Overview

Students today often rely on more than one resource for paying for college. We encourage you to explore the resources in this section to learn more the various options that may be available to you to finance your education.

Federal Pell Grant (undergraduate students only) — The Federal Pell Grant program provides funds to help undergraduates pay for their college education. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back. At the time of publication, the maximum award for the 2017-2018 academic year (July1, 2017-June 30, 2018) has been set at $5,920. The amount students receive will depend on the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, their enrollment status, length of enrollment, and the related educational budget.

Federal SEOG Grant (undergraduate students only) — A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is an award for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Priority funding for Federal SEOG goes to Pell-eligible students with the lowest EFC and those meeting the published financial aid deadline. Please note, availability of SEOG funding is extremely limited. The level of annual SEOG funding is based on the Department of Education’s award to the institution. Annual awards to students are contingent upon funding

Pennsylvania State Grant (undergraduate Pennsylvania residents only) — Pennsylvania State Grants provide money to help undergraduates enrolled at least half-time (six credits) pay for education after high school. Students must be Pennsylvania residents and demonstrate financial need as determined by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). The state notifies students of eligibility for the grant. The amount of state grant varies depending on the type of College the student attends. The maximum award for the 2017-2018 academic year (July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018) is $4,123. (Please note that this amount is subject to change.)

Thomas Jefferson University Scholarship/Grant Funds (PDF) — Institutional grants provide needy students with gift aid that will help them pay for college expenses. Grants are made available to students who demonstrate financial need with priority given to students who meet the priority deadline. A separate application for these programs is not required except in a few circumstances. If a separate application is required, applications will be sent to all qualified students. The amount of grant awarded is determined by the amount of funds available in each program and financial need of the student. Certain other restrictions may apply if previously stipulated by the scholarship donor.

Sidney Kimmel Medical College Scholarships (PDF) — A limited number of scholarships and loans are available to students attending Sidney Kimmel Medical College. The scholarships and loans are awarded on the basis of need. A FAFSA form must be completed including parental financial Awarding of all institutional scholarships and loans is based on demonstrated financial need, adherence to program specifications, and availability of funding.

Federal Work Study Program — The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need. The program gives students a chance to earn a part of their educational expenses through an on-campus job. In addition to providing part-time employment to meet educational expenses, the FWS program may provide expanded educational opportunities for students. The amount of a Federal Work Study award depends on financial need and the University’s annual FWS allocation, which is determined by the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program — A Federal Direct Stafford Loan is a low-interest loan borrowed from the federal government by the student to help pay for education after high school. The federal government is the lender of the Direct Loan. To learn more about Direct Stafford Loans and to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN), please go to http://studentloans.gov.

Federal Parent PLUS Loan (for dependent undergraduate students/parents only) — Federal Direct PLUS Loans are for parents of dependent undergraduate students to provide additional funds for educational expenses. Parents may borrow up to the cost of education minus financial aid. The Federal PLUS program enables eligible parents of dependent undergraduate students to borrow up to the cost of education minus financial aid. The interest rate for Federal PLUS loans varies from year to year. Federal PLUS borrowers must begin repaying interest within 60 days, unless the lender agrees to allow it to accrue while the principal is deferred.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loan (for Graduate students only) — The Graduate PLUS Loan is a federal student loan that is borrowed through the government by a graduate student.  The Grad PLUS is a credit-based loan with less strict requirements as compared to most private/alternative loans. Students may apply for a maximum annual loan amount of their cost of education less all other financial aid awarded for the academic year.  Interest rate varies from year to year.  To apply, go to http://studentloans.gov.

Private Alternative Loan Programs — If a student does not qualify for financial assistance or has exhausted all other financial aid options and has remaining unmet need in the budget, there are private education funding sources available through many well known banks.  However, these loans are normally higher cost options that require the borrower to be credit-worthy and require a credit-worthy co-signer or repayment while the student is enrolled. Check these programs carefully, and be sure you have thoroughly researched all other options before applying for these loans.  Click through for more information regarding Additional Loan Options and the private loan application process. 

Federal Perkins Loan Program — The Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest (5 percent) loan made through the Office of Financial Aid to undergraduate students and graduate students who demonstrate financial need. Interest is subsidized by the government during in-College, grace and approved deferment periods. The maximum Federal Perkins Loan students may receive is $5,500 for each year of undergraduate study and $8,000 for each year of graduate study. However, the actual loan amount students receive is contingent upon students’ financial need and the availability of funds from the University. (Note: due to the federal phase out of this program, Perkins Loans are available only to prior TJU Perkins borrowers.)

Federal Primary Care Loan Program (medical students only) — The Primary Care Loan (PCL) provides low-interest (i.e., 5%) funding to medical students demonstrating financial need.  In addition to demonstrating financial need, PCL recipients must agree to work in Primary Care until the loan is repaid.

Federal Loans for Disadvantaged Students (medical students only) — The LDS program, provides loan funds to students who meet the financial need and “disadvantaged” criteria as defined by Health and Human Services.  The interest rate of 5% is subsidized until repayment begins.  Eligibility for LDS funds is reviewed on an annual basis and is contingent upon the applicant’s unmet need, the number of eligible applicants, and availability of funding. Funding for this program is limited.

Federal Nursing Loan Program (nursing students only) — The Federal Nursing Student Loan program is a low interest loan (five percent) for full and half-time nursing students.  The maximum amount students may borrow is $4,000 per academic year.  The amount of Nursing Loan students can receive depends on students’ financial need and the amount of available funds the College has to award.

Thomas Jefferson University Loan Programs — Jefferson offers low interest university loans to those who qualify.  All loans offer no interest accrual while in-College and for a 12 month grace period.   Most loans will revert to a fixed 5% at repayment.   Repayment begins one year from the last date of enrollment.  Repayment to Jefferson is a maximum of 10 years. 

For more specific information, click on either, Jefferson Colleges or Sidney Kimmel Medical College to download the appropriate PDF.

The chart below is designed to assist students with calculating the estimated interest charged while in repayment, estimated payment, and estimated total loan repayment amount.

Per the Truth in Lending Act of 2010, all students borrowing private loans (including university loans) must complete a Self-Certification Form every year in which a university loan is borrowed. To access this form, click here (PDF).