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Pritzker School of Law

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of expenses while enrolled at Northwestern and is used to determine your aid eligibility and consist of direct and indirect cost. Direct costs are billed directly by the University and include tuition, fees, and health insurance.

Indirect costs use averages based on the cost of living in Chicago and include housing, food, transportation and other personal expenses. Indirect costs are not included in your bill but should be take into account while determining the full cost of your program at Northwestern.

Note: You may find additional or unexpected living  and other indirect expenses associated with clinical education. These expenses may include facility health requirements, criminal background checks, fingerprinting, transportation, meals, housing, and professional clinical attire. When these expenses exceed the allowances included in the estimated cost of attendance below, you may appeal for additional loan funding to assist with those expenses.

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JDJD-MBALLM, LLM IHRLLM-TaxMaster of science in Law

JD

First year and transfer JD students

JD First Year Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Tuition $41,522 $41,522 $83,044
Health Services Fee $447 $447 $894
Health Insurance* $6,276 - $6,276
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,471 $11,471 $22,941
Books $910 $910 $1,820
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Transportation $776 $776 $1,551
Loan Fees** $265 $265 $530
Total Costs $63,084 $56,808 $119,892

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on federal loans.
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Second year JD students

JD Second Year Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Tuition $41,522 $41,522 $83,044
Health Services Fee $447 $447 $894
Health Insurance* $5,996 - $5,996
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,471 $11,471 $22,941
Books $910 $910 $1,820
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Transportation $776 $776 $1,551
Loan Fees** $1,202 $1,202 $2,404
Total Costs $63,741 $57,745 $121,486

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on federal loans.

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Third year JD students

JD Third Year Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Tuition $41,522 $41,522 $83,044
Health Services Fee $447 $447 $894
Health Insurance* $5,996 - $5,996
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,471 $11,471 $22,941
Books $910 $910 $1,820
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Transportation $776 $776 $1,551
Loan Fees** $1,202 $1,202 $2,404
Bar Exam Registration*** - $1,870 $1,870
Total Costs $63,741 $59,615 $123,356

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on federal loans.
*** Students can apply for Bar Exam Registration supplement during Spring semester. 

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JD-MBA

First year JD-MBA students (12 month budget)

JD-MBA First Year Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Summer 2027 Total
Tuition $58,791 $58,791 - $117,582
Health Services Fee $447 $447 - $894
Health Insurance* $6,276 - - $6,276
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Summer 2027 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,471 $11,471 $7,647 $30,588
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $945 $3,781
Books $910 $910 $910 $2,730
Transportation $776 $776 $517 $2,068
Loan Fees** $265 $265 $428 $958
Total Costs $80,353 $74,077 $10,447 $164,877

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on federal loans. 

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Second year JD-MBA students (10 month budget)

JD-MBA Second Year Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Tuition $58,791 $58,791 $117,582
Health Services Fee $447 $447 $894
Health Insurance* $5,996 - $5,996
Indirect/Variable Costs
These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.
Category  Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $10,196 $15,294 $25,490
Personal $1,260 $1,891 $3,151
Books $910 $910 $1,820
Transportation $689 $1,034 $1,723
Loan Fees** $1,823 $1,823 $5,996
Total Costs $80,113 $80,190 $160,302

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on federal loans.
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Third year JD-MBA students (9 month budget)

JD-MBA Third Year Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Tuition $58,791 $58,791 $117,582
Health Services Fee $447 $447 $894
Health Insurance* $5,996 - $5,996
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,471 $11,471 $22,941
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Books $910 $910 $1,820
Transportation $776 $776 41,551
Loan Fees** $1,823 $1,823 $3,646
Bar Exam Registration*** - $1,870 $1,870
Total Costs $81,631 $77,505 $159,136

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on federal loans.
*** Students can apply for Bar Exam Registration supplement during Spring semester. 
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LLM, LLM IHR

LLM Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs
These costs will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan
Category Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Tuition $43,442 $43,442 $86,884
Health Services Fee $447 $447 $894
Health Insurance* $6,276 - $6,276
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,471 $11,471 $22,941
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Books $910 $910 $1,820
Transportation $776 $776 $1,551
Loan Fees** $265 $265 $530
Total Costs $65,004 $58,728 $123,732

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on federal loans.
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LLM-Taxation

LLM-Tax Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Tuition $41,522 $41,522 $83,044
Health Services Fee $447 $447 $894
Health Insurance* $6,276 - $6,276
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,471 $11,471 $22,941
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Books $910 $910 $1,820
Transportation $776 $776 $1,551
Loan Fees** $265 $265 $530
Total Costs $63,084 $56,808 $119,892

*Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on federal loans.

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Master of Science in Law

Full-time residential MSL students

Full Time MSL Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Tuition $34,190 $34,190 $68,380
Health Services Fee $447 $447 $894
Health Insurance* $6,276 - $6,276
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,471 $11,471 $22,941
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Books $910 $910 $1,820
Transportation $776 $776 $1,551
Loan Fees** $265 $265 $530
Total Costs $55,752 $49,476 $105,228

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on federal loans.
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Online MSL students

Online MSL Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs will appear on your invoice. 

Category Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Tuition* $14,652 $14,652 $29,304
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2026 Spring 2027 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,471 $11,471 $22,941
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Books $910 $910 $1,820
Transportation $776 $776 $1,551
Loan Fees** $265 $265 $530
Total Costs $29,938 $29,938 $59,876

* $2,442/unit, assumed 6 credits in the Fall and Spring semesters
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on federal loans.

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Jump to:

JDJD-MBALLM, LLM IHRLLM-TaxMaster of science in Law

JD

First year and transfer JD students

JD First Year Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs are set by the University and will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Tuition $39,886 $39,886 $79,772
Health Services Fee $431 $430 $861
Health Insurance* $6,195 - $6,195
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed on your invoice but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,030 $11,030 $22,060
Books $888 $888 $1,776
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Transportation $774 $774 $1,548
Loan Fees** $1,202 $1,202 $2,404
Total Costs $61,824 $55,628 $117,452

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on the Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans. 
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Second year JD students

JD Second Year Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs are set by the University and will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Tuition $39,886 $39,886 $79,772
Health Services Fee $431 $430 $861
Health Insurance* $5,919 - $5,919
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed on your invoice but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,030 $11,030 $22,060
Books $888 $888 $1,776
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Transportation $774 $774 $1,548
Loan Fees** $1,202 $1,202 $2,404
Total Costs $61,548 $55,628 $117,176

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans. 

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Third year JD students

JD Third Year Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs are set by the University and will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Tuition $39,886 $39,886 $79,772
Health Services Fee $431 $430 $861
Health Insurance* $5,919 - $5,919
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed on your invoice but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,030 $11,030 $22,060
Books $888 $888 $1,776
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Transportation $774 $774 $1,548
Loan Fees** $1,202 $1,202 $2,404
Bar Exam Registration*** - $1,870 $1,870
Total Costs $61,548 $57,498 $119,046

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans. 
*** Students can apply for Bar Exam Registration supplement during Spring semester. 

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JD-MBA

First year JD-MBA students (12 month budget)

JD-MBA First Year Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs are set by the University and will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Summer 2026 Total
Tuition $56,475 $56,475 - $112,950
Health Services Fee $431 $430 - $861
Health Insurance* $6,195 - - $6,195
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed on your invoice but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Summer 2026 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,030 $11,030 $7,353 $29,413
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $945 $3,781
Books $888 $888 $888 $2,664
Transportation $774 $774 $516 $2,064
Loan Fees** $1,823 $1,823 $428 $4,074
Total Costs $79,034 $72,838 $10,130 $162,002

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on the Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans. 

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Second year JD-MBA students (10 month budget)

JD-MBA Second Year Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs are set by the University and will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Tuition $56,475 $56,475 $112,950
Health Services Fee $431 $430 $861
Health Insurance* $5,919 - $5,919
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed on your invoice but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $9,804 $14,706 $24,510
Personal $1,260 $1,890 $3,150
Books $888 $888 $1,776
Transportation $688 $1,032 $1,720
Loan Fees** $1,823 $1,823 $3,646
Total Costs $77,288 $77,244 $154,532

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on the Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans. 
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Third year JD-MBA students (9 month budget)

JD-MBA Third Year Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs are set by the University and will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Tuition $56,475 $56,475 $112,950
Health Services Fee $431 $430 $861
Health Insurance* $5,919 - $5,919
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed on your invoice but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,030 $11,030 $22,060
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Books $888 $888 $1,776
Transportation $774 $774 $1,548
Loan Fees** $1,823 $1,823 $3,646
Bar Exam Registration*** - $1,870 $1,870
Total Costs $78,758 $74,708 $153,466

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on the Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans. 
*** Students can apply for Bar Exam Registration supplement during Spring semester. 
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LLM, LLM IHR

LLM Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs are set by the University and will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Tuition $41,731 $41,731 $83,462
Health Services Fee $431 $430 $861
Health Insurance* $6,195 - $6,195
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed on your invoice but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,030 $11,030 $22,060
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Books $888 $888 $1,776
Transportation $774 $774 $1,548
Loan Fees** $1,262 $1,262 $2,524
Total Costs $63,729 $57,533 $121,262

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on the Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans. 
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LLM-Taxation

LLM-Tax Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs are set by the University and will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Tuition $39,886 $39,886 $79,772
Health Services Fee $431 $430 $861
Health Insurance* $6,195 - $6,195
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed on your invoice but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,030 $11,030 $22,060
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Books $888 $888 $1,776
Transportation $774 $774 $1,548
Loan Fees** $1,262 $1,262 $2,524
Total Costs $61,884 $55,688 $117,572

*Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on the Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans. 

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Master of Science in Law

Full-time residential MSL students

Full Time MSL Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs are set by the University and will appear on your invoice. (Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan

Category Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Tuition $32,843 $32,843 $65,686
Health Services Fee $431 $430 $861
Health Insurance* $6,195 - $6,195
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed on your invoice but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,030 $11,030 $22,060
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Books $888 $888 $1,776
Transportation $774 $774 $1,548
Loan Fees** $625 $625 $1,250
Total Costs $54,204 $48,008 $102,212

* Health Insurance will not be charged if you waive out of the Northwestern Health Insurance Plan.
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on the Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans. 
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Online MSL students

Online MSL Cost of Attendance
Direct Costs

These costs are set by the University and will appear on your invoice. 

Category Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Tuition* $14,076 $14,076 $28,152
Indirect/Variable Costs

These estimated costs are based on averages for each of the categories as determined by surveying students in your program. These estimated expenses are not billed on your invoice but can be used to help you budget your living expenses for the year.

Category  Fall 2025 Spring 2026 Total
Housing & Food (Rent, Utilities, Food, etc) $11,030 $11,030 $22,060
Personal $1,418 $1,418 $2,836
Books $888 $888 $1,776
Transportation $774 $774 $1,548
Loan Fees** $625 $625 $1,250
Total Costs $28,811 $28,811 $57,622

* $2,346/unit, assumed 6 credits in the Fall and Spring semesters
** Loan fees are included to offset fees charged by the Department of Education on the Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans. 

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