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Generous support for aspiring attorneys

We understand that financing your legal education can be a significant concern. That’s why we’re committed to offering robust scholarship opportunities that make law school affordable and accessible. Our goal is to provide you with the financial support you need to focus on your studies, gain practical experience, and prepare for a successful legal career. Nestled in Topeka, one of the most affordable housing markets in the country, Washburn Law combines a top-tier education with a low cost of living, making it a smart financial choice for aspiring lawyers.

Merit scholarships

A law student smiles while talking with friends.

When you apply to Washburn Law, you’re automatically considered for our merit-based scholarships—no additional application is necessary for most of them. These scholarships are awarded based on your academic achievements and potential contributions to our diverse community. Thanks to the generous donations from our alumni and friends, we can offer substantial financial assistance to our students.

Our merit scholarships come from a general scholarship fund, but we also invite select students to apply for specific awards such as the Koch, Shamberg, and Wooley scholarships. The selection process for these scholarships considers both your academic performance and your ability to contribute to the diversity and richness of our student body.

In the last academic year, a remarkable 96% of our students received some form of grant or scholarship. Here’s how the awards were distributed:
  • 49% received less than half tuition
  • 34% received half tuition
  • 3% received full tuition
  • 11% received more than full tuition
These figures demonstrate our commitment to reducing the financial barriers to obtaining a law degree.

Choosing Washburn Law means investing in your future without overwhelming debt. Our supportive alumni network, dedicated to your success, makes it possible for you to focus on your education and career goals. Join our community and take the first step towards a fulfilling legal career with the peace of mind that comes from financial stability.

Select scholarships

Koch Scholars Program

The Koch Scholars Program at Washburn Law, established through a generous endowment from Koch Industries, Inc., is designed for students who plan to become actively involved in public affairs. Each year, one full-time student from the fall’s entering class is awarded this prestigious scholarship, which covers:
  • Full tuition for the first year of law school
  • Full resident tuition during the second and third years
  • A partial living stipend
Selection Criteria
Applicants who rank in the top 10% of the applicant pool are invited to apply for the Koch Scholar Award. The School of Law’s Financial Aid Committee reviews the applications, selects finalists, and interviews them before making the final selection.

Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Koch Distinguished Scholarship is February 1 for students starting in the fall.
Koch Scholars Program

Shamberg Scholars Program

The Shamberg Scholars Program, funded by Washburn Law alumnus John Shamberg, supports students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential. Each spring and fall, one student from the entering class is selected as a Shamberg Scholar, receiving:
  • Full resident tuition for three years of law school
  • A partial living stipend

Selection Criteria
Applicants in the top 10% of the applicant pool for each semester are considered for the Shamberg Scholar Award.

Application Deadline
The deadlines to apply are October 15 for spring semester starters and February 1 for fall semester starters.

Shamberg Scholars Program

Wooley Distinguished Scholarship

The John B. Wooley and Colleen Lee Wooley Distinguished Scholarship, created through the generosity of alumnus John Wooley, provides financial support to one outstanding student from the fall’s entering class. The scholarship includes:
  • Full resident tuition for three years of law school
  • A book stipend
  • A partial living stipend

Selection Criteria
Applicants who qualify in the top 10% of the applicant pool are invited to apply. The School of Law’s Financial Aid Committee reviews and interviews the finalists before making the selection.

Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Wooley Distinguished Scholarship is February 1 for students starting in the fall.

Wooley Distinguished Scholarship

J.L. Weigand, Jr. Legal Education Trust

The J.L. Weigand, Jr. Legal Education Trust actively promotes legal education excellence and encourages top Kansas residents to practice law in Kansas. Scholarships, varying in amount up to full tuition, fees, books, and room and board, are awarded to students who have been Kansas residents for at least ten years prior to law school admission.

Selection Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, maintaining top 10% standing or satisfactory academic performance as judged by the Trustees. Scholarships are awarded without regard to means, race, religion, or gender.

Application Deadline
The application deadline is February 15 each year. Students must apply through the Weigand website and do not need to be admitted to law school to apply.

J.L. Weigand, Jr. Legal Education Trust

Golden City Scholarship

For students who don't qualify for in-state tuition rates, a $9,000 scholarship is available. These funds, $1500/semester for a maximum of six semesters, help offset the cost of non-residency tuition. However, once a student qualifies for in-state tuition, they will no longer receive this award.
Woman waving Topeka flag in front of capitol building

LL.M. Scholarships

We understand that earning an LL.M. can be expensive. To assist, LL.M. applicants are automatically considered for scholarship awards based on need and the applicant's academic record.

Private scholarships