Financial Aid Office
FAQs
Which direct and indirect educational expenses are included in the annual standardized Cost of Attendance?
Visit the Cost of Attendance page to learn about which direct and indirect educational expenses are included in the annual standardized Cost of Attendance.
What is the net price of attending Jefferson?
The net price of attending Jefferson will vary depending upon your program of study, housing selection, and possibly other factors.
What should I do if my expenses exceed the annual standardized Cost of Attendance?
If your expenses exceed the annual standardized Cost of Attendance, make an appointment with a financial aid advisor.
Can my Cost of Attendance be increased to include the cost of a computer?
Yes, federal regulations allow for a one-time inclusion in a student's Cost of Attendance for the purchase of a computer needed to support your academic program.
Is financial aid available for off-campus living expenses?
Yes, financial aid is available for off-campus living expenses.
How many course credits per academic term do I need to enroll in to be eligible for financial aid?
- Undergraduate students—you must be enrolled in six course credits per academic term to be eligible for most financial aid.
- Graduate students—you must be enrolled at least half time per academic term to be eligible for financial aid. Consult with the Registrar's Office and/or your academic program for the definition of half-time status.
If I drop a course or withdraw from the university, will it affect my financial aid?
We encourage you to contact the Financial Aid Office prior to dropping a course or withdrawing from the University.
I'm attending part-time this semester. Will this affect my financial aid?
Attending part-time could potentially impact the amount of financial aid you receive. Contact your financial aid advisor for more specific information.
When should I start the financial aid application process if I was previously enrolled at Jefferson, but am currently on a leave of absence and plan to return for the upcoming semester?
This will depend upon the semester in which you intend to return and when you last filed a financial aid application. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
What is the IRS DRT?
The Internal Revenue Service Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) allows students and parents to auto-fill their IRS tax return data directly into their FAFSA.
In the Sidney Kimmel Medical College financial aid application process, why is parental income and asset information required even if I meet the federal criteria for independent student status?
There are some financial aid programs that require parental information regardless of dependency status.
I filed my FAFSA online. How do I obtain my Student Aid Report?
You can obtain your Student Aid Report by accessing the FAFSA website.
I filed the paper version of the FAFSA. Who do I contact to verify that my FAFSA was received and also to determine when my Student Aid Report will be sent to me?
Contact the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid Information Center (1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)) or visit the FAFSA website.
What happens if I filed the FAFSA late?
If you file your FAFSA late, your application will be reviewed, but funds may be limited.
What are the advantages to using the tax information from two years prior to the completion of my application? (aka Prior, Prior Year)
The advantage of using the tax information from two years prior to the completion of your application is that you are using actual data rather than estimated data, which will prevent you from going back and updating your information.
Where can I get more information on how to complete my FAFSA?
Visit the Applying for & Receiving Financial Aid page for more information on how to complete your FAFSA or contact the Financial Aid Office.
Can Federal Work-Study funds be credited to the term bill?
No, Federal Work-Study funds cannot be credited to the term bill. Federal Work-Study funds are hourly earnings paid for employment.
How do I apply for Federal Work-Study?
To apply for Federal Work-Study, you must file a FAFSA. If you are awarded Federal Work-Study in your financial aid award and accept the Federal Work-Study award, you will receive further information from the Financial Aid Office regarding next steps.
Once I have accepted my Federal Work-Study award, how do I get placed in a Federal Work-Study position?
- Center City students—once you have accepted your Federal Work-Study award, you will be contacted by the Federal Work-Study Coordinator about next steps.
- East Falls students—once you have accepted your Federal Work-Study award, you must complete the Student Employment Application on BannerWeb. The Financial Aid Office will then place you in a position and notify you approximately one week prior to the beginning of the academic term about your job placement.
General
How do I apply for financial aid?
Visit the Applying for & Receiving Financial Aid page to get information on how to apply for financial aid.
Do I have to be admitted to Jefferson before applying for financial aid?
No, you do not need to be admitted to Jefferson before applying for financial aid. You may still apply for financial aid prior to admission. Your financial aid package will not be calculated until you have been accepted into the University.
What is the Federal School Code for Thomas Jefferson University?
Thomas Jefferson University's Federal School Code is 013549. Please note: Sidney Kimmel Medical College's Federal School Code is 010021.
What financial aid materials must be submitted to complete my application?
Visit the Applying for & Receiving Financial Aid page to learn about what financial aid materials must be submitted to complete your application.
What are the financial aid application deadlines?
- Center City students—priority deadline for incoming students: April 1; priority deadline for returning students: March 15
- East Falls students—April 15 for filing FAFSA; early action students are encouraged to apply by December 1 to receive their financial aid package by December 15.
Why am I sometimes required to submit additional information even after I have completed the published financial aid application requirements?
You are sometimes required to submit additional information due to discrepancies that exist with the FAFSA and/or the university application material, selection for verification by the federal government, or the need for the federal government to confirm additional information.
Do I have to follow the same financial aid application process every academic year?
Yes, you must follow the same financial aid application process every academic year.
What is the expected processing time for notification of eligibility from the date my application is complete?
The expected processing time for notification of eligibility from the date your application is complete is dependent upon numerous variables, such as acceptance to the University, start time of your program, and successful completion of academic progress. Contact the Financial Aid Office for updated information.
Award
I received my financial aid notification, but I don't know what any of it means.
Contact your financial aid advisor for assistance in reviewing your financial aid award and to help you better understand your financing options.
Will I receive the same financial aid for all the years of my academic program?
The University does its very best to maintain consistency in your financial aid award from year to year. However, awards are based on criteria (e.g., financial need, GPA, etc.), which may affect your financial aid award.
I have been accepted into an academic program that transitions from undergraduate to graduate. Will my financial aid change?
Your financial aid will most likely be affected once you transition into the graduate year(s) of your academic program. As a graduate student, the primary source of your financial aid will be loans.
Federal Verification
What is verification? Why was I chosen and how could this affect my financial aid award?
Verification is the federally required process of confirming the accuracy of student and parent reported data on the FAFSA. You may be randomly selected by the U.S. Department of Education to complete the verification process. You will be notified once verification is completed if there is a change to your financial aid award.
Appeal
How can I appeal the amount of my financial aid package?
Contact the Financial Aid Office for specific instructions.
What should I do if my family's financial circumstances have changed?
Contact the Financial Aid Office for specific instructions.
What are considered "Special Circumstances" that could potentially impact my financial aid eligibility and how do I report them?
Some examples of "Special Circumstances" could include extraordinary medical expenses, loss of employment/income, and loss of benefits. Contact the Financial Aid Office for specific instructions.
What should I do if I need to apply for additional funds, either because I realize I did not borrow enough to meet the Cost of Attendance or because my financial situation has changed?
Contact the Financial Aid Office for specific instructions.
Am I required to complete a Federal Exit Interview/Counseling prior to graduating or otherwise leaving the University?
Yes, you are required to complete a Federal Exit Interview/Counseling prior to exiting Jefferson for any reason.
What will I learn from the Federal Exit Interview/Counseling session?
You will learn, at minimum, your rights and responsibilities on the repayment of your federal student loans and a review of all of the repayment options.
I have prior educational loans that need to be deferred. Who processes my deferment forms?
The Registrar's Office processes your deferment forms.
Consolidation
How can I obtain information on federal loan consolidation?
Visit studentaid.gov for information on federal loan consolidation.
General
What is the deadline for the Federal Direct Loan application?
The recommended deadline for the Federal Direct Loan application is no less than six weeks prior to your tuition billing due date to ensure that the funds arrive prior to the payment due date.
I accepted my Federal Direct Loan, but I now want to change the amount. How do I do that?
Contact the Financial Aid Office from your Jefferson email address for more information.
What if I receive a notice that my lender thinks I should begin repayment, but I am still enrolled in school?
Contact your lender and your lender will advise you on what to do.
When my Federal Direct Loan(s) is disbursed, why is the amount different than what is on my financial aid award letter?
The federal government deducts a fee from the amount you are requesting, which is why the amount you receive is less than the amount on you requested.
What do I need to do to receive my Federal Direct Loan?
If you are a first-time borrower, you must complete a Master Promissory Note and the online entrance counseling to receive your Federal Direct Loan.
Who is the "lender" for Federal Direct Loans?
The U.S. Department of Education is the lender for Federal Direct Loans.
What are the interest rates on the federal student loans?
Visit the Federal Loans page for information about interest rates on the federal student loans.
Am I required to pay the interest on my federal unsubsidized loans while I am in school?
No, you are not required to pay the interest on your Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Grad PLUS Loan, or your private education loans while you are in school. However, if you can afford to pay the interest on these loans while you are in school, it will reduce your overall debt at the time of repayment.
Why am I receiving periodic account statements regarding my loans and is there anything I need to do after receiving them?
The only action you need to take when you receive any statements regarding your loans is to look over the statement to verify that all of the information on the statement is correct. If any of the information on the statement is incorrect, then contact your lender/servicer.
Graduate Students
What student loan options are available for graduate students?
Visit the Federal Loans page for information on loan options for graduate students.
If my Federal Grad PLUS Loan application includes an endorser/co-signer, are there any additional requirements that need to be fulfilled?
If your Federal Grad PLUS Loan application includes an endorser/co-signer, the endorser/co-signer must complete a Master Promissory Note, PLUS Credit Counseling, and endorser addendum.
How do I make changes to a Federal Grad PLUS Loan that has already been certified?
Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
I was denied the Federal Grad PLUS Loan. Are there any alternative options?
If you are denied the Federal Grad PLUS Loan, you have the option of reapplying with an endorser or appealing the denial with the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, visit studentaid.gov and/or contact the Financial Aid Office.
PLUS
How does my parent(s) apply for a Federal Parent PLUS Loan?
Your parent(s) may apply for a Federal Parent PLUS Loan at studentaid.gov.
Do I have to apply every year for the Federal PLUS Loan?
Yes, you must apply every year for the Federal PLUS Loan.
Private
How do I apply for a private education loan?
The application process for each private education loan lender may be different. Contact your preferred lender for more information.
What is a Private Education Self Certification Form and why do I need to complete this?
The Private Education Self Certification Form self certifies information about cost of education and financial aid received. You must complete this because it is a federal requirement. Your lender will issue the self certification form to you.
I applied for a private education loan. When will I receive the funds?
The receipt of private education loans vary from lender to lender. Consult with your private education loan lender regarding when your funds will be disbursed.
How do I apply for Thomas Jefferson University endowed and/or gift scholarships?
To apply for Thomas Jefferson University endowed and/or gift scholarships, you must complete the FAFSA. Your eligibility will be determined at the time your financial aid application is reviewed. Please note: Sidney Kimmel Medical College students have additional application material requirements. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
How will I find out if I am receiving a scholarship?
There are many types of scholarships. Each type of scholarship has a different method of notification. If you are eligible and are receiving a scholarship, you will be notified by the Admissions Office, the Financial Aid Office, or directly by the scholarship organization.
If I receive an outside scholarship, where do I send the check and letter?
Outside scholarship checks and letters should be sent to the Financial Aid Office.
Is any part of my scholarship required to be reported on a Federal Income Tax Return?
According to federal tax law: "Scholarship amounts that exceed the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for attendance and coursework are considered taxable income to the recipient." Consult with your tax advisor for information regarding filing a tax return and reporting your scholarships.
Will an outside scholarship affect my financial aid award from Jefferson?
We make every attempt to add the full outside scholarship to your financial aid package without it impacting your financial aid award. However, in some instances, an adjustment in your financial aid package may be required.
When can I expect to receive the tuition bill?
Student tuition bills are emailed to students from the Student Accounts Office approximately 3-4 weeks before the due date. Please note that this is subject to change. For information about billing, visit the Paying for Your Jefferson Education webpage.
How is my financial aid award applied to my student account?
Financial aid is disbursed each semester to coincide with the assessment of tuition and other charges. Most programs are assessed charges for the fall and spring only. Your financial aid award is applied to your student account using an internal, automated system. Please note: the timing of disbursement into your student account depends on specific funds and the time of year.
Why do I receive bills stating that I owe a balance when I have sufficient financial aid to cover my tuition and fees?
You may receive bills stating that you owe a balance even though you have sufficient financial aid to cover your student account balance. This is because some funds are pending due to missing requirements and/or have not yet been received.
The Federal Direct Loan amount on my financial aid award does not match the Federal Direct Loan amount listed on my student account. Why is that?
The federal government deducts a fee from your Federal Direct Loan, which is why the amount listed on your student account is different.
Am I eligible for a financial aid refund and if so, how am I notified?
You may be eligible for a financial aid refund if the combination of financial aid and other payments exceeds your bill in your student account. The Student Accounts Office will notify you of any refunds. If you have any questions, contact the Student Accounts Office.
Why does my financial aid show as "pending" on my bill from Student Accounts?
Your financial aid may show as "pending" on your bill from Student Accounts due to missing requirements and/or the funds have not yet been received.
What do I do if my financial aid is not on my term bill?
Contact the Financial Aid Office if your financial aid is not on your term bill.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions about payments and refunds?
For questions about payments and refunds, contact the Student Accounts Office.
Pell Grant
How do I apply for a Federal Pell Grant?
To apply for a Federal Pell Grant, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must reapply every year for the Federal Pell Grant.
Summer Financial Aid
If financial aid is available for the summer term/session, how do I apply?
Visit the Financial Aid - Summer Term (East Falls Only) page for information on financial aid for the summer term.
Form 1098-T
When will I receive my Form 1098-T?
The 1098-T Form is handled by the Student Accounts Office. Contact the Student Accounts Office for more information.
International Students
Are international students eligible for scholarships?
International students (excluding those in Sidney Kimmel Medical College) may be eligible for academic scholarships. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information. If you are a Sidney Kimmel Medical College student, contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Off-Campus Housing
Does living off campus affect my financial aid award?
Your financial aid award may be impacted by your housing choice. Contact the Financial Aid Office for information about how your financial aid award may be affected.
Resident Assistant
Does being a Resident Assistant affect my financial aid award?
Being a Resident Assistant may affect your financial aid award. Contact the Financial Aid Office for information about how your financial aid award may be affected.
Study Abroad
Is financial aid available for study abroad programs?
Contact the Financial Aid Office and/or the Study Away Office for information on financial aid for study abroad programs.