Support for Scholarships Key to Keeping King Hall Accessible for All

The UC Davis School of Law has always been committed to offering a public legal education that is second to none and accessible to students of all socioeconomic backgrounds.  As fees have risen and state funding becomes more and more uncertain, the King Hall community has responded by providing the private support needed to support scholarships that reward scholarship, promote diversity, and help to keep King Hall accessible.

In 2007-08, the Law School offered more than 20 scholarships that were supported primarily by private funds.  Private support has been critical in offering both need-based aid to those who might otherwise be unable to attend and merit awards to recognize outstanding scholarship and service to King Hall. 50 percent of the King Hall Annual Fund goes to support students, with a substantial portion of that sum paid out in scholarships and awards.

Yet still more needs to be done.  Student fees, which stood at $310.50 per year when the Law School opened 40 years ago, are more than $28,000 annually today, threatening access for many students. 

"I worry that people are going to see that price tag and say, ‘I can't afford to go to law school,'" said Dean Kevin R. Johnson.  "I think it's particularly worrisome for students from working families to have to say, ‘I can't afford to be a lawyer; I can't afford to pursue a dream; I can't afford to get a degree that will help me help myself and my community.'  So we need to take affirmative steps to keep that from happening."

The Law School has taken many steps ensure access, from innovative outreach programs such as the King Hall Outreach Program (KHOP) to six need-based scholarships, and the King Hall community continues to rise to the challenge and support these efforts.  More information on scholarships and how you can support them is available here.