3 minute read
How expensive is it to attend college now?
By Josh Schaier, JELF CDO
What do you think it costs to go to college these days? Okay, that’s a loaded question. Either you already know the answer (maybe you have children or grandchildren who are in college right now) or you realize that there are several factors that create a major disparity in cost, like where you go to school, which can be a complicated matter.
If affordability is the top priority, then the student staying closer to home seems like the most obvious choice. But, unless you’re also planning on living at home, there’s a strong possibility that going to school further away could outweigh the benefits of living close by. Many students dream of going to a particular college and set their goals way ahead of time to ensure they are well positioned to be accepted. It can, therefore, be very difficult to tell a student who has chased these dreams that their family cannot afford it.
In 2024, the total cost for a student from Naples to attend University of Central Florida in Orlando was $27,000. This includes tuition and fees, books/supplies, dorm/board, food, transportation to/from school, transportation at school and miscellaneous/personal expenses. You might be thinking that this doesn’t sound so bad. After all, the cost to attend Rollins College, a private university located in nearby Winter Park, estimated at $77,350, is considerably more expensive.
Jewish Educational Loan Fund (JELF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides interest free loans to Jewish students in need. These JELF loans are designed to help students who are pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and/or vocational school. In 2024, JELF provided $1,094,913 to 227 Jewish students from Florida. As you can imagine, this is a huge amount of relief!
Servicing a five-state region (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia — excluding metro DC), students can attend school anywhere in the U.S. so long as their school is accredited, and they are registered as a full-time student. In short, JELF helps Jewish students chase their dreams — interest free!
Former JELF recipient Dr. Alina C. is currently an internal medicine resident at Naples Community Hospital. Dr. Alina C. is incredibly proud to have utilized JELF, stating, "JELF made it possible for me to focus on my education without the added stress of high-interest debt. Their support allowed me to pursue my degree with confidence, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity they provided."
Want to learn more about JELF and see if you, or someone you know, qualifies? Visit jelf.org/app. Jewish Educational Loan Fund’s application for 0% interest student loans is available from now through April 30, so start your interest free journey today before it’s too late!
