Admissions
Residency, Tuition, Fees & Costs
Residency Status for Tuition Purposes
The rules and regulations for establishing residency for tuition purposes are defined by state statutes. A financially independent adult must have resided in New Mexico for a period of twelve consecutive months immediately prior to the term for which residency is being sought. Residency in this context means legal residence. Legal residence requires intent to remain in the state indefinitely, in the sense of making it one's permanent home, as well as physical residence.
The residency decision is based on the information contained in the application for admission.
All students are classified according to their residency status for tuition purposes. Nonresident students may be eligible for resident tuition rates after the first year if they fulfill the requirements for residency and petition for the resident classification.
Any student wishing to change from non-resident to resident classification must submit a petition to the University Registrar's Office, Student Services Center, Room 261 before the end of the second week of classes for a given semester. For further information, including frequently asked questions, requirements for establishing New Mexico residency, and residency petitions, visit the University Registrar's Office website.
Tuition
Resident tuition for 2007-2008 is $5,281 per semester or $10,561 per year. Nonresident tuition is $12,234 per semester or $24,467 per year.
Costs
2007-2008 Cost of Attendance
Independent Student, Off-campus housing for 9 months
Tuition and Fees (in-state) |
$10,561 |
Room and Board |
$7,858 |
Books and Supplies |
$1,040 |
Duplicating & Computer Fees |
$300 |
Transportation |
$1,554 |
Personal Expenses |
$2,848 |
Total |
$24,161 |
Supplement for out-of-state tuition |
$13,906 |
Most of our students finance their legal education through a combination of federal loans and work study. Eligible students may also receive law school need-based grants. While applicants must be admitted to receive an offer of aid, you should not wait until you are admitted to file your federal loan application.
Fees
Graduate and Professional School Association Fee
Law students are required to pay a $20.00 Graduate and Professional School Association fee per semester.
Computer/Duplicating Fees
All law students are charged an annual $300 fee for duplicating costs and computer services. The fee is payable in two installments—one half is billed the first semester; the remainder is billed the second semester. The UNM Bursar's Office bills students for all duplicating and computer services fees, and payments should be made directly to that office.
Student Bar Association Dues
Officers of the Student Bar Association collect one-time voluntary dues of $90 during the first week of the fall semester. Transfer students pay $60; the fee for visiting students is $30. Payment entitles the student to a locker and participation in SBA-sponsored activities. Withdrawal refunds are prorated to the semester of withdrawal.
Legal Subscriptions
Students are given a good discount on subscriptions to United States Law Week, a national survey of current law published by the Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. Information regarding actual rates and deadlines is distributed early each Fall Semester.
Malpractice Insurance
New Mexico attorneys are not required to carry malpractice insurance. The School of Law Clinic, however, believes it is a fundamental professional responsibility to protect clients from potential harm which may be caused by our negligence. The Clinic negotiates a new malpractice insurance premium each year, buying the most coverage for the most reasonable rate. All students enrolled in Clinical courses are required to pay an equitable share of the cost of malpractice insurance. This fee is approximately $120. Students are informed of the actual rate no later than the first day of Clinic classes and pay their fee to the School of Law no later than the second Friday of the semester in which the student is enrolled.
Student Group Health and Accident Insurance
The group health and accident insurance is available to UNM students carrying six or more semester hours during a regular semester. Participation is at the student's option, except that foreign students are required to have this coverage for themselves and dependents. Please contact the Student Health Center for current rates, application, and payment.
