Understanding Tuition and Costs at Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law

Choosing a law school is a significant investment in your future. At Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Shepard Broad College of Law, understanding the tuition structure, additional fees, and available financial aid options is crucial for prospective students. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the costs associated with attending NSU Law, including tuition rates, fees, and potential financial aid opportunities.

NSU Shepard Broad College of Law: An Overview

Established in 1974, NSU Shepard Broad College of Law is part of Nova Southeastern University, a large private, independent, not-for-profit university in Florida. Located in suburban Fort Lauderdale, the law school offers a conducive environment for legal education with its 314-acre greenbelt campus. NSU Law provides both a three-year full-time program and a four-year part-time program, with options for day or evening schedules. The college combines traditional curriculum with practical experience through live-client clinics and a comprehensive simulation program.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition costs at NSU Shepard Broad College of Law vary depending on whether a student is enrolled full-time or part-time. For the full-time program, the tuition is $47,850, while the part-time program costs $35,900. These figures represent the tuition costs before any scholarships or program discounts are applied.

2025-26 Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA)

To provide a clearer picture of the total cost of attendance, NSU provides estimated figures for full-time students. These amounts reflect costs for students residing off campus and may vary based on enrollment status or living arrangements.

For J.D. students, the tuition for the first, second, and third years is $49,350 per year, covering the Fall and Winter semesters. Summer courses are optional, with tuition dependent on the number of credits taken.

Read also: Learn about Nova Nursing

Additional costs include:

Books & Supplies: $1,178 (First Year), $928 (Second Year), $1,390 (Third Year)
Institutional Fees: $1,360 per year
Health Insurance: $2,848 per year
Housing & Food: $36,829 (First & Second Year), $27,622 (Third Year)
Loan Fees: $327 (First & Second Year), $218 (Third Year)
Personal Expenses: $4,045 (First & Second Year), $3,034 (Third Year)
Transportation: $6,973 (First & Second Year), $5,230 (Third Year)

There are also one-time program fees:

One-Time Seat Deposit (Nonrefundable): $500
Materials Fee (One-Time Charge): $190

For students in a four-year program, the tuition for the first, second, third, and fourth years is $37,000 per year, covering the Fall and Winter semesters. Summer courses are optional, with tuition dependent on the number of credits taken.

Tuition per Credit Hour

For programs like the M.S. in Law, tuition is charged per credit hour. The cost is $835.00 per credit hour.

Additional costs include:

Books & Supplies: $2,500
Institutional Fees: $1,800
Health Insurance: $2,848
Housing & Food: $36,829
Loan Fees: $292
Personal Expenses: $4,045
Transportation: $6,973

For Bachelor's degrees, the tuition is $1,300.00 per credit hour or $39,000.00 per year.

Additional costs for students living off campus:

Books & Supplies: $2,376.00
Institutional Fees: $1,200.00
Health Insurance: $2,848.00
Housing & Food: $17,884.00
Loan Fees: $100.00
Personal Expenses: $3,034.00
Transportation: $4,230.00

Additional costs for students living on campus:

Books & Supplies: $2,376.00
Institutional Fees: $1,200.00
Health Insurance: $2,848.00
Housing & Food: $17,668.00
Loan Fees: $100.00
Personal Expenses: $3,034.00
Transportation: $1,458.00

Additional costs for students living with parents:

Books & Supplies: $2,376.00
Institutional Fees: $1,200.00
Health Insurance: $2,848.00
Housing & Food: $4,176.00
Loan Fees: $100.00
Personal Expenses: $3,034.00
Transportation: $4,230.00

Financial Aid and Affordability

NSU recognizes that tuition costs can be a significant factor in a student's decision to attend law school. The university offers a variety of financial aid options to help students reduce the cost of their education. These options include:

Read also: The success of Nova SBE

Academic Scholarships/Program Discounts: These are awarded based on academic merit and other criteria.
Employer Assistance: Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs.
Veterans’ Benefits: NSU participates in programs that provide educational benefits to veterans.
Low-Interest Student Loans: These loans can help cover the cost of tuition and living expenses.
Payment Plans: NSU offers payment plans to help students manage their tuition expenses.

To explore these options, students can contact the financial aid director, Dr. Stacy Pena-Villalobos.

Financial Aid Application

The financial aid application deadline is an important date for prospective students to keep in mind. While the specific deadline may vary, it is crucial to apply early to maximize the chances of receiving financial assistance.

Indebtedness

Understanding the average indebtedness of graduating students can provide insight into the financial implications of attending NSU Law. The average indebtedness of 2024 J.D. graduates who incurred law school debt is an important consideration.

Loan Repayment Assistance Program

NSU Law may offer a loan repayment assistance program (LRAP) for J.D. graduates. This program can help graduates manage their loan repayment obligations, particularly those working in public interest or lower-paying legal jobs.

Visiting Students

For students interested in taking courses at NSU Law as visiting students, the following steps are required:

Complete and sign the Visiting Student Application.
Have your law school send a letter indicating that you are in good academic standing, eligible to return to that law school, and that the law school approves you taking classes at NSU Law.

Admission will be approved if you are in good academic standing and have your home law school’s permission to visit. Registration will take place after NSU Law students have registered for their classes, and your ability to register for classes will depend upon seat availability.

Tuition and fees for fall and winter terms are charged on a flat-fee basis depending upon student status as full-time or part-time. Summer tuition is charged per credit hour. Financial aid is processed and disbursed through your home law school.

Academic Programs and Opportunities

NSU Law offers a variety of programs and courses, including:

Clinical Training
Dispute Resolution
Environmental Law
Health Care Law
Intellectual Property Law
International Law
Business/Corporate Law
Constitutional Law
Contracts/Commercial Law
Criminal Law

Additionally, NSU Law offers joint degree programs such as:

J.D./D.O. (Osteopathic Medicine)
J.D./M.Acc. (Accounting)
J.D./M.B.A. (Business Administration)
J.D./M.S. Computer Information Systems
J.D./M.S. Conflict Analysis & Resolution
J.D./Ph.D. Conflict Analysis & Resol.
J.D/M.S. R.E.D (Real Estate Development

Career Development

NSU Law’s Office of Career Development provides opportunities for internships, fellowships, and careers. The office actively promotes job opportunities for graduates throughout South Florida and the Southeast region. Career advisors offer individualized counseling sessions to discuss job search strategies, hold mock interview sessions, provide résumé feedback, and answer questions during the job search process.

Factors Influencing Admission

Based on the 2025 ABA 509 Report, 1458 candidates submitted JD applications to NSU Shepard Broad College of Law, and 690 received acceptance letters. Of those accepted, 224 chose to enroll.

Alumni Network

The NSU Law Alumni Association connects alumni with the College of Law and with each other throughout their legal careers. Alumni resources include access to job postings and career advisors. The NSU Law Mentoring Program offers current law students and law alumni the chance to network with one another.

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