Law Student Living Expenses

Financial aid is available not only for tuition and fees, but also for indirect costs. Rent, utilities, food, transportation, and personal expenses fall into this category, and together they are commonly referred to as “living expenses.” Surveys of our student body show a wide spending range for living expenses and we set our Cost of Attendance with this in mind. Currently the maximum allowances for living expenses total to $25,470, but it is important to recognize that your actual expenses may be significantly less than that.

When you accept your financial aid we want you to borrow the amount that is right for you. Loan requests can always be less than the maximum amount offered. If you find yourself needing additional funds later in the year, you can contact the Office of Financial Aid and request any portion of your remaining loan eligibility. Individual Cost of Attendance increases can also be considered for personal health insurance premiums, the one-time purchase of a computer, and dependent care costs for small children.

Sample 9-Month Budgets for Living Expenses

Below are a few sample budgets based on information collected from our students. These samples are intended to give you a general idea of what to expect so you can plan your finances during law school. Keep in mind that living expenses vary depending on each student’s own personal needs and circumstances. We encourage you to think of creative ways to reduce your expenses while enrolled to help minimize your loan repayment obligations after graduation.

Single Student Living on a Frugal Budget (9 months)

Rent ($650/month)

 $5,850.00

Utilities, Renters Insurance & Food

 $3,330.00

*Transportation (incl. mileage, insurance, & parking permit)

 $2,043.00

Miscellaneous Personal Expenses

 $2,835.00

Total Living Expenses

 $14,058.00

 

Single Student Living on a Modest Budget (9 months)

Rent ($1,200/month)

 $10,800.00

Utilities, Renters Insurance and Food

 $5,040.00

*Transportation (incl. mileage, insurance, & parking permit)

 $2,043.00

Miscellaneous Personal Expenses

 $4,950.00

Total Living Expenses

 $22,833.00

 

Married Student With a Family Living on a Mid-Range Budget (9 months)

Rent ($1,600/month)

 $14,400.00

Utilities and Food

 $7,650.00

*Transportation (incl. mileage, insurance, & parking permit)

 $2,043.00

Miscellaneous Personal Expenses

 $4,950.00

Total Living Expenses

$29,043.00

*In these sample budgets the Transportation estimates assume students live within 3 miles of campus. Students may reduce their transportation costs by purchasing a discounted monthly pass for the TriMet system and using public transit to travel to school. Lewis & Clark provides a 75% subsidy for this unlimited ride pass. Please note that students who purchase a subsidized TriMet pass may not also purchase a semester parking permit.