First-Year Scholarships
California Western is committed to providing a robust scholarship program to help students offset the cost of attendance. All admitted first-year students are considered for eligible scholarships.
Scholarships
Most scholarships do not require an additional application. There are a handful of scholarships for which a separate application is required, so we encourage all admitted first-year students to thoroughly read the details of each scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on a number of criteria including, but not limited to, academic merit, cultural background, life experience, and skill level.
Justice Anthony Kennedy Scholarship Program
This is the most selective of the first-year scholarships. Only applicants with an exceptional academic record receive the Kennedy Scholarship.
- Full tuition scholarship for the first year of law school.
- Renewable for the student's second and third years of law school (and fourth year for part-time students) upon the maintenance of a cumulative grade point average (“GPA”) of 2.85 or greater (effective starting with the Fall 2026 entering class), up to 90 units.
- No application required.
- Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring semesters unless otherwise indicated on the scholarship letter.
- Scholarships are subject to the specific terms and conditions contained in the student's scholarship letter.
The Trustees' Scholarship
The Trustees' Scholarship is awarded to entering first-year applicants with an excellent academic record and strong potential for success in the law program.
- $58,000 tuition scholarship for the first year of law school for full-time students entering during the 2026–2027 academic year. The scholarship will be divided evenly between the student's first two semesters ($29,000 per semester).
- $63,000 tuition scholarship for the first year of law school for part-time students entering during the 2026–2027 academic year. The scholarship will be divided evenly between the student's first three semesters ($21,000 per semester).
- Renewable for the student's second and third years of law school (and fourth year for part-time students) upon the maintenance of a cumulative grade point average (“GPA”) of 2.85 or greater (effective starting with the Fall 2026 entering class), up to 90 units.
- No application required.
- Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring terms unless otherwise indicated on the scholarship letter.
- Scholarships are subject to the specific terms and conditions contained in the student's scholarship letter.
Dean’s Honor Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to entering students. Past academic achievement and academic potential are factors in the selection criteria.
- $50,000 tuition scholarship for the first year of law school for full-time students entering during the 2026–2027 academic year. The scholarship will be divided evenly between the student's first two semesters ($25,000 per semester).
- $57,000 tuition scholarship for the first year of law school for part-time students entering during the 2026–2027 academic year. The scholarship will be divided evenly between the student's first three semesters ($19,000 per semester).
- Renewable for the student's second and third years of law school (and fourth year for part-time students) upon the maintenance of a cumulative grade point average (“GPA”) of 2.85 or greater (effective starting with the Fall 2026 entering class), up to 90 units.
- No application required.
- Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring terms unless otherwise indicated on the scholarship letter.
- Scholarships are subject to the specific terms and conditions contained in the student's scholarship letter.
California Western Admissions Scholarship
California Western Admissions Scholarships are awarded to new students with outstanding academic records.
- Partial tuition scholarship for the first year of law school (individual scholarship amounts can vary depending on the strength of the the student's application and academic record).
- Renewable for the student's second and third years of law school (and fourth year for part-time students) upon the maintenance of a cumulative grade point average (“GPA”) of 2.85 or greater (effective starting with the Fall 2026 entering class), up to 90 units.
- No application required.
- Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring terms unless otherwise indicated on the scholarship letter.
- Scholarships are subject to the specific terms and conditions contained in the student's scholarship letter.
Steven R. Smith Scholarship (Application Required)
The Steven R. Smith Scholarship is awarded to one student in the entering fall class every year. The scholarship is traditionally awarded to an applicant who shows a commitment to serving their community along with past and future academic and professional potential. This award is given in honor of former President and Dean of California Western Steven R. Smith for his service to the law school and legal community.
- Partial scholarship award.
- Application required.
- Application deadline is April 1, 2026.
- Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring terms.
Han P. and Meredith J. Ching Endowed Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is awarded to entering students who were born in the state of Hawaii and have resided there for a minimum of 10 years. Preference is given to students who have overcome difficult challenges or circumstances in their pursuit of a law degree.
- Partial award scholarship.
- Additional preference given to candidates who apply for admission by the priority deadline.
- Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring terms.
Walid Taleb Memorial Scholarship
Friends and family established the Walid Taleb Memorial Scholarship to honor the memory of alumnus Walid Taleb '87, who lived in the Ivory Coast, West Africa. Incoming and current students from Africa or Lebanon, who plan to return there and work with the criminal justice system following graduation, are eligible to apply.
- Award amount each year will be determined by California Western.
- Financial need is not a factor in the selection criteria.
- Application required. Posting will be updated to include application when available.
- Scholarship only applies to coursework taken at CWSL during fall and spring terms.
Financial Aid Office
The Financial Aid Office is here to help you navigate the financial aid process. If you require assistance or have questions about first-year scholarships, please contact our office.