Education without interest. Lives changed.
College is hard enough without the burden of student loan debt.
College has gotten more expensive.
The average cost of college (public and private combined) in the United States is $25,000 per year. As inflation rises, this cost will only continue to grow.
Income rarely matches cost.
According to JELF's student applicants, 31% of Jewish families have a household income of under $50K. The Jewish community is not immune to debt or hardship.
$38K: Average student loan debt
With student loan debt at an all time high, JELF provides crucial savings in the form of loans that never accrue interest!
Kim s.
"The impact of JELF's assistance extends far beyond the financial relief. It has opened doors to opportunities that seemed out of reach, allowing me to embark on a journey towards my academic and career aspirations."
Harry k.
"JELF has helped make my academic and athletic experience possible. I cannot wait to help give back to my community and the world, and JELF has helped make that possible by helping my family afford college."
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Since 1961 JELF has provided over $26M in interest free loans to 500 Jewish students in our five-state region.
JELF students come from families in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia (excluding metro DC). JELF is committed to supporting qualified applicants from all walks of life. and students reflect a wide range of circumstances, including single-parent households, immigrant families, families facing illness, job-related challenges, and special needs—among many others.
Together, we are making a difference.
$26M Loaned Over Time
500 Students Helped
99% Repayment Rate
Success Story Shaayna S.
Shaayna was accepted to college right as the 2007 financial crisis began. Her parents, both independent business owners, suddenly couldn’t make ends meet and didn’t have enough saved for college. Even with university scholarships, Work-Study, federal loans and a Parent Plus loan, Shaayna was unable to make ends meet. Luckily, she found out about JELF through BBYO.
Today as a Director at an international consulting firm, Shaayna has been able to buy a house for her and her parents. Shaayna is now married and regularly looks for ways to give back. She wants to help other women succeed and has started mentoring younger associates at her firm, in addition to her involvement in JELF. “Thank goodness for JELF,” she said, “It’s such a great program.”
Starting a JELF application is the easiest thing you'll do this academic year!
Start here Let's find out if you qualify
If you can check all the boxes below, you should apply for an interest-free loan through JELF!
Like a Puzzle Next we bring all of the pieces together
Don't worry, it's not a final exam. JELF staff will help you pull together all the stuff you'll need.
Stop Stressing The app is done. The initial docs are in. Your interview is complete!
Congrats! You are on your way to receiving an interest-free loan with JELF.
Depending on how early you applied, there may be some documents we still need to finalize, such as an up-to-date transcript, financial aid letter, and cost of attendance at your chosen school.
But aside from crossing t's and dotting i's, we want you to celebrate! College debt is a huge burden to so many budding young students, and because you took the time to work with us...you'll have less of it!
Jenna Leopold Shulman meet jelf's CEO
"Higher education is both expensive and a necessity. JELF is providing a way for students to pay for it without accruing crippling debt."
JELF Success Stories
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Eli B.
Eli B.
University of GeorgiaB.S. Computer ScienceMy sister and I would not be where we are today without the help of the Jewish community and organizations such as JELF. I plan on donating to JELF when I am successful and financially able so that I can help students like myself who go through similar struggles and financial barriers.
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Shelley S.
Shelley S.
UNC GreensboroB.A., Media StudiesThank you so much for your support during the past four years of my education! To have additional support from this community was extremely impactful during my time in school. The fact that my class had to face a pandemic while trying to complete our education was incredibly difficult. However, with JELF’s help, I did not have to worry about my finances while facing the altered learning situation the pandemic caused. I am happy to announce that I graduated Summa Cum Laude this past May. It would not of happened without JELF’s support. I thank you all so much, from the bottom of my heart. Being apart of the Jewish community is something that I hold very close to my heart. It is wonderful to be able to celebrate with this wonderful community as I continue my journey into my career.
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Andrew S.
Andrew S.
Johns Hopkins UniversityB.S., Neuroscience and General BiologyThank you so much JELF for helping to fund my education!!
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Larisa K.
Larisa K.
Emory, UNC Eshelman School of PharmacyPharmDI am so grateful for seeing a JELF flyer at a coffee shop. This loan wound up helping me feel connected to my Jewish community while supporting me to pursue the education of my dreams.
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Carter M.
Carter M.
University of Florida + University of Miami School of LawB.A., J.D.JELF’s loans are a major help to me in financing law school! Interest-free means less stress about finances and more focus on my schooling. This program is unique and truly appreciated!
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Sophia C.
Sophia C.
Georgia State UniversityDoctorate of Physical TherapyJELF has allowed me to further my education. I have wanted to be a physical therapist since high school and I am grateful to finally be able to achieve my goals with the help of JELF.
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Destiny A.
Destiny A.
University of Florida & University of California IrvineBachelors in Sustainability in the Built Environment & Masters in Urban and Regional PlanningJELF’s support has allowed me to pursue my dreams of making a positive impact on the community in all that I do. Because of the funding I received in both degree programs, I was able to successfully graduate and find a job doing what I love and am able to enact real change in people’s lives. I would not be where I am today without the support of JELF.
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Natalie A.
Natalie A.
Georgia State UniversityInterdisciplinary Studies + Pre-LawJELF has helped me achieve my higher education. As a first generation college student, it’s so important for me to strive higher and create opportunities for myself that my parents didn’t receive. By obtaining my degree, I can continue on to represent immigrants in our justice system and help them get better opportunities.
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Tamir G.
Tamir G.
University of Tampa & University of Central FloridaB.A. Chemistry and Industrial EngineeringAs a student JELF has helped me pay for school and attend a university that I couldn’t without their help. I am truly grateful for their help and the generosity of the donors that contribute to my success!
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Aaron M.
Aaron M.
University of PittsburghDoctor of Dental MedicineWhen I was getting ready to start dental school back in 2015, JELF helped cover some living expenses/tuition which eased a lot of the anxiety I had about starting this new chapter of life in a new city. I graduated from dental school in 2019 and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) in Atlanta the following year. My wife and I (married in March 2020) currently live in Hoschton, GA and I work as an Associate Dentist at an office in Jefferson, GA.
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Sarah B.
Sarah B.
Yeshiva UniversityMarketing B.S.Anything that helped assist me through college has gotten me to where I am today – married, with kids, and in a Director position! School is stressful enough as it is and JELF has helped me with taking a load off my shoulders.
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Danielle B.
Danielle B.
Indiana UniversityBA in MediaThank you to JELF for granting me this loan and helping me attend university at an institution I love and feel has been the best choice for me and my studies. My college years have been some of the greatest of my life and I truly would not have been able to experience any of it without this loan from JELF. It has not only allowed me to attend an amazing university for my major, learning from some of the best people in my field, but also for other majors, where I have had the chance to explore my other interests. I have also met some of the best, hard-working, and caring individuals here who push me to be my absolute best and I fully believe it is because of the type of environment we are in. I am thankful for how prepared I feel for the real world because of my time at IU. Without a loan from JELF I do not believe I would be the person that I am today.
Standing by our jelfies
JELF recipients from over the years, and across the country, came together in a special video to share their thanks to the tune of “Stand By Me.”
From clergy to a mental health rehabilitation counselor and so many others, JELFies continue to inspire us with their passions and their commitment to giving back