Achieve Your Career Dreams
Financial Information
Cal Northern School of Law wants our students to succeed! We keep our students informed and educated on our financial information, scholarships, and more. Located in Chico, CA, we are proud to offer individuals throughout Northern California the opportunity to achieve their career goals. Cal Northern does not have dormitory facilities under its control. Housing is located reasonably near the institution’s facilities. As listed in the Cost of Attendance Budget under the Financial Aid Eligibility tab an estimate of the approximate cost of housing in the area is $1,440/a month. The law school has no responsibility to find or assist a student in finding housing but is more than happy to provide housing referrals. Read more for information about our scholarship opportunities and federal financial aid!
Tuition & Fees
| Tuition – Class of 2028 (per semester unit) | $847.00 * |
All of the following fees are non-refundable after the cancellation period and are subject to change upon reasonable notice.
| Deferred Payment Fee | $25.00 |
| Tuition Late Payment Fee | $20.00 |
| Late Registration Fee | $25.00 |
| Application Fee | $55.00 |
| Library Fee/annual | $250.00 |
| Bar Bri refundable book fee (4th Year/Spring Semester) | $250.00 |
| Transcript Fee | $5.00 |
| Rescheduling Examination Fee | $75.00 |
| Returned Check Fee | $15.00 |
| AdaptiBar online MBE Program (4th Year/Fall Semester) | $525.00 |
| Graduation Fee (4th Year/Spring Semester) | $100.00 |
| Examsoft Fee/annual | $100.00 |
| Materials Fee/annual | $45.00** |
| MLS Administrative Fee (MLS only: 2nd Year/Spring Semester; MLS/JD: 3rd Year/Summer Semester) | $300.00 |
| Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) | $2.50 per $1,000 of tuition |
TOTAL CHARGES FOR THIS PERIOD OF ATTENDANCE: $8,115.00
ESTIMATED TOTAL CHARGES FOR THE ENTIRE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: $64,680.00
* Tuition includes access to Bar Bri (a California Bar Review provider) materials throughout their education, both online and in hard copy.
** Additional material fees may be charged to cover the cost of large amounts of photocopied material assigned by an instructor to supplement or substitute in whole or in part for assigned books. These fees will vary with the cost of reproduction.
Student Tuition Recovery Fund Disclosure
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd., Ste. 225, Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120 day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120 day period before the program was discontinued.
3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law, or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
STRF Fee: Effective April 01, 2024, the STRF is currently zero dollars ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges, rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, from each student in an educational program who is a California resident or is enrolled in a residency program. For institutional charges of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or less, the assessment is zero dollars ($0).
For additional no interest, deferred tuition installment plans,
please contact Marty Gosling at mgosling@calnorthern.edu.
Late Registration
Late registration is not allowed except by special permission. A late registration fee of $25.00 plus $20.00 late payment fee, is assessed by any person who registers after dates set for registration for any Fall, Spring or Summer session.
Delinquent Payments
If a student fails to make payments on time, a late fee of $20.00 will be assessed to the delinquent payment. Students whose accounts are in arrears on November 20th of the Fall Semester, April 20th of the Spring Semester and July 12 of the Summer Session will not be permitted to take examinations. Failure to pay any monies owed the school is sufficient cause to suspend the student and withhold grades, scholastic certificates or degrees. No exceptions will be permitted without prior approval by the Dean.
Financial Aid
We know that funding is an important consideration in completing your law degree. Financial aid, both scholarships and loans, is available to qualifying students seeking help in meeting the cost of their educational endeavors. Our Financial Aid Advisor is on staff to provide detailed information and assistance.
Our Financial Aid Process
To apply for scholarships, please review the instructions for each available scholarship, in the next section below.
Cal Northern School of Law has a six-step process for applying for federal financial aid. Thoroughly review the requirements and information regarding Federal student Loans, below, before beginning your application.
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- Complete the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. The law school’s school code is G42935.
- Once we receive your FAFSA data and you have been offered admission, we will notify you of any documents needed prior to processing your award letter.
- Review and return Estimated Award Letter.
- Complete and e-sign Stafford Master Promissory Note at studentaid.gov.
- Complete Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov
- Receive a completion e-mail from your financial aid advisor. Financial Aid will post to your account after the Add/Drop period of each semester.
Federal Student Loans
Cal Northern School of Law now participates in TITLE IV funding through the U.S. Department of Education. Federal financial aid is limited to Direct Unsubsidized and Direct Graduate PLUS loans.
Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans
Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans are the major form of financial aid for law students. Any regularly eligible student enrolled at least half-time may borrow these loans, for up to $20,500 per academic year. The maximum annual combined loan limit will be the lesser of $20,500, or the cost of attendance minus other financial aid. Origination fees for this loan are 1.057% effective for loans first disbursed through 9/30/23. The interest rate for this loan is a variable fixed rate that is reset each year on June 1st and is capped at 9.5%. Please see below for interest rate details. For further information (including sample repayment options) about Federal Direct Loans, go to studentaid.gov. The Unsubsidized interest begins to accrue immediately upon disbursement. The student has the option of paying the interest quarterly or allowing it to accrue while in school. Repayment begins six months after the borrower graduates or is no longer enrolled at least half-time. Federal law requires both entrance and exit counseling for this loan.
Cal Northern requires new students to complete graduate level loan entrance counseling at studentaid.gov before any federal student loan will be originated for them. Students in their final year of the program must complete online exit counseling at the same website. In addition, graduating students are required to attend an in-person exit counseling session in the spring semester prior to graduation.
Federal Graduate Plus Loans
Graduate students are eligible to borrow under the Federal Direct PLUS Loan program up to their cost of attendance minus other estimated financial assistance. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan must be applied for first. The terms and conditions include that applicants must not have an adverse credit history, repayment begins on the date of the last disbursement of the loan (students still in school may request deferment/forbearance to postpone repayment), 4.228% effective for loans first disbursed through 9/30/23. The interest rate is a variable fixed rate that is reset each year on June 1st and is capped at 10.5%. Please see below for interest rate details. Further information can be found at studentaid.gov. Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans have no loan aggregate. The student has the option of paying the interest monthly or quarterly or allowing it to accrue while in school. Repayment begins six months after graduation or when the borrower falls below a half-time status. Federal law requires both entrance and exit counseling for this loan.
Cal Northern requires new students to complete graduate level loan entrance counseling at studentaid.gov before any federal student loan will be originated for them. Students in their final year of the program must complete online exit counseling at the same website. In addition, graduating students are required to attend an in-person exit counseling session in the spring semester prior to graduation.
There is a credit check required for a grad plus loan which is good for six months. Borrowers who have an adverse credit history must meet additional requirements to qualify.
Interest Rate Details
Each year, the interest rate will be determined by the 10-year Treasury note (T) auctioned at the final auction held prior to June 1, plus a statutorily defined “add-on”. The rate will then be effective for loans disbursed on or after July 1 of that year. The rate formula add-on will be T + 3.60% for graduate unsubsidized loans and T + 4.60% for Graduate PLUS loans. For loans first disbursed on or after 7/1/2022 but before 7/1/2023, 6.543% for Federal Direct Unsubsidized and 7.543% for Grad PLUS loans. The interest rate, once established, will apply for the life of the loan. As a result, it is likely that many borrowers will have a set of fixed-rate loans, each with a different interest rate.
NOTE: Just because you CAN borrow maximum loan amounts does not mean you SHOULD. Please review your budget carefully and only borrow what you absolutely need. Loan totals add up quickly, as does accruing interest. Do not saddle yourself with an unmanageable loan debt that you may not be able to easily repay once you leave school.
Financial Aid Eligibility
To receive aid from the federal programs, you must:
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward the JD or MLS degree. Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree will need to contact the financial aid office to assess their eligibility for federal loans.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. If you have a question about your citizenship status, contact the financial aid office at Cal Northern at 530-891-6900, or email tcampbell@calnorthern.edu.
- Have a valid Social Security Number.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school.
- Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant.
- Certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes.
How will I know what I’m eligible for?
The information you reported on your FAFSA is used to determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is calculated by a formula established by law. The EFC is not the amount of money that your family must provide. Rather, you should think of the EFC as an index that we use to determine how much financial aid you would receive if you were to attend Cal Northern. You can get worksheets that show how the EFC is calculated by downloading them from the federal website.
Unsubsidized Direct Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans
For non-need based aid (i.e. unsubsidized Direct Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans) your eligibility will be the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid. You must first apply for an Unsubsidized Direct Loan which is capped at $20,500 per year. Any remaining non-need based eligibility can then be requested in a Graduate PLUS Loan, up to the total cost of Attendance.
Cost of Attendance – Aid From Other Sources – Unsubsidized Loan Max = Remaining Eligibility for Grad PLUS
Net Price Calculator index_042935
Use our Net Price Calculator to find an estimate of your financial aid before you apply. Keep in mind the more accurate the information you supply the more accurate your estimate will be.
Calculating Your Cost of Attendance:
If you’re attending at least half time, your cost of attendance is the sum of:
- Cal Northern average tuition and fees for a student in your category
- The cost of living expenses
- The cost of books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and miscellaneous expenses
Budgets are adjusted to the length of your academic year (i.e., 12-month is for Fall, Spring and Summer). Whether you live with your parents or on your own is also taken into consideration.
Cost of Attendance Budget 2025-2026
Cal Northern’s Financial Aid Advisor can consider special or unusual circumstances such as unusual medical expenses, or transportation expenses and can adjust your cost of attendance or some of the information used to calculate your EFC. Other costs, such as dependent care or computer purchase may be added on a case-by-case basis, as needed. You’ll have to provide the Financial Aid Advisor with documentation to justify any changes. To request an increase download the form by clicking here.
When will I receive the Financial Aid funds?
No financial aid can be disbursed until all financial aid documents are complete. Federal Direct loan disbursements are made to the school in equal payments at the beginning of each term. The first disbursement will be within seven days from the from the start of each term of the academic year. Check with the financial aid officer for issue dates of overage checks (amounts over what is owed to the school for tuition and fees). NOTE: Book purchases must be made using your own resources. Tuition payments can be delayed until your financial aid has been received.
Important Financial Aid Information
Additional Financial Aid Information
Additional information on the financial aid programs can be found at studentaid.gov including sample loan repayment options and loan entrance counseling information for both Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans and Graduate PLUS loans. If you have any further questions about financial aid policies or the application process contact Tara Campbell at tcampbell@calnorthern.edu or (530) 891-6900 for assistance.
IRS Education Tax Credit Information
For information on IRS education tax credits, please visit their website by clicking here.
What federal student loan borrowers need to know:
- You must use your federal student loan for educational expenses only.
- You have the right to cancel all or a portion of your Federal Direct Loan or loan disbursement, and have the loan proceeds returned to Dept. of Education.
- You must tell your loan holder any time you drop below half-time enrollment or change schools.
- You must tell your loan holder if you change your name, address, phone number, social security number, references or driver’s license number.
- Before you leave school, you need to tell your loan holder your permanent address, the name and address of your expected employer (if known), and the address of your nearest relative.
- You must repay thee full amount of your federal student loan, plus interest, less the amount of any refund, even if you did not finish your program, did not finish your program in the regular time allotted for program completion, you are unable to get a job after you finish, or if you are unhappy with or do not get the education or other services you purchased from the school. If a student receives federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the moneys not paid from federal financial aid funds.
- You are entitled to a deferment or forbearance of your federal student loan payments in certain situations. Contact your loan servicer for the details.
- You may prepay your federal student loan at any time without penalty.
Loan Repayment
You must repay the full amount of your federal student loan, plus interest, less the amount of any refund:
- Even if you did not finish your program, did not finish your program in the regular time allotted for program completion, you are unable to get a job after you finish, or if you are unhappy with or do not get the education or other services you purchased from the school. If a student receives federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of the moneys not paid from federal financial aid funds.
- You are entitled to a deferment or forbearance of your federal student loan payments in certain situations. Contact your loan servicer for the details.
- You may prepay your federal student loan at any time without penalty.
Loan Repayment Calculator
Student loans may seem to be a convenient option for students, but it is important to know how loan fees and interest rates can increase your total amount owed. To better understand how much your education may cost over time, visit the loan repayment calculator here.
If you choose to accept student loans, be careful to borrow only what you need so you do not pay more interest than necessary.
Loan Forgiveness – Careers in Public Service
You may qualify for forgiveness of any remaining balance on your eligible federal student loans thanks to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. Download the informational flyer for more information.
Repayment Plan Options for Direct Loans and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program Loans
The repayment plan options do not include PLUS loans made to parents, Direct Consolidation Loans and FFEL Consolidation Loans, or Federal Perkins Loans. For information about repayment plan options for PLUS loans made to parents, see the brochure Direct Loan Basics for Parents at StudentAid.gov/resources#loan-basics-parents. For information about repayment of consolidation loans, see StudentAid.gov/consolidation.
Veterans Benefits
The Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Benefits are designed to provide eligible persons with an opportunity for educational and career growth. Cal Northern is committed to the Principles of Excellence for Educational Institutions Serving Service Members, Veterans, Spouses, and Other Family Members. Internships, independent study and on-line courses are not approvable for the training of veterans. Effective January 1, 2016, only continuing students were eligible for the training of veterans as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations.
State Bar Fees
Registration as a Law Student
Admission to Practice in California
Information may be obtained from the Committee of Bar Examiners, 180 Howard Street, San Francisco, California 94105-1639, (415) 538-2300, https://www.calbar.ca.gov
Fees of the State Bar of California
| Registration as a Law Student | $150.00 |
| First-Year Law Students’ Examination | $850.00 |
| Application for Determination of Moral Character | $725.00 |
| Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (National Conference of Bar Examiners) | $160.00 |
| California Bar Examination | $850.00 |
*subject to change
I. CNSL Scholarship Program
Scholarships are available each fall semester and will cover a portion of the tuition and fees (excluding the cost of Bar Bri or any other bar review course offered by CNSL). Scholarships are awarded based on scholastic achievement, financial need and/or service to the community. The number of awards varies from year to year, but each year half of the awards will be merit-based and half will be need-based in addition to consideration of merit.
Scholarships are not renewable, but students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.
II. William Lee Short Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Sponsored by the Oroville Rotary Clubs. Applicants must be entering their 4th year of study at Cal Northern. Priority will be given to an applicant who demonstrates an interest in Criminal Law, has prior community service history and is an Oroville resident.
William Short Scholarship Guidelines William Short Scholarship Application
III. Butte County Bar Association Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Applicants must have completed the Fall semester of their 1st year of study at Cal Northern. Scholarship applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Academic achievement
- Commitment to the greater Butte County community
- Service to the community at large
- Overcoming setbacks
The committee may also consider financial need as an additional factor, but this scholarship is open to applicants of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Butte County Bar Association Scholarship Guidelines Butte County Bar Association Scholarship Application
IV. Additional Scholarships
The following scholarships are awarded at the end of the Spring semester to Cal Northern students and are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, financial need and/or service to Cal Northern and the community.
Dean’s Scholarships
This scholarship is given each year to the two students in each class who have achieved the highest cumulative grade point average and the second highest cumulative grade point average for that academic year.
Alumni Association Scholarships
The Cal Northern Alumni Association awards a scholarship annually to a graduating student to help defray the cost of a bar review course. The scholarship is based on an essay explaining how the graduate intends to use their law degree to contribute to the Law School and the community at large.
Cal Northern Foundation Scholarships
Given to two first, second and third year students in each class. These scholarships were created to provide tuition assistance to Cal Northern students based on financial need. Applicants must be in good standing. Funding is provided directly from donations to Cal Northern’s scholarship account.
Student Bar Association Recognition Awards
Most Improved Award
At the end of the Spring semester the SBA awards this scholarship to the one student in each class who shows the most improvement in their semester grade point average from the Fall semester to the Spring semester.
Most Dedicated Award
Established by the Cal Northern Student Bar Association, this award is given by the SBA to the one student in each class whose classmates feel is most dedicated and representative of Cal Northern through school and/or community service.
CNSL Award for Academic Excellence (formerly known as Witkin Award for Academic Excellence)
In recognition of academic achievement, each term certificates are awarded to the highest ranking student in each qualifying course. To qualify, the student must be enrolled full time and the course must carry academic credit.