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Federal law requires that all federal loan borrowers receive loan entrance counseling before your loans can be disbursed. Entering students and continuing students who are first-time borrowers must complete the mandatory entrance counseling session at www.studentloans.gov. The online session will contain information on the student borrower's rights and responsibilities. Electronic confirmation will be sent to the school by the Department of Education.  

Access Web Counseling

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application must be completed if you intend to apply for a Federal Stafford Loan, Federal Plus Loan, or Federal Work-Study. Thomas Jefferson School of Law must be listed as one of the schools to receive the information from the federal processor. The government will send the information electronically to the Law School's Financial Aid Office. They will also send a Student Aid Report (SAR) to the student. You may check on the status of your FAFSA by calling 1-800-4-FEDAID and selection option #1. 

The FAFSA is valid for one award year, which begins with the fall semester (header) and ends with the summer term (trailer). Thomas Jefferson School of Law’s FAFSA school code is 013780.

Apply to FAFSA Online

Federal Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study Program provides students the opportunity to work part-time while attending law school. To qualify for a Federal Work-Study position, you must demonstrate financial need and have Federal Work-Study as a part of your financial aid offer. This need-based program is designed to provide jobs to help students with educational expenses. In addition to the regular eligibility requirements, the program requires that participants be in good academic standing. The pay rate for on campus Federal Work Study is $16.30 per hour.

To apply for Federal Work-Study complete the on-line student forms or come in to the Financial Aid Office for more information.  

Federal Stafford Loans

Federal Stafford Loans are low interest loans available to eligible students, in the JD program, to assist them with costs related to their education. These loans are made by the federal government and are known as “Direct Stafford Loans”. The annual maximum Stafford loan for law students is $20,500. The current interest rate for this loan is fixed at 5.28%. Repayment begins six months after the borrower graduates, leaves school or drops to less than half-time enrollment. Since the entire Stafford loan is unsubsidized, interest accrual begins once the loan is disbursed.

To apply for a Federal Stafford loan, complete the Stafford loan request form or come in to the Financial Aid Office for more information.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loans

All eligible JD students may borrow a Graduate PLUS Loan in addition to the Stafford loan to help pay for living expenses. A credit check is required and performed by the federal government. You must be enrolled at least half-time, be a US Citizen, US National, or Permanent Resident, and pass the government’s credit check to be approved for the loan. The interest rate is fixed at 6.28% and the loan is deferred while enrolled in law school. Your income and credit score will not affect your eligibility. The maximum amount is calculated to be the total cost of attendance minus any other financial aid. To apply for the Grad Plus loan, go to www.studentloans.gov.

There are many types of financial aid available from Thomas Jefferson School of Law that can assist you in covering the costs of your legal education.

The major sources of funding that may be available to you include: scholarships, federal loans, work-study, outside scholarships, and private education loans.

If you anticipate needing financial aid, you should seek counseling from the office as early as possible. You don’t need to wait until you have been accepted to law school to apply for any financial aid programs. An applicant who delays completing financial aid forms risks missing deadlines and jeopardizing his or her eligibility for assistance.

The sections listed on the side navigation provide a general overview of the types of financial aid offered. Please be advised that this information is subject to change at any time without notice.

Applicants can help ensure their financial aid applications are given maximum consideration by carefully reading the following instructions and submitting all materials to the Financial Assistance Office or the appropriate agency as early as possible.

Step 1
Complete a FAFSA online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov (school code is 013780).

Step 2
Students who want to receive Federal Stafford loans should complete a Stafford loan request form. Completed forms may be faxed, scanned/emailed or mailed to the Financial Aid Office.

• JD Degree 2021/2022 Stafford Loan Request Form

Applying for a Graduate PLUS loan requires students to go online to begin the loan process. The website is www.StudentLoans.gov. This loan is credit-based and the federal government will determine your eligibility.

Step 3
New borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling to receive federal loans. This is done online at www.StudentLoans.gov. There are 2 separate MPN’s (Stafford and Grad PLUS). Both will need to be completed if requesting both loans.

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Mission Statement: The mission of the law school is to provide an outstanding legal education for a nationally-based, diverse student body in a collegial and supportive environment with attention to newly emerging areas of law, particularly those related to technological development, globalization and the quest for social justice.

Thomas Jefferson School of Law's Board of Trustees is a group of highly distinguished professionals from many fields of endeavor, including the law, education, finance, business, government and law enforcement. Their collective experience and insight help guide Thomas Jefferson as we move forward on our journey to become one of the most innovative law schools in the world.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Diversity is the lifeblood of our law school. It isn’t an option; it’s an on-going commitment that comes from our core values.

Thomas Jefferson School of Law is committed to helping diversify the profession through its admission practices and in the creation of an environment for faculty, staff and students that is inclusive and supportive of a diverse community.

More about Diversity

San Diego's population continues to grow because of the city's desirable location and economic opportunities. What does this mean to you as an apartment or house hunter? It means you will need to spend a little time finding the right living accommodations for you. Now is the time to start gathering references from your current landlord, especially if you have a pet, and to begin thinking about the type of housing you desire and how much you want to spend.

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If you are new to San Diego and need some insight on the different neighborhoods we have to offer, here are a few resources for you to consider.

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About.com

Thomas Jefferson School of Law has developed a team approach to assisting students through their law school careers. Student Affairs works together with other Thomas Jefferson School of Law staff and departments to provide services and programming to enhance the law school experience. Team members are available to work with students in a variety of ways and some members may have a special emphasis in particular advising areas.

Ben Chamberlain, Director of Student Affairs & Title IX Coordinator: Health and wellness, visiting students, general advice, scheduling, academic accommodations, student organizations and study abroad.

Professor Taylor Israel, Director of Academic Success and Bar Preparation: Learning strategies for development of important study, research and self-assessment skills.

Professor Judybeth Tropp, Director of Clinical Externship & Pro Bono Programs: Externship planning, pro bono and public interest opportunities.

Each member of the team is available for appointments throughout the day, as well as later in the evening for part-time students.

To schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact a team member individually.

The team is here to work with you, listen to your comments and concerns, and help make your law school experience all that you want it to be. Each member of the team is available to assist you.