There are a number of reasons that people decide to go to law school. Some want to help people navigate family court situations. Others wish to specialize in injury law. Some people focus on criminal law, business law, or environmental law. Regardless of where you wish to focus your energy after you graduate from law school, the first hurdle you'll need to pass is how to pay for your education. These ideas may help you along the way.

1. Consider Your Current Loan Options

Chances are you probably already took out some sort of student loan when you were in your undergraduate program. Do you have the option to complete a student loan refinance? Refinancing your loans can put more money in your pocket now, allowing you to pay for law school more easily. You might also consider taking out additional loans for going to law school. You get PLUS loans, which do not have limits, or direct unsubsidized loans, which give you up to $20,500 per year, through the government. If you have good credit and would prefer, you can also consider private student loans, although they can be riskier.

2. Apply For Scholarships

Scholarships are an excellent way to help you pay for law school because you won't need to pay them back after you graduate. Most of the time, law school scholarships come from the schools themselves, although there may be other options if you search for them. Private scholarships from law firms or community organizations may also be available. People who earn high scores on their LSATs or GREs and those who have excellent resumes are more likely to be considered for and awarded scholarships. For an even higher chance, apply to schools where your scores are higher than the average. 

3. Get a Job

For many people, the only way they can pay for law school is to work part- or full-time while they're attending school. If you're not keen on taking out more loans and don't qualify for any scholarships, then getting a job is probably the best idea. If you can find work in a law firm, it will do double duty by helping you pay for law school as well as looking good on your resume. Whether you work part-time or full-time, keep in mind that you may need to take longer to finish law school. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, though, as you'll be building more experience along the way.

4. Do Gig Work on the Side

If you don't want to work a traditional job but still need to bring in money, consider doing gig work between classes. If you have a car on campus, you can drive for ridesharing services. Maybe you prefer to deliver takeout to the other students on campus, or perhaps you're an excellent grocery shopper and want to do it for other people. There are even tutoring services, cleaning services, and other errand-running apps that all rely on gig workers. Gig work means you're an independent contractor, so you'll be able to work as much or as little as you'd like while you're taking classes.

5. Use Military Financial Aid

If you've spent time in the military, you may eligible for one or more of its financial aid programs. If you've already finished your service, look for schools that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. They'll provide some of the funding for your education, and the Department of Veterans Affairs will match their contributions. If you're still on active duty, apply for the Funded Legal Education Program. FLEP participants agree to work as military attorneys for a specific number of years in exchange for tuition and boarding expenses. 

Law school costs an average of $40,000-$50,000 per year, depending on whether you choose a public or private school. The best time to start planning how to pay for your education is now. Use these tips to help you determine what the right course of action is for you.