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Pepperdine | Caruso School of Law

Financial Aid Timeline and Resources

Here you will find suggested dates for when to complete the important financial aid items: 

January: Focus on reviewing your credit report, cleaning up your credit, and making a plan to pay down any debts before starting law school.

February 1st: Complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA using the Pepperdine University School Code: 001264

March 1st: Review 2026-2027 Cost of Attendance and your financial aid package on WaveNet to determine if you need to apply for any additional loans. 

June 20th: Consider your loan options and accept your financial aid offers on WaveNet. Apply for private student loans. 

July 20th: Complete all WaveNet To-Do list items

Tips for student loan borrowers: 

  • Exhaust federal loans first. Federal loans are usually easier to obtain, have lower interest rates and repayment protections which make them often a better option for borrowers. Eligible students can borrow up to $50,000 per academic year in federal loans.
  • Review your private loan options early on, and how much you will actually need to borrow for the fall and spring semester 
  • Review Your Credit Report: Get a free copy of your credit report from all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Check it for errors and dispute any inaccurate information.
  • Build/Maintain Strong Credit: A high credit score (typically mid-700s or higher is preferred for the best rates) is key to securing a low interest rate on private loans.
    • Pay all bills on time. Payment history is the biggest factor in your score.
    • Keep credit card balances low (ideally below 30% of your limit)
    • Do not open new lines of credit (like new credit cards) in the months leading up to applying for loans.
  • Reduce Existing Debt: Pay off or significantly reduce any high-interest debt, like credit card balances or car loans. A lower debt-to-income ratio makes you a more attractive borrower
  • Consider a Co-signer: If your credit history is short or your score is not high, having a creditworthy co-signer (like a parent or other relative) can significantly increase your chance of approval and help you secure a lower interest rate.