UIC Law Takes Steps to Provide Assistance to Students Amid Nationwide Financial Aid Changes
financial aid at UIC Law
In the wake of new federal financial aid policies affiliated with the new Reconciliation Bill, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA), UIC School of Law is taking steps to make sure its students continue to have support amid these significant changes. From strengthening financial literacy programming, to re-evaluating scholarship models and expanding alumni partnerships, the school remains committed to making legal education both excellent and accessible.
“At UIC Law, we are acutely aware of the financial challenges students are facing nationwide, and we are committed to meeting this moment with action and support,” said law school Dean Nicky Boothe. “As Chicago’s only public law school, financial accessibility is central to our mission. Alumni and community members are partnering with us to support the ongoing internal efforts to increase scholarship support and ease the financial burden on our students.
Staff in the UIC Law Office of Financial Aid are a crucial part of this effort, offering both financial literacy programming and one-on-one guidance for students who have an uncertain outlook on federal aid and have raised questions about borrowing and repayment.
Kerry Davis, director of financial aid, explained that UIC Law is responding with a focus on financial education and individualized support.
“We host ongoing financial literacy events with AccessLex to help students develop budgeting strategies, establish solid credit, plan for bar study, and repay loans,” Davis said. “Our fall workshops directly address how recent changes at the federal level will impact borrowing, loan repayment, and loan forgiveness programs.”
Davis also noted that many students are worried about their ability to borrow loans in future academic years and about changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. She urges students who are overwhelmed to leverage all the resources that the financial aid office has available, including internal and external scholarship opportunities [hyperlink] and access to financial literacy counseling.
“Our office provides individualized loan and exit counseling, and through our partnership with AccessLex, students can meet with an Accredited Financial Planner to discuss savings, credit basics, investments, and more,” Davis stated.
Aside from institutional resources, UIC Law is also leaning on the strength of its alumni network and donor community to expand financial aid opportunities.
“The law school is fortunate to have a strong community of alumni and friends who are deeply committed to supporting our students,” said Chrissy Brown, executive director of development. “Through their generosity, we have established numerous philanthropic scholarships that provide direct financial assistance and help reduce the barriers of pursuing a legal education.”
One example of generosity in action is the Norman M. Chernick Scholarship that was established by alumnus Norman Chernick, (JD ’51). After receiving a heartfelt note from a student recipient, Chernick’s son, Rick, was inspired to expand the family’s support so the scholarship could assist multiple students each year.
“Rick’s generosity reflects a deep belief that every gift, no matter the size, carries the power to change a student’s path and future,” Brown said.
Brown added that alumni’s interest in creating and expanding scholarships is growing as awareness of new financial aid challenges increases. “As the financial aid landscape continues to evolve, we expect these development efforts to expand further, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring that students have access to the resources they need to succeed.”
Together, members of UIC Law’s leadership team, financial aid professionals, and alumni community are working to ensure that students are not only knowledgeable of today’s financial aid challenges but also have the resources to thrive in their pursuit of legal education. While reaffirming its commitment to reducing barriers, UIC Law is opening doors and empowering the next generation of lawyers.
“Our message to prospective and current students is clear: You belong here, and we are committed to providing support to ensure that your legal education is not only excellent, but attainable,” Dean Boothe concluded.
Those interested in establishing a scholarship fund or learning more about ways to support our students are encouraged to contact the Office of Advancement.