JELF Helps Local Students Afford College

In 2025, Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF) loaned $2.3 million in zero percent interest loans to almost 500 students, allowing Jewish students to pursue higher education without the burden of interest-bearing debt. Among those supported, 119 Jewish students from greater Atlanta were awarded $528,508.

JELF is the only Jewish organization in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to offering interest-free loans for higher education. Since 2015 alone, JELF has provided 3,864 loans, totaling nearly $17 million across a five-state region, which includes Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia (excluding metro D.C.). Further, JELF is proud to maintain an exceptional 99 percent student repayment rate for nearly 20 years.

As the 2026-2027 academic year approaches, Jewish students are invited to apply for interest-free loans for college, graduate school, or vocational programs. The application is open through April 30 at jelf.org/app.

Locally, JELF is dedicated to supporting Jewish students in greater Atlanta, ensuring they have the financial support to pursue and complete their educational goals. To be eligible for a JELF loan, applicants must:
• Be a permanent resident of Fla., Ga., S.C., N.C., and Va. (excluding metro D.C.)
• Be enrolled full-time in a degree granting program
• Be in good academic standing
• Be a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status 2
• Provide a cosigner who lives in the U.S.
• Plan to accept the federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans

Unlike traditional financial aid, JELF loans help cover both educational and living expenses including rent, food, books, and travel. By eliminating interest, JELF saves borrowers thousands of dollars and helps ease the growing student debt crisis affecting more than 45 million Americans.

As JELF Board Chair Richard Peretz emphasizes, “Education is the foundation of a strong Jewish future. Every dollar we lend becomes a degree earned, a career launched, a leader shaped.”

Through its sustainable, interest-free loan model, JELF ensures that every dollar repaid is reinvested to support the next generation of students, strengthening a continuous cycle of educational opportunities. At a time when tuition and inflation place increasing pressure on families, the partnership of committed community donors remains critical to helping Jewish students pursue — and achieve — their educational goals.

For more information about JELF or to support its mission, please visit jelf.org or call 770-396- 3080