Financial Aid Process
This information pertains to the financial aid application process for the University of Tennessee College of Law. The process for applying for financial aid varies for each law school. Be sure to check with each law school you are considering for its procedures.
Which Office Do I Need?
The College of Law Office of Admissions and Financial Aid helps College of Law students and applicants work through any part of the application process, including communication with the UTK Financial Aid Office. It also processes the scholarship awards as selected by the Scholarship Committee. A phone call or visit to this office will usually prevent a student from having to go across campus with financial aid questions or problems. You may reach the office by mail at 1505 W. Cumberland Avenue, Suite 161, Knoxville, TN 37996-1801 , by phone at (865) 974-4131 and by fax at (865) 974-1572. For information pertaining to your specific financial aid questions you may call the office and speak with Janet Hatcher, our Admissions and Financial Aid Advisor. She will be able to look at your specific information and provide you with the answers to your questions and concerns.
The UTK Financial Aid Office manages the financial aid process for all students at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Counselors analyze and process the necessary information for the financial aid award package, including loan paperwork. You may reach the office by mail at 115 Student Services Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-1801 -0210, by phone at (865) 974-3131, and by fax at (865) 974-2175.
Definition of Terms
Budget/Cost of Attendance -- The financial
aid budget is the amount of money the University estimates a student
will need to attend law school for an academic year. This figure
includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation,
and miscellaneous expenses. This budget varies based on tuition,
fees and cost of living -- the budget will not be the same for each
law school you are considering.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) -- The Free
Application for Federal Student Aid is a federal form which is required
of all students who wish to be considered for need-based aid (scholarships
and/or loans).
The FAFSA form is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You should complete your FAFSA no earlier than January 1 and no later than March 1. If you completed a FAFSA for the prior year you will probably be able to file a renewal FAFSA. You may either update the renewal application or complete a new FAFSA.
Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) -- This amount is calculated
from the income and asset information you provide on your FAFSA.
It is considered the amount that you as a student (and/or your spouse)
can personally supply toward your education for the academic year.
Need -- When the UTK Financial Aid Office receives your FAFSA
results, it will take your budget and subtract your family contribution.
The remaining amount is considered your “need.”
Award Package/Award Letter -- This is the notification you will receive from the UTK Financial Aid Office which indicates the amount of financial aid you have been awarded. This information is sent via email to your UTK email address after you have been admitted and the awards has been completed. Keep in mind that the loans initially awarded are Perkins, Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized. Many of our students are also eligible to receive Direct GradPlus loans, you may phone Janet Hatcher (865-974-4131) if you want to check your eligibility for additional loan availability.
VOLXpress Statement --This is a statement from the UTK Bursar’s Office that will serve as a billing of your account for the each semester and will be emailed to your UTK email address. Included in this statement will be your class schedule, a summary of your pending financial aid, and any balance you may owe the University. Also, included with the statement will be information on setting your Confirmation of Enrollment which you must do each semester to hold your schedule.
REMINDER: Start the application process as soon as possible after January 1. The earlier you complete these steps, the easier your financial aid processing will be and the sooner you will receive notification of your financial aid status.
Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Pay special attention to the questions on the FAFSA and make sure each question is answered as accurately as possible. This will help eliminate any delay in processing the FAFSA. Since you are applying for admission to the College of Law, you will be considered as a graduate/professional student and should not provide parental information on your FAFSA.
The Title IV code for The University of Tennessee is “003530.”
For priority consideration for Perkins Loans and/or need-based scholarships, the FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1.
NOTE: If you have general questions concerning your financial aid, please contact Janet Hatcher at the College of Law Admissions and Financial Aid by phone at (865) 974-4131, by fax at (865) 974-1572, or by e-mail at hatcher@utk.edu . Due to confidentiality concerns you will need to phone Ms. Hatcher to discuss your specific award.
Admissions and Financial Aid Office
1505 W. Cumberland Avenue, Suite 161
Knoxville, TN 37996-1810
Phone: (865) 974-4131
Fax: (865) 974-1572
Email: lawadmit@utk.edu