"Getting a legal education is terribly important. It's a very powerful weapon in helping others. One of the reasons I went to law school was to be an advocate."
- Adelfa Callejo '61
Partner, Callejo and Callejo
Skip Navigation LinksHome > Prospective Students > J.D. Financial Aid > Scholarships

Scholarships

Incoming Student Scholarships

A number of full and partial scholarships are awarded to entering first-year students.  The Financial Aid Committee endeavors to use the available funds to attract students who will enhance the SMU Dedman School of Law with their academic achievement and potential and life experiences.

Applications completed by the regular decision deadline will automatically be considered for academic scholarships. Scholarships for full-time students typically are awarded on the basis of an outstanding undergraduate record and a strong performance on the LSAT.  Scholarships are awarded to evening students on the basis of an outstanding record of academic, career, and/or other achievements.

In addition, because we believe that a broad spectrum of viewpoints enhances our educational environment, we also award academic scholarships to any student whose experiences, accomplishments, or background suggest that his or her perspective will enhance or diversify the learning atmosphere at SMU. To be considered for an academic scholarship that is awarded on the basis of your experiences, accomplishments or background, you must complete Optional Admissions Question 15 on the Application for Admission. If you are awarded an academic scholarship, we will notify you shortly after you have been admitted.

Approximately three students per entering class are awarded the prestigious Hutchison Scholarship. This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and fees. There are also several scholarships awarded by private foundations. A separate scholarship application is required. Information on these scholarships is set forth below.

The Hatton W. Sumners Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and fees and a stipend for living expenses and textbooks. Each year, the Sumners Foundation selects between four and six outstanding students to receive these scholarships. If you are a resident of, or attended college in, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, or Texas, you may apply for a Sumners Scholarship.  If you are interested in applying for a Sumners Scholarship, you must complete the separate scholarship application. Both your scholarship application and your Application for Admission must be completed by February 15.

The Sarah T. Hughes Scholarship, funded and awarded by the Dallas Bar Foundation, covers the full cost of tuition and fees of outstanding minority students each year. If you are interested in applying for the Sarah T. Hughes Scholarship, you must complete the separate scholarship application. Both your scholarship application and your Application for Admission must be postmarked by February 15.

Current Student Scholarships

There are other scholarships available from third parties. As we receive information about these scholarship opportunities, we forward it to students and post a link below. Students can also review the Scholarships Archive to see scholarships that have been available in the past and may be available in the future.