Important Financial Aid Deadlines
Applying for financial aid on time ensures you are considered for the widest range of available funding. Be sure to review these key dates and submit all required forms as early as possible.

March 1 – FAFSA Priority Deadline
The priority deadline to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is March 1. The FAFSA becomes available each year beginning October 1, and students are encouraged to complete it as early as possible to maximize eligibility for financial aid programs.

If you are unable to submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline, you should still complete it as soon as possible to be considered for available aid.
AJU’s Federal School Code: 002741

March 2 – Cal Grant Deadline
The deadline to apply for the California Cal Grant is March 2. To be considered, California residents must submit both the FAFSA and a GPA Verification Form by this date.

Students who are noncitizens without a Social Security number or who received one through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program should complete the California Dream Act Application instead of the FAFSA. The application is available at: dream.csac.ca.gov.

For additional information about Cal Grants and eligibility requirements, please contact the California Student Aid Commission at: csac.ca.gov.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program offers student loan relief for individuals who dedicate their careers to public service. Through this federal program, borrowers who work full-time for a qualifying employer in government or a nonprofit organization may have the remaining balance on their Direct Loans forgiven after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under an eligible repayment plan.

Qualifying employers include federal, state, tribal, and local government agencies as well as many nonprofit organizations. To determine whether your employer qualifies, you can search the federal PSLF employer database using your employer’s Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN or FEIN), which can typically be found on your W-2 form.

Only loans issued through the Direct Loan Program and not in default are eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Loans from other federal programs, such as the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program or the Perkins Loan Program, are not directly eligible; however, borrowers may be able to consolidate these loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan in order to qualify for PSLF.

The federal PSLF Help Tool guides borrowers through the process of checking employer eligibility, certifying employment annually, and applying for loan forgiveness once all requirements have been met. The tool can also generate the necessary PSLF forms for submission to the federal loan servicer.

Students and graduates interested in learning more about the program or beginning the process can explore the PSLF Help Tool and additional resources through the Federal Student Aid website.

Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA): The total amount (not including grants and scholarships) that it may cost you to go to school during the 2025-2026 school year.

COA includes tuition and fees; housing and meals; and estimates for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and dependent care. It also includes miscellaneous and personal expenses, such as the rental or purchase of a personal computer; costs related to a disability; and reasonable costs for eligible study abroad programs.

For students attending less than half-time, the COA includes tuition and fees; an estimate for books, supplies, and transportation; and dependent care expenses.

Estimates are calculated using the California Student Aid Commission’s expense budget worksheet, which is based upon average expenses reported by students at the University of California, California State University, California independent institutions, and California Community Colleges.

2025-2026 Cost of Attendance – Masor School for Jewish Education and Leadership

2025-2026 Cost of Attendance - Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies

92% of AJU students receive scholarship support. With our wide range of scholarships and financial assistance, an AJU education is within reach.

Scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid. AJU scholarship and grant opportunities are based on a range of criteria, including:

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Your academic record determines eligibility.
• Need-Based Grants: Eligibility is based on financial need and the FAFSA is required.
• AJU Opportunity Grants: Eligibility for some grants is met through other non-need-based criteria, such as individual excellence, leadership potential, and community engagement.

For maximum consideration, students are encouraged to apply by the priority deadlines.

AJU Tuition Grants are awarded by American Jewish University to eligible full-time students to help offset the cost of tuition and/or on-campus housing. Open to graduate students and based primarily on need. Completed FAFSA and financial aid application required for grant evaluation.

In addition to the aid available through American Jewish University, students pursuing the MAEd in Early Childhood Education program may also be eligible for specialized scholarships and programs offered by external organizations.

These initiatives are dedicated to supporting and developing leaders in Jewish early childhood education. We encourage you to explore the following resources:

• EarlyJ: EarlyJ partners with AJU to provide tuition subsidies for master's degree programs in Jewish Early Childhood Education. Visit https://www.earlyj.org/ to learn more about their program, which aims to enhance the quality and professionalism of Jewish ECE.
• Legacy Heritage Fund: To explore their various initiatives, please contact us directly.