FIRST FIVE YEARS:

What to do About Law School Debt?

What’s California Western doing to make law school more affordable?

Dean Schaumann and his staff are looking at a number of ways to help students reduce the amount of loan debt they take on.

More money for scholarships:
The Board of Trustees recently designated $2 million for student scholarships. In addition, our scholarship rate for the 2013 incoming class is up nearly 10 percent over last year. We also made it easier for continuing students to earn back lost scholarships.

We hope to maximize every tuition dollar and avoid large tuition increases by scrutinizing the law school budget:

Cut campus operating costs:
With more than 90 percent of our revenue provided by tuition, staff and program costs are directly tied to the cost of education. We are reducing personnel and operating expenses through retirements and zero-based budgeting.
Diversify revenues:
By expanding our source of revenue to include online and other programs, we hope to reduce our budgetary reliance on J.D. tuition.

Among the most daunting challenges faced by recent law school graduates is the repayment of law school and other student loans. In 2012, the average law school graduate in the U.S. carried more than $100,000 in debt.

So, what’s the recent graduate to do? According to William T. Kahler, California Western’s Director of Financial Aid, graduates have a six-month window in which to take action. Immediately after finishing the Bar Exam, graduates should consider the following:

How much debt do I owe?
The U.S. Department of Education’s secure website lists your complete portfolio of federally financed aid, including loan amounts and servicers.
Learn more: www.nslds.ed.gov

What loans should I consolidate?
Loan consolidation works for some recent graduates, but not all. Direct loans taken after 2006 should not be consolidated. However, if you carry undergraduate debt or Federal Family Education Loans, consolidation may provide benefits.
Learn more: www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov

What repayment plan works best for me?
Income Based Repayment (IBR) and the improved new Pay As You Earn (PAYE) plan provide much-needed relief in the early years of practice and for those who choose public service careers. These two income-based repayment plans are the best bet for most recent graduates. However, if you hold less than the equivalent of one year’s salary in loan debt, a straight repayment plan such as Standard or Extended repayment may be right for you.

If your loan amount exceeds your anticipated first year salary, IBR or PAYE is the way to go. Contact your loan servicer to request an income-based repayment plan. You must document your income each year. Failure to complete the required annual paperwork may temporarily place you into a flat 10-year repayment plan that may exceed your ability to pay.
Learn more: www.studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans

How long will it take me to pay off my debt?
Payment depends on income level and will vary as your income increases. However, there are three basic time frames for repayment under IBR:

Income Based Repayment (IBR)
For borrowers with federal loans obtained before October 1, 2007
25 years (unless paid off earlier)

Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
For borrowers with no federal loans as of October 1, 2007
20 years (unless paid off earlier)

Public Service Loan Forgiveness(PSLF)
For full-time employees of government agencies and 501(c)(3)s with loans in IBR or PAYE
10 years (unless paid off earlier)

If you comply with the documentation requirements and reach the end of the above time periods, the rest of your loan debt will be forgiven. PSLF is tax-free, but IBR and PAYE plans will be taxed at your marginal income tax rate. Contact your financial planner or tax professional to discuss tax and other financial implications, as circumstances vary over time.

Learn more: Use the repayment calculator at www.finaid.org to estimate your personal repayment schedule.

Contact Us
We understand that every graduate’s circumstances are different. Our Financial Aid team welcomes calls, emails, and personal appointments to help address your individual needs.

www.cwsl.edu/finaid
finaid@cwsl.edu
619-525-7060

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