How does JELF provide loans with 0% interest?
JELF’s mission is to provide interest-free loans to Jewish students. We achieve this through three main funding sources:
- Repayments from Borrowers: JELF’s strong 99% repayment rate ensures that funds are recycled effectively to support new applicants.
- Donations: Individuals and families generously contribute to help sustain our mission and enable us to offer loans without interest.
- Investment Earnings: Principal and earnings from JELF’s investment fund, established from the sale of the Atlanta Hebrew Orphans’ Home in the 1970s, also support our loan program.
These combined resources allow us to offer 0% interest loans, directly benefiting students and helping them achieve their educational goals.
From application to aid
Contact information for Local JELF Administrators will be provided by JELF after application submission.
If you are from JELF's five-state region but don't see your community, JELF will schedule your interview directly.
Our loans, which never accrue interest, help borrowers save instead of creating more debt while earning their higher education degree.