ABOUT THE COLLEGES OF LAW

For over 50 years, The Colleges of Law has made a first-class legal education more accessible to a diverse range of students, producing engaged, civically minded graduates who make an indelible mark on the legal profession and other law-related fields.

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ABOUT
STAFF
TRUSTEES
ACCREDITATION
HISTORY & MISSION
FAQ
STATE AUTHORIZATIONS
COVID-19 Financial Aid FAQ

50 YEARS, ONE PURPOSE: INNOVATING LEGAL EDUCATION

“The Colleges of Law opened a door for me I never thought possible. Knowing I had professors and administrators that would go to bat for me meant a lot.” – Gabriella Navarro-Busch, J.D. ’93, Immigration attorney

In 1969, The Colleges of Law became innovators by making quality legal education more accessible to anyone who possessed the passion, bravery, and intellectual rigor to pursue a legal degree—regardless of social standing or professional background.

50 years later, times have changed but the mission remains.

Today, our courses are delivered at night (J.D. program) or through a blended format (Hybrid J.D. program), making quality legal education accessible for modern students—those with hectic work schedules, families, and other commitments. Our accommodating professors and staff work hard to provide the support and resources students need to have a successful and rewarding law school experience.

STEP INTO THE PROFESSION THE MINUTE YOU STEP INTO THE CLASSROOM

“When my students are done, they know how to draft a patent application, legally defend a trademark agreement, and navigate the complex U.S. patent and trademark office’s policies and procedures.” – Erica Bristol, Professor and Intellectual property lawyer

Students at The Colleges of Law are taught by professors who are active contributors to the legal profession—practicing judges, lawyers, and elected officials who often come straight from these positions to teach in The Colleges of Law classrooms. With their support and expertise, students develop the practical and theoretical skills necessary to succeed in today’s legal field.

With a degree from The Colleges of Law, our graduates join a network of accomplished, competent, and community-oriented professionals from all walks of life. Many have enjoyed successful careers in the legal profession. Others have applied their degrees from The Colleges of Law to fields like journalism, real estate, health care administration, government and corporate relations, social services, marketing, public relations, and more. One thing they all have in common?

They credit the Colleges of Law with preparing them for professional achievement.

DISCOVER A CLEAR PATHWAY TO YOUR FUTURE—WITHOUT DETOURING INTO DEBT

High tuition rates may actually diminish career paths for law school graduates because there are limited options that will lead to timely payback of debt. At The Colleges of Law, reasonable tuition rates and scholarship opportunities reflect our commitment to providing making legal education accessible through affordable degree programs that can prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities (and less post-graduation stress.)

Learn More About Financing Your Education

WE BELIEVE IN DEMOCRATIZING THE LAW WITHIN AND BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

COL graduates have a direct impact on the community every day. I watch them contribute in ways both big and small. I am proud that COL produces graduates who feel compelled to give back to our local community.” – Craig Smith, Full-time faculty, Former deputy district attorney and juvenile court judge.

We believe that the legal profession should reflect the diversity of the clients and communities it serves. Our student body brings to campus a wide range of skills, ideas, and beliefs. Learning and working together in a collaborative environment that emphasizes discussion and debate as well as hands-on experience and local engagement, you will develop strong relationships with each fellow students and members of the local community.

In addition to a deep intellectual and practical grasp of the law, graduates from The Colleges of Law are instilled with the cultural competence that comes from studying with a cohort from different backgrounds and perspectives. This prepares you to enter the legal profession as an engaged, civically minded guardian of the rule of law, honor-bound to advocate not only for your clients, but for the communities in which you live and work, and for the justice system as a whole.

Diversity Supports Equal Justice for All

The State Bar of California recognizes The Colleges of Law for our efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in our organization and has selected our school to receive the DEI Leadership Silver Seal.

Expanding access and affordability to a broader range of people allows a wider demographic to access legal education more easily, leading to increased representation inside and outside the courtroom.

The State Bar of California's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Silver Seal

STAFF

Our experienced leadership team oversees the day-to-day operations of The Colleges of Law, ensuring that our students’ law school experience is academically and experimentally rewarding.

INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP

MATTHEW NEHMER, PH.D.

President

JACKIE GARDINA, J.D., Ed.D.

Dean, Chief Academic Officer

OPERATIONS

ALEXIS BURDICK, M.A.

Director Business Operations

KRYZTOFR KAINE, M.B.A., J.D.

Sr. Manager, Institutional Advancement

EDWIN MIRANDA

IT Specialist

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR

CHRISTIAN WINNEWISSER

Registrar

OSCAR HERRERA

Assistant Registrar

ADMISSIONS AND ENROLLMENT SERVICES

SHAWN TAYLOR

Associate Vice President

SHANNON STARK

Senior Enrollment Manager

BRIANA FESSLER

Enrollment Counselor

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP AND STAFF

Onsite JD

DESIREE ALDEIS, Ph.D.

Onsite JD Program Manager

JENNIFER MACKIE

Student Services Manager

Ventura Campus

OSCAR HERRERA

Student Services Coordinator

Santa Barbara Campus

Hybrid JD and Online Learning

ANDREA FUNK, J.D.

Associate Dean

BRANDY PRICE, J.D.

Assistant Dean

JIAE MOON, J.D.

Professor

ROSALIE ROBLES

Program Manager

JESSICA KING

Student Services Coordinator

Graduate and Lifelong Learning

JEANNE EICKS, J.D., M.S.

Associate Dean

Student Success and Bar Preparation

APRIL VINCENT, J.D.

Associate Dean

JEN LOUIE

Program Manager of Student Success and Bar Preparation

Learn from well-connected faculty

Meet our Faculty

TRUSTEES

Our Board of Trustees oversees crucial policy decisions in areas including academic affairs, institutional advancement, student services, and business and financial affairs.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

JANA JOHNSTON, J.D.

Chair

Partner at Mullen & Henzell L.L.P.
Santa Barbara

FARFALLA BORAH, J.D.

Vice Chair

Vice President, Board of Directors at Goleta Water District
Goleta

MICHAEL HOROWITZ, PH.D.

Ex Officio

President, The Community Solution Education System
Chicago

MATTHEW NEHMER, PH.D.

Ex Officio

President, Colleges of Law
Santa Barbara and Ventura

MARILYN ANTICOUNI J.D.

Emeritus

Attorney at The Law Offices of Marilyn Anticouni
Santa Barbara

HON. VON DEROIAN

Judge at the Santa Barbara County Superior Court
Santa Barbara

ARTURO HERNANDEZ

Business Owner, Central Coast ADU & Remodel Design
Chief Executive Officer, Central Coast Real Estate

BETTY JEPPESEN, J.D.

Attorney at Law, Private Practice
Santa Barbara

BERNARD LUSKIN, ED.D., LMFT

Chief Executive Officer, LuskinInternational.com
Ventura

MARY JANE MILLER, J.D.

Emeritus

Partner at Miller & Berryhill LLP
Santa Barbara

LAUREN NICHOLSON

Attorney at Nicholson Law, APC
Ventura

CHARLITA L. SHELTON, PH.D.

Chief of Staff to the President at Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University

JULIUS SOKENU

President at Moorpark College
Moorpark

CASEY SUMMAR, J.D.

Partner at The Law Firm for Non-Profits, P.C.
Independent Consultant at Summar Consulting
Adjunct Professor of Law at Vanderbilt University Law School
Santa Barbara

HON. CATHERINE SWYSEN

Judge at the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court
Santa Barbara

LORI TROFEMUK, J.D.

Attorney at The Law Offices of Lori Trofemuk
San Diego

RICHARD A. WINN, ED.D.

President at the Accreditation Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Santa Francisco

ACCREDITATION

As a nonprofit, regionally accredited law school, we have built an outstanding reputation in the legal community, empowering students to seek out rewarding careers in law and related fields.

The Colleges of Law is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Our Juris Doctor (J.D.) program is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California as a single institution with two campuses in Santa Barbara and Ventura. The Colleges of Law’s degree-granting authority, in connection with its J.D. students’ qualifications to take the California Bar Examination and obtain admission to practice law in California, is based upon its accreditation by the Committee of Bar Examiners.

In keeping with its mission to offer legal education that emphasizes both academic excellence and accessibility, The Colleges of Law has not sought accreditation from the American Bar Association. (See below for important information on admission to law practice.)

Students who attend the Colleges of Law are not required by the State Bar to sit for the First Year Law Students’ Examination unless they are J.D. students admitted as “special students.”

California Business and Professions Code Section 6061.7 and The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, requires all schools like The Colleges of Law (COL) to disclose certain information to current and prospective students. COL created this page to fulfill its responsibilities under both laws.

Click here to read COL’s Business and Professions Code Section 6061.7(a) Information Report.

ADMISSION TO PRACTICE LAW

ADMISSION TO PRACTICE LAW IN CALIFORNIA

Juris Doctor graduates of The Colleges of Law are academically qualified to sit for the California Bar Examination. Admission to practice law within California is governed by the Office of Admissions of the State Bar. All J.D. students must register with that office; forms are available at the State Bar website.

In addition to meeting the academic requirements to sit for the California bar, students must also comply with the Rules of the State Bar. Additional information about State Bar requirements can be found in the Colleges’ General Catalog.

ADMISSION TO PRACTICE LAW OUTSIDE CALIFORNIA

Juris Doctor applicants who wish to practice law in states other than California should be aware that as a prerequisite to taking the bar examination, most states require graduation from a law school approved or accredited by the American Bar Association or by the state supreme court or examining committee.

Study at, or graduation from, this law school may not qualify a student to take the bar examination or be admitted to practice in jurisdictions other than California. A student who intends to seek admission to practice outside of California should contact the admitting authority in that jurisdiction for information regarding its education and admission requirements.

CALIFORNIA BAR EXAM

Thanks to our accredited J.D. degree program, our graduates are academically qualified to sit for the California Bar Examination. Over and above that, they have completed a J.D. program specifically designed to develop the skills that the Bar Examination demands: a solid grasp of legal fundamentals, strong predictive and persuasive writing abilities, and excellent time management.

Our innovative Fourth-Year Bar Studies course helps each student create an effective, individualized approach to Bar Exam study. We also offer a customized extended Bar Exam preparation program in conjunction with the premier bar review provider, BARBRI.

California Bar Examination Statistics

OUR HISTORY

In 1969, Ventura attorney Fred J. Olson and a group of colleagues were looking to elevate society at a time of profound social change, founding an institution that would provide affordable legal education to people from all walks of life. The Ventura College of Law—a humble suite of classrooms leased annually from the former St. Catherine’s Academy for $1—opened in time for the 1969–1970 school year, with 36 students enrolled.

Soon after, in September 1974, Santa Barbara attorney Thomas Williams had a similar vision—establishing a law school on the former University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) Riviera campus. With Ventura College of Law successfully operating about 30 miles away, the two institutions merged in 1978.

Today, we have a network of powerful alumni who have made a positive impact on local businesses and nonprofits as well as the community as a whole. With Juris Doctor (J.D.) Hybrid J.D., and Master of Arts in Law programs that combine academic rigor, convenience, affordability, and real-world practicality, we have a reputation in the community for providing students with a strong foundation in legal education.

In 2010, The Colleges of Law joined The Community Solution Education System, a nonprofit higher education community dedicated to creating educational experiences that change the way students learn, educating them to apply their skills to bring about lasting social change.

OUR MISSION

The mission of The Colleges of Law is to provide access to law and law-related professions by emphasizing opportunity, academic excellence, and community engagement.

OUR VISION

To be a pioneer in modernizing legal education.

COLLEGES OF LAW FAQ

Yes, both campuses have been accredited for more than 30 years by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California. We are now accredited by the Bar Examiners as one law school with two campuses. The Colleges of Law is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Men and women of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences attend The Colleges of Law. Our students range in age from their 20s to their 60s, with an average age of about 35. The ratio of men/women students is about 50/50. Our student body reflects widely-diverse undergraduate majors and current employment fields.

JURIS DOCTOR (J.D.) PROGRAM FAQ

The current tuition and fee schedule for the J.D. program can be found here.

Students pay semester-by-semester as they advance through the program. Learn more about the financial aid process.

Yes. Students attending The Colleges of Law are eligible for Title IV financial aid.

No. COL does, however, require the LSAT for candidates seeking admission as a “special student” or admission after a prior law school disqualification.

While most students at The Colleges of Law have a bachelor’s degree, applicants with an A.A. or A.S. degree or at least 60 acceptable academic semester units are also admitted (so long as the applicants have a sufficiently high GPA or LSAT score).

“Special students” with fewer than 60 acceptable academic semester undergraduate units may be admitted if they meet other requirements.

Because this is an academic program, we recommend that they first seek a letter from someone who can speak to their academic abilities – a former professor or academic advisor. If not available – then another legal professional. Or both if possible.

Your personal statement is your opportunity to convey to the Admissions Committee anything that contributes to your suitability, motivation, and skills to pursue a law degree. This might include details about your life experience, employment or volunteer history, maturity, moral character, and ability to communicate.

Students are admitted to begin the program in the fall or spring semester. See our Academic Calendar for current start dates.

Fall and Spring Classes

Santa Barbara Campus
6:30pm–9pm, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday

Ventura Campus
6:30pm–9pm, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdays

Summer Classes
6:30pm–9:30pm, Monday–Thursday & some Saturdays (depending on electives)

Our faculty are attorneys, judges, and elected officials who bring their practical experience to the classroom. Many have taught at The Colleges of Law for as long as 10–30 years; each is an integral part of the legal community our graduates will be joining.

Classes in the first year of the curriculum may have 30–65 members, while advanced courses and seminars usually have 10–45 students. The average class size is approximately 25 students—small enough so that each student receives personal attention and large enough to hear a wide range of viewpoints in discussion.

Yes. J.D. graduates are academically qualified to sit for the California Bar Examination.

While you do not need to pursue a particular undergraduate major to succeed in law school, the ability to write well is important. Some students find it helpful to brush up on English composition skills by taking a college-level course or reviewing self-study texts. Among our recommended titles:

The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White
Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace by Joseph M. Williams
How to Succeed in Law School by Gary Munneke, J.D.

FINANCIAL AID FAQ

Please note that the Financial Aid Office is working diligently to ensure financial aid (FA) continues to be processed as seamlessly as possible. Most importantly, we remain available to help guide and support students with funding their education during these uncertain times.

We have developed a specific FAQ to answer these questions. Please click this link to read more.

Important COVID-19 Financial Aid FAQ

The Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan, Federal Pell Grant, and other state grants are available at the undergraduate level.

For graduate students, the primary source of aid from the federal government is the Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan. A credit-based Grad PLUS loan is also available to graduate students. Depending on your credit history, you may require an endorser to be approved for the loan.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. If you completed a FAFSA last year, complete a renewal FAFSA. You must “e-sign” your FAFSA with your pin. Completion should take about 15–20 minutes.

Go to https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm

You will need:

The Colleges of Law FAFSA school code (042501)
Your Social Security number
Driver’s license
Income tax returns
Bank statements
Any investment records

As you are considered an independent student, your parents’ information is not needed.

The recommended date to complete the FAFSA is March 1 of each year. You should complete/ renew your FAFSA annually; however, it is recommended that you complete your current tax forms prior to filing your FAFSA, so that you can retrieve your tax information directly on the FAFSA website. This option on your FAFSA will be available 7–10 business days after you have submitted your federal tax returns.

It takes approximately 7–10 business days after you complete your FAFSA for the school to receive your information.

Once you have completed your FAFSA and have submitted any additional required documents, an estimated award letter will be sent within 2–5 weeks. (You will need to sign and return the letter). We begin to process awards letters approximately four months before each semester.

Sign and return your estimated award letter.
Complete and e-Sign your master promissory note at studentloans.gov.
Complete the entrance counseling at studentloans.gov.
Submit all missing documents prior to the start of the term.

No, but you need to be at least half time and you may not be eligible for the full amounts.

Full- and half-time J.D. and M.L.S. students are eligible for up to $10,250 per semester.

Yes, if you are at least half time.

There are some courses that are automatically considered half time. Review the Student Handbook for a list of courses.

We do not offer early disbursements of loan money nor do we disburse emergency loans.

Refunds are available starting the first week of each semester. Please monitor your Intuit account for the most up-to-date information.

If all financial aid requirements have been met, summer financial aid refunds will be available within 14 days of the summer aid disbursement being applied to your student account.

After your refund has been posted to your Intuit account, it will take 10–14 business days to receive it.

Yes. Once you are an active student, and you would like to receive your refund via direct deposit into your bank account, then you will need to submit the Direct Deposit Authorization form accessible via the Student Gateway. If we do not have a direct deposit form on file for you, then a paper check will automatically be issued. You may complete a Direct Deposit Authorization form at any time to receive future refunds via direct deposit.

To determine your refund amount, subtract your tuition and fees charges from your scheduled financial aid.

There are a few reasons why your refund might be less than last semester’s:

If this is your first year, you most likely had your $500 tuition deposit credited to your account last semester.
You are registered for more hours this semester than previous terms.
Tuition and fees have increased.
You received less financial aid this semester.

Students will be assessed the appropriate fees associated with his/her add or drop. A student may need to make an additional payment even if he/she have already received a financial aid refund check. An outstanding balance on your account as a result of adding or dropping a course may prevent you from obtaining transcripts or future course registration. View your student account balance and make payments via Intuit.

ACH means your refund will be direct deposited to your bank account.

A “stipend” means a check or ACH has been processed. Please allow 7–10 days to receive this refund.

You can only consolidate your loans if you have graduated and are still within your grace period or you have entered repayment. The last year for in-school consolidation to be accepted was 2006.

The Colleges of Law offer scholarships as part of our institutional aid program to full-time students.

You might also consider a Grad PLUS loan or an alternative loan. We highly recommend first applying for a Grad PLUS Loan, as the benefits are similar to Stafford loan benefits, and you will be able to defer and/or consolidate. (Alternative loan interest is variable, and you will not able to defer or consolidate.)

Both Grad PLUS and alternative loans require certification from the Colleges of Law. We cannot certify aid above a student’s cost of attendance.

A scholarship notification is emailed and mailed on the date the scholarship is awarded.

Please contact the Office of Student Accounts to set up payment arrangements.

This could mean you have an unpaid balance, an admissions contingency, or another issue preventing you from registering for courses and requesting transcripts. Please visit Intuit and review your messages to review which department you should contact to resolve the issue.

An FA hold will not prevent a student from registering or requesting transcripts; however, it does mean that we need to look carefully at your FAFSA information, which may require further documentation from you.

STATE AUTHORIZATIONS

Below is a list of states in which The Colleges of Law is currently enrolling students in its distance education programs. Either The Colleges of Law has been granted state authorization to offer distance education programs to students residing in (located in) that state where required, or The Colleges of Law is not subject to state authorization to offer distance education programs. At the present time, The Colleges of Law is not authorized to provide distance education in any states that are omitted from this list and therefore will not accept enrollment applications from prospective students residing in (located in) those omitted states until authorization is obtained.

NOTE: If a student relocates to a state in which The Colleges of Law is not authorized to provide distance education, continued enrollment and/or receipt of federal student aid funding, including federal loans and Pell Grants, cannot be guaranteed. Relocation to a state in which The Colleges of Law is not authorized to offer distance education may also impact a student’s loan repayment or deferment status and/or other benefits, such as veterans’ education benefits. Students enrolled in distance education programs are encouraged to contact the Registrar’s Office to discuss any change in their legal state of residence prior to relocation to determine the impact of the change.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the American Samoa Board of Higher Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in the American Samoa.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Arizona.

The Colleges of Law is authorized by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating board to offer certain online programs to Arkansas residents.

A student who is a resident of Arkansas and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here.

The Colleges of Law have authority to operate in the State of California by way of an exemption granted by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education pursuant to California Education Code section 94874(g).

An individual may contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education for review of a complaint.

The bureau may be contacted at 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833,
https://www.bppe.ca.gov/enforcement/complaint
Phone (916) 431-6959
Fax (916) 263-189

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Colorado.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Federated States of Micronesia Department of Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Micronesia.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Florida Commission for Independent Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs that do not contain a fieldwork component to students who reside (are located) in Florida with certain exceptions.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to authorization by the Council on Post-Secondary Institution Certification and is therefore in compliance with Guam regulations concerning postsecondary distance education and is able to offer such programs to students who are located in Guam.

As of the date of this disclosure, contact information for the students who are located in Guam and who wish to make a compliant about the institution to the Council on Post-Secondary Institution Certification is not available.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Hawaii Postsecondary Education Authorization Program and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Hawaii.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Idaho State Board of Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Idaho.

The Colleges of Law is authorized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, by way of an exemption as an Institution with Limited Physical Presence in Illinois, to provide distance education programs to Illinois residents pursuant to 23 Illinois Administrative Code Section 1030.10.

A student who is a resident of Illinois and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here.

The Colleges of Law is authorized by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education to enroll and offer online instruction or distance education to Indiana residents delivered from a campus in another state pursuant to Indiana Administrative Code IC 21-18.5-6-12.

A student who is a resident of Indiana and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs that do not contain a fieldwork component to students who reside (are located) in Kentucky with certain exceptions.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Louisiana Board of Regents and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Louisiana.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Maine Department of Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Maine.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the College of Marshall Islands and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in the Marshall Islands.

The Colleges of Law is registered with the Maryland Higher Education Commission to offer certain online programs to Maryland residents.

A student who is a resident of Maryland and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Massachusetts.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Michigan.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Mississippi.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs that do not contain a fieldwork component to students who reside (are located) in Missouri with certain exceptions.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Nebraska.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs that do not contain a fieldwork component to students who reside (are located) in Nevada with certain exceptions.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the New Hampshire Department of Education Division of Higher Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in New Hampshire.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in New Jersey.

The Colleges of Law has been deemed by the New Mexico Higher Education Department to meet the standards for State Authorization under the regulation of distance education pursuant to the Interstate Distance Education Act (Section 21-23B-1 et seq. NMSA 1978).

A student who is a resident of New Mexico and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here: https://hed.state.nm.us/students-parents/student-complaints

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in the Northern Mariana Islands.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Ohio Department of Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Ohio.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Oklahoma.

The Colleges of Law has approval from the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission to offer online courses, certificates, or degree programs to students in Oregon and includes approval to place students at appropriate sites in Oregon under the supervision and assessment of faculty and staff employed by the institution pursuant to Oregon Statute 348.606.

A student who is a resident of Oregon and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Palau Community College and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Palau.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Pennsylvania.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the South Carolina Commission for Higher Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in South Carolina.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the South Dakota Secretary of State – Postsecondary Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in South Dakota.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Tennessee.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Texas.

The Colleges of Law is exempt from the state authorization registration requirements of Utah Code Section 12-34-105 and was granted authorization by the State of Utah Department of Commerce to offer its online programs to Utah residents.

A student who is a resident of Utah and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process of student who is a resident of Utah and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Vermont Agency of Education and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Vermont.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to authorization by The University of the Virgin Islands Board and is therefore able to offer distance education programs to students who are located in the Virgin Islands.

A student who is located in the Virgin Islands and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution to The University of the Virgin Islands Board should contact the Government of the United States Virgin Islands, Department of Education, Office of the Commissioner, located at 1834 Kongens Gade, St. Thomas, V.I. 00802.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the Washington Student Achievement Council and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Washington.

The Colleges of Law is not subject to oversight by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and is therefore able to deliver distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in West Virginia.

COVID-19 FINANCIAL AID FAQ

We appreciate that many students may have questions regarding their specific aid. As such, the FA hotline remains operational during normal business hours with multiple experts available to answer important student questions. Additionally, students can still reach the Financial Aid Office through the general FA email address at [email protected] and can expect to receive a prompt response.

In an effort to be proactive, the Financial Aid Office has created the following FAQs that answer some of the general questions students may have.

Q. My courses have been switched from on campus to online. Am I able to use my financial aid for online courses?

A. FA eligibility does not change for on-campus courses now being taken online. Students should feel comfortable attending all online courses as they would on campus. If students decide not to attend some or all of their courses, they should contact the Financial Aid Office immediately for further information on how FA may be impacted.

Q. I decided to take less than full-time courses during the COVID-19 outbreak. How does attending part-time affect the aid I’m eligible to receive?

A. Pell Grant and Cal Grant eligibility is predicated on a student’s enrollment status. Students attending full time receive 100% of their grant eligibility, three-quarter time receive 75% of eligibility, half time receive 50% and less than half time could receive 25% of grant eligibility.

Scholarships, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and Federal Work Study (FWS) typically require students to be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible. However, some exceptions are being made to allow students to maintain eligibility for these funds due to COVID-19. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for additional details regarding eligibility of these funds.

Student loans require students to be enrolled at least half time to maintain loan eligibility. However, a student’s enrollment status will impact their total Cost of Attendance (COA) and subsequently may impact a graduate student’s Graduate PLUS loan amount (if applicable). Please contact the Financial Aid Office for additional details.

Q. I have extra expenses or have lost income due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Am I able to receive additional FA to assist with personal expenses during the Spring 2020 semester?

A. The Financial Aid Office has statutory authority to use professional judgement to make adjustments on a case-by-case basis to the cost of attendance or to the data elements used in calculating the expected family contribution (EFC) to reflect a student’s special circumstances. The use of professional judgement when students and/or their families have been affected by COVID-19 is permitted, such as in the case where an employer closes for a period of time as a result of COVID-19. In making professional judgement determinations, the Financial Aid Office must obtain documentation that substantiates the reason for any adjustment.

EFC recalculations only provide potential benefit for undergraduate students as the results from recalculations may impact need based aid and, with the exception of Federal Work Study, graduate students do not qualify for need-based aid.
Cost of Attendance adjustments must be based on student expenses related to attending school. Unfortunately, if students incur other expenses related to COVID-19, those expenses may not be used for additional financial aid eligibility.

Q. Some of my classes are now being graded as pass/fail? Does this have an impact on my financial aid and/or Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?

A. A grade of “pass” will count as satisfactory completion for financial aid purposes. A grade of “fail” will have an impact on a student’s current term/semester’s aid eligibility. However, it may negatively impact a student’s rate of progress, which is a factor in determining SAP and may impact future aid eligibility.

Q. I am a Federal Work Study student and I am unable to work because of COVID-19 disruptions. Are any options available to me?

A. Yes, options are available for you. Your supervisor may allow you to work by another means (online, remote, telecommute, etc.). If that is not an option, students who were already working can be paid for scheduled hours at the wage rate that they would have been paid if they were able to work the scheduled hours.

Q. I am currently in repayment on my student loans. Are my loans still accruing interest, and am I still required to make monthly payments during the COVID-19 outbreak?

A. Interest will not accrue on federally held student loans for 60 days, beginning on March 13, 2020, for both current and out-of-school students. The Department of Education may extend that period, depending on the status of the COVID-19 national emergency. Regarding your monthly payments, you should call your loan servicer to discuss all options. For more information, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.

Q. I am scheduled to go on a study abroad trip this summer. Is there any chance that trip goes on as scheduled?

A. Unfortunately, all institutionally sponsored international travel has been canceled through August 30, 2020, due to COVID-19. However, if you are enrolled in a Field Experience course that is required for degree completion, the course itself is not canceled. The travel portion will be converted to a virtual experience. For more information regarding this, please contact your program chair.

Q. I am a current student utilizing my Post-9/11 GI Bill military benefits to attend school. All of my classes have been moved online due to COVID-19. Will this affect my monthly housing allowance?

A. Post-9/11 GI Bill students who pursue resident courses converted to an online modality solely due to COVID-19 will continue to receive the monthly housing allowance rate for resident training.

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