cunningham in honor of Professor Emeritus Thoron.
Ambassador William J. vanden Heuvel Law Scholarship: Awarded to an LL.M. or J.S.D. student.
Bartholomew Viviano Scholarship: Established by friends and classmates in memory of Bartholomew Viviano, M.E. 1933, J.D. 1936.
Jay W. and Harriet S. Waks Scholarship: Awarded annually to a law student, on the basis of financial need, at the discretion of the dean.
Theodore E. Warren LL.B. 1921 and G. Douglas Crozier LL.B. 1926 Scholarship: Awarded at the discretion of the Allan R.
Clifford R. Weidberg Scholarship: Provides a scholarship for a student with need who has excelled in extracurricular activities and service to an undergraduate institution.
Steven and Sharon Weinberg Scholarship: Established in memory of Rudolf B. Schlesinger, the William Nelson Cromwell Professor of International and Comparative Law.
Joseph Weintraub Memorial Scholarship Fund: Scholarships are awarded on the basis of need and merit.
Dean’s Scholarship endowed by Lee I. and Teresa V-F Weintraub: Awarded on the basis of academic merit to deserving students, at the discretion of the dean.
Dean’s Scholarship endowed by Caren and Roger Weiss: Awarded annually on the basis of financial need and academic merit at the discretion of the dean. Preference will be given to students with a Cornell undergraduate degree.
Milton and Nathalie Weiss Scholarships: Established in honor of Milton Weiss, A.B. 1923, LL.B. 1925, and Nathalie Weiss by their son, Stephen H. Weiss, A.B. 1957.
Hon. Christy C. Wiegand JD’00 Government Service Scholarship: Awarded annually to a 2L or 3L student who pursues government service legal work during law school, with aspirations to continue doing so post-graduation.
Donald A. Winslow Memorial Scholarship: Established in memory of Donald A. Winslow, M.B.A. 1979, J.D. 1980.
Michael and Ellen Wolfson Scholarship: Awarded annually on the basis of financial need at the discretion of the dean.
Women’s Law Alumni Mentoring Scholarship: Established by the Cornell Law School alumnae in support of the goals of the Women’s Mentor Program.
Franklin S. Wood Memorial Scholarship: Established from the estate of Franklin S. Wood, A.B. 1923, LL.B. 1925.
Mary F. Zoller Scholarship Fund: Established from the estate of Mary F. Zoller, LL.B. 1946.
Mary Browne MacDonald Scholarship: Established through the generous gifts of Virginia Lindseth in memory of her mother, Mary Browne MacDonald, A.B. 1924, J.D. 1926.
John J. Mangan Scholarship: Established in 2001 by John J. Mangan, J.D. 1967.
David Marcus Scholarship: Established through generous gifts from the estate of David Marcus, J.D. 1945.
Henry Allen Mark Scholarship: Established by David W. Feeney, B.S. 1960, LL.B. 1963, in honor of Henry Allen Mark, J.D. 1935.
David P. Mason J.D. Scholarship: Established in 2006 by gifts from David P. Mason, J.D. 1988.
Sherry and Charles Matays Scholarship: Awarded annually on the basis of academic merit and financial need at the discretion of the dean.
William J. McCormack Scholarship: Established in memory of William J. McCormack by Donato A. Evangelista, LL.B. 1957.
Robert J. McDonald Scholarship: Established in 1999 by former colleagues at Sullivan & Cromwell and friends in memory of Robert J. McDonald, B.S. 1938, J.D. 1941.
Andrew R. McGaan Scholarship: Established in 2016 to help support J.D. candidates, with preference for a Law student who holds a Cornell undergraduate degree.
John T. McGovern Scholarship: Established by John S. McGovern in memory of his father, John T. McGovern, J.D. 1900.
Norma Meacham and Melvin H. Osterman Scholarship: Established in 2002 with gifts from Norma Meacham, B.S. 1974, J.D. 1977, and Melvin H. Osterman, A.B. 1955, J.D. 1957.
Raymond J. Minella Scholarship: Established in 2002 by gifts from Raymond J. Minella J.D. 1974 in honor of his mother, Celeste Mercer.
George J. Mersereau Scholarship: Established through a bequest from the estate of Mrs. Edna Beahan Mersereau in memory of her husband, George J. Mersereau.
Linda R. and Harry P. Messina, Jr. Scholarship: Established In 2006 by a gift from Harry P. Messina LL.B. 1957.
Mavis C. and Stanley D. Metzger A.B. Scholarship: Awarded on the basis of need at the discretion of the dean.
Leonard T. Milliman Scholarship: A gift of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Milliman in memory of their son, Ens. Leonard T. Milliman, USN.
Denise and Edward R. Moran Scholarship: For deserving law students with at least a B average.
Edward R. Moran Scholarship: Awarded to deserving law students with at least a B average.
Lewis W. Morse Scholarship: Established in memory of Lewis W. Morse, LL.B. 1928, who served on the faculty from 1931 to 1969, by friends and associates.
Paula J. Mueller Scholarship: Awarded annually on the basis of financial need and academic merit at the discretion of the dean.
The Laura Taylor Mulvaney LL.B. Scholarship: To honor the memory of Mrs. Mulvaney, who, while previously unrecognized, served as the first female instructor at Cornell Law School by teaching Future Interests.
Allan G. Mutchnik Scholarship: Awarded at the discretion of the Allan R.
Walter & Chong Sun Nam Law Scholarship: Established by Samuel S. Nam J.D.
Michael G. Nast Advocate for Justice Scholarship: Awarded annually on the basis of financial need to Cornell Law School students with preference given to students who actively advocate for social justice on behalf of children and the elderly.
Erna and Bernard Newman Scholarship: Established in 2001 with gifts from the family of Erna and Bernard Newman, including Yvette Harmon, J.D.
Lawrence Nirenstein Memorial Scholarship: Established in memory of Lawrence Nirenstein, A.B. 1952, LL.B.
Joseph D. Norris, Esq., Health Law Public Policy Scholarship: Awarded annually to one or more students in the joint J.D. and M.B.A. program.
Mark D. Nozette ’74 Scholarship: Established in 2011 by Mark D. Nozette J.D. 1974, to provide financial assistance to a J.D. Class of 1968.
Walter E. Joan Oppenheimer Scholarship: Established in 2001 by Joan I. Oppenheimer J.D.
Norman Penney Memorial Scholarship: Established in memory of Norman Penney, J.D. 1953, who served on the faculty from 1957 to 1981, by friends and associates.
Marshall and Eileen Phelps Family Scholarship: Provides scholarship grants to J.D. candidates of outstanding academic merit and demonstrated financial need.
Anthony and Rosemary Phillips Scholarship Fund: Established by Anthony F. Phillips, LL.B. 1962, and his wife, Rosemary L. Phillips.
Melvin I. Pitt Scholarship: Established in memory of Melvin Ira Pitt, LL.B.
Potash Family Scholarship: Awarded annually at the discretion of the Allan R.
Cuthbert W. Pound Fund: Created through contributions made in memory of Cuthbert W.
Public Interest Fellowships: Administered by the Public Interest Law Union and supported by donations from students, alumni, and faculty members.
Karina Lynn Pulec J.D. 2013 Memorial Scholarship: Awarded to a J.D. candidate at Cornell Law School at the discretion of the Allan R.
Rosemary Pye Scholarship: Awarded annually on the basis of financial need and academic merit at the discretion of the dean.
Aaron and Clara Greenhut Rabinowitz Scholarship: Awarded to a Law student with demonstrated financial need at the discretion of the Allan R.
Marcus A. Radice Scholarship: Established in 2001 with gifts from Anthony M. Radice, A.B. 1966, J.D. 1969, and his wife Patricia Crown, in memory of his father, B.S.
Robyrta J. and Bernard R. Rapoport Scholarship Fund: Established in 2004 by Bernard R. Rapoport, A.B. 1939, J.D. 1941 and the Leon Lowenstein Foundation in memory of Bernard’s wife, Robyrta J.
Charles F. Rechlin Scholarship: Established in 2000 by Charles F. Rechlin, A.B. 1968, J.D.
Justice Walter J. Relihan, Jr., Scholarship Fund: Recognizes excellence and provides assistance to needy and deserving students.
Lewis and Esta Ress Scholarship Fund: Created by gifts from Lewis Ress, A.B. 1952, J.D. 1954, and Esta Ress.
Ritter Memorial Fund Scholarship: Awarded on the basis of need and merit at the discretion of the dean.
Ralph K. Robertson Scholarship: Established by a bequest from the estate of Maj. Gen. Robert K. Robertson, LL.B.
Susan and Nathan Robfogel Scholarship: Established in 2002 with gifts from Susan S. Robfogel, J.D. 1967, and Nathan J. Robfogel, J.D.
Hon. Aubrey E. Robinson Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Established in 2000 by his friends and former law clerks to honor the memory of Judge Robinson, A.B. 1943, LL.B.
Dean’s Scholarship endowed by William and Adele Rogers: Established in 2001 through gifts from the estates of former United States Secretary of State and Attorney General William P. Rogers, J.D. 1937, and his wife Adele Langston Rogers, A.B. 1933, J.D.
Peter A. and Stavroula Romas Scholarship Fund: Established in honor of Peter A.
Simon Rosenzweig-H. Sol Tunick Memorial Scholarship: Established by the friends and families of Simon Rosenzweig, A.B. 1927, LL.B. 1929, and H. Sol Tunick, LL.B.
Faust Rossi Scholarship: Conferred annually at the discretion of the Allan R.
Baron Edmond de Rothschild Foundation Scholarship: Provides an annual scholarship, awarded on the criterion of financial need, to a European LL.M. candidate at Cornell Law School who intends to return to Europe to pursue legal practice.
Nathaniel Rubin Scholarship: Established from the estate of Nathaniel Rubin, A.B. 1928, J.D.
Carl and Lillian Rudnick Scholarship: Established in 2000 by Robert A. Rudnick, J.D.
Joseph S. Ruggie, Jr. Memorial Scholarship: Established in 2001 in memory of Joseph S. Ruggie, Jr., A.B. 1959, J.D.
Rush Family Scholarship: Awarded annually on the basis of financial need at the discretion of the dean.

External Scholarships

In addition to Cornell Law School's internal scholarships, students can explore external scholarship opportunities to help fund their legal education. Websites like Sallie Mae, AccessLex, and the LSAC offer databases and resources for finding external scholarships.

Loan Repayment Assistance Programs

Cornell Law School is dedicated to teaching broad analytical thinking, encouraging students to look at issues from all sides. Cornell Law graduates have served the nation and the world through careers in public interest law for more than 100 years. We offer the most generous and flexible Public Service Loan Repayment Assistance Program in the nation!

Application Information and Deadlines

Applications for the general LLM and JSD programs are accepted online through LSAC. The general LLM application typically opens in September and is due by December 15 each year. Cornell University Scholarships provide an exceptional chance for students to access advanced education and advance their careers. By offering extensive financial aid and merit-based scholarships, Cornell ensures that students from all backgrounds can achieve their academic dreams without financial concerns. The application process closes on 01 November 2025.

Life at Cornell Law School

Beyond academics and financial aid, Cornell Law School offers a rich and fulfilling student experience.

A Close-Knit Community

With about 600 J.D. students, Cornell Law is a close-knit, collegial community of learners. Students learn from one another and form bonds with their professors, thanks to a low student-to-faculty ratio.

Vibrant Local Culture

Ithaca has plenty to keep you entertained. We’re a hub for music, fine arts, theater, museums, and more. See a play at the Hangar Theatre, experience a show at the State Theatre, or watch an independent film at Cinemapolis.

Ithaca is known as a culinary hotspot, with more restaurants per capita than New York City and over 100 vineyards in the surrounding Finger Lakes region. Ithaca has numerous farm-to-table dining options.

When taking a break from your studies you can jog or bike on trails in one of Ithaca’s local or state parks. Rent a kayak or take sailing lessons on Cayuga Lake. Visit an organic winery or farm. Or head eight miles north to Taughannock Falls, the tallest waterfall in the northeast.

Career Services

Working with a dedicated career advisor, LLM students receive support in designing an individual job-search strategy. One-on-one counseling appointments assist with researching job opportunities, networking with alumni, building résumés and cover letters, and developing interview skills.

Cornell Law School cosponsors the International Student Interview Program (ISIP), typically hosted annually at the end of January. and foreign employers. LLM students interested in public service have the opportunity to attend the Equal Justice Works Conference in October and the Public Interest Legal Career Fair in February.

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