Overview

Federal Pell Grant (undergraduate students only) — provides funds to help undergraduate students 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 2019-2020 academic year (July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020) has been set at $6,195. 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 Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) (undergraduate students only) — for students with exceptional financial need. Priority funding for Federal SEOG goes to Pell-eligible students with the lowest Effective Family Contribution and those meeting the published financial aid deadline. Availability of Federal SEOG funds is extremely limited. The level of annual Federal SEOG funding is based on the U.S. Department of Education’s award to Thomas Jefferson University.

Pennsylvania State Grant (undergraduate Pennsylvania residents only) — provides funds to assist undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time (six credits). Students must be Pennsylvania residents and demonstrate financial need as determined by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). PHEAA notifies students of eligibility for the grant. The maximum award for the 2019-2020 academic year (July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020) is $4,122. Please note that this amount is subject to change.

Thomas Jefferson University Scholarships & Grants — provides students who demonstrate financial need with assistance that will help meet college expenses. Priority is given to students who meet the deadline. If a separate application is required, it will be sent those students who are qualified.

Sidney Kimmel Medical College Scholarships — a limited number of scholarships are available to students attending Sidney Kimmel Medical College. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. A FAFSA form must be completed including parental financial information.

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 the FWS award depends in part on the financial need of the student and the University’s annual FWS allocation, which is determined by the U.S. Department of Education.

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

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

Federal Graduate PLUS Loan (graduate students only) — a federal student loan that is borrowed by a graduate student. The Grad PLUS is a credit-based loan. Graduate students may apply annually for a loan not to exceed the total cost of attendance minus financial aid and within the maximum annual borrowing limit. The interest rate for this loan varies from year to year. To apply, go to http://studentloans.gov.

Federal Primary Care Loan (PCL) (medical students only) — a 5% interest loan for medical students who demonstrate financial need. In addition to demonstrating financial need, PCL recipients must agree to work in Primary Care until the loan is repaid in full. Please consult with your financial aid counselors for more details.

Federal Loans for Disadvantaged Students (LDS) (medical students only) — a 5% interest loan for students who demonstrate financial need and meet the “disadvantaged” criteria as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 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) — a 5% interest loan for nursing students who demonstrate financial need. The amount that students can receive is dependent upon the Thomas Jefferson University's allocations.

Private Education Loans — non-federal, non-institutional, non-need based, credit-based loans. All students should apply for all federal and state financial aid programs before considering private education loans. Private education loans are supplemental to all other financial aid programs. It is extremely important to research individual private education loans very thoroughly. The terms and conditions such as interest rates, fees, and repayment provisions, may vary from lender to lender.

Thomas Jefferson University Loans — 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. 

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.