In a groundbreaking move, Santa Clara University School of Law has announced the launch of the PLEDGE Scholarship, a bold initiative designed to significantly ease the financial burden on its incoming law students. Starting in the fall of 2026, each full-time student will receive a guaranteed annual scholarship of $16,000, a measure aimed to complement the recent federal loan caps imposed by the Trump administration.

The introduction of a $50,000 annual cap on federal loans for professional degree students has prompted Santa Clara Law to take decisive action to ensure that financial constraints do not deter prospective students from pursuing a legal education. The PLEDGE Scholarship not only covers a substantial portion of tuition costs but also allows students to manage the remainder of their expenses through federal loans.

Dean Michael Kaufman of Santa Clara Law emphasized the dual purpose of the scholarship, stating, "The PLEDGE Scholarship is more than a financial award. It’s a promise we are making to help relieve next year’s students from the kind of financial pressure that might otherwise preclude them from pursuing rewarding legal careers of great prominence and purpose." Kaufman further highlighted the broader impact of this initiative, "We’re not just educating future lawyers; we’re building a more just and equitable society. This scholarship is a strategic investment in our extraordinary students and the clients and communities they will go on to serve."

The decision by Santa Clara Law to offer the PLEDGE Scholarship represents a significant shift in how law schools are addressing the challenges posed by federal financial aid limitations. By providing guaranteed scholarships, the school is actively working to remove financial barriers that can often discourage talented individuals from entering the legal profession.

As law schools across the nation grapple with the implications of federal loan caps, Santa Clara Law’s proactive approach may serve as a model for other institutions seeking to support their students financially while also promoting access to legal education. This initiative acknowledges the essential role that lawyers play in society and reinforces the school's commitment to fostering the next generation of legal professionals.