Bad Credit and Law School

Bad credit can affect your ability to pay for law school.

The effect of bad credit on your law school career depends on a number of factors. Finances are perhaps the most significant issue, but bad credit can also affect your ability to be admitted to the bar in your state.

Paying For School

While many federal student loan programs do not require a credit check, most private loan programs do. If a law student needs loans to pay for his education, he may be limited in the options available to him.

Living Logistics

Law students need a place to live and may even want to get a job while in law school. Many landlords run credit checks on potential tenants, making it difficult for a student with bad credit to get a decent place to live. Employers also often run credit checks, which could result in the student not being able to gain employment or even a good internship.

Admission to the Bar

Some states, such as California, include a review of an applicant's character as part of the bar application process. Information about bankruptcies or other financial problems may be requested, along with an explanation. This information could be used to deny a law student's application to be admitted to the bar.

References

• University of Pennsylvania Law School: JD Admissions FAQ
• University of Colorado at Boulder: 7 Steps to Financial Aid
• Nolo: How to Select and Screen Tenants FAQ
• The State Bar of California: Moral Character