China Program

Thomas Jefferson School of Law

TJSL Alumni Association

TJSL Library

TJSL Student Bar Association

Student Cost of Attendance

• 2023/2024 Student Cost of Attendance (JD Candidates)
• 2023/2024 Student Cost of Attendance (JD Online Candidates)
• 2023/2024 Student Cost of Attendance (JSD Online Candidates)
• 2023/2024 Student Cost of Attendance (LLM Residential)

General Forms

• Download the 2023/2024 Stafford Loan Request Form 
• Download the Cost of Attendance Increase Form
• Download the Bar Costs Budget Increase Request
• Download the Visiting Student (Consortium) Agreement Form
• Download the Family Size Verification Form

Federal Work Study Student Forms

• 2023 Federal Work Study Payroll Calendar
• 2023/24 FWS Student Complete Packet
• 2023/24 FWS Student Renewal Packet
• Federal Work Study Timesheet

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.

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.

For Rent

If you're looking for an apartment, these online publications offer detailed information on various properties, including photos.

Apartment List

San Diego Apartments

Apartments for Rent

Apartment Guide

San Diego Craigslist

San Diego Rental Finder

Vantaggio Suites - Partially Furnished

San Diego Neighborhoods

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.

Sandiego.org

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.

Thomas Jefferson School of Law is committed to the health and well-being of all of our students. Options are provided for both residential students studying on campus as well as options for all students enrolled in the Law School.

Health Insurance

All residential students are required to maintain health insurance throughout their studies. To assist our residential students to meet the health insurance requirement, Academic HealthPlans (AHP) has been selected to administer a comprehensive student health insurance plan underwritten by Aetna.  The Law School’s health insurance plan offers access regardless of pre-existing conditions. Students can also add dental insurance and vision insurance once their health insurance is active. (There is no dependent option.)

Residential students are automatically enrolled in the health insurance plan each Academic year. (Online students are exempt.) Students who have comparable health insurance coverage can waive out of this plan. If a student wishes to opt-out of the school-offered coverage, they should review the email sent to all students prior to the start of each Academic year. 

For more information about benefits, costs, opt-out process and more please review the page at  https://tjsl.myahpcare.com/

Online Counseling & Health Care Options

In addition to the above health insurance, Thomas Jefferson School of Law has expanded services to provide all students with additional opportunities to see a medical professional or a counselor. Through our partnership with AcademicLiveCare (ALC), students now have access to an extensive online program featuring 24/7 on-demand counseling, urgent medical care, therapy, and psychiatry. Whether you want to make a quick visit between classes, after dinner, or while traveling home on vacation, all students can obtain on-demand virtual visits with a mental health professional on their smartphone, tablet, or computer.

AcademicLiveCare is provided to ALL Thomas Jefferson School of Law Students, not only those enrolled in the student health insurance plan. For more information about the resources available under this plan, please visit https://tjsl.myahpcare.com/telehealth.

 

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Vaccination Policy

Thomas Jefferson School of Law is committed to protecting the health and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. Therefore, it is highly recommended that all students obtain the following vaccinations and preventative screenings prior to starting classes:

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (DTap or DTP)
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
• Meningococcal
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella
• Screening for Tuberculosis
• Influenza
• Covid-19

 

These immunizations and screening are available at no cost for students enrolled in the Law School’s health insurance plan.

 

 

Thomas Jefferson School of Law is accredited by the State of California’s Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE).  The Law School welcomes transfer applications from students at law schools accredited by the CBE,the American Bar Association (ABA), and from accredited foreign law schools. Students offered admission to Thomas Jefferson will be enrolled in the CBE program. The Law School does not accept transfer applications from students at unaccredited law schools.  All transfer applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and current LSAT score.  Passing the First-Year Law Students’ Examinationis not required to apply as a transfer student.   

Students seeking to transfer from law schools accredited by the CBE or ABA must submit:

• To LSAC:
  • A “Transfer Application,” which includes the following:
    • Personal Statement
    • Resume  
  • CAS Report, which includes the following:
    • Law School transcripts
    • College transcripts, showing bachelor’s degree granted
    • LSAT score
    • Writing sample
    • One current letter of recommendation  
• To Thomas Jefferson School of Law:
  • A letter of good standing from your current law school
  • Course syllabi for each course you are seeking to transfer units 

In accordance with the California Business and Professions Code and the regulations of the State Bar of California, transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the Law School. However, the Law School generally accepts credit for courses completed within 36-calendar months of the anticipated date of enrollment and only for courses in which the applicant received a grade at the “good standing” level or higher from the originating law school.  The number of units of credit allowed for any course completed at a prior law school cannot exceed the number of units the Law School awards for the same or similar course and corresponding classroom hours. The Law School may not award credit for prior externships or clinics.  Transfer credit is limited to a maximum of 40 units, which is half the credit required for graduation. The determination regarding unit transfer is made by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs after reviewing the syllabi for the courses for which the applicant is seeking transfer units. 

The Law School does not have a transfer or articulation agreement with any other college or university. 

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