Since 1946, JCRS has provided a financial safety net for Jewish students pursuing their career goals through college or vocational training. Through generous grants and no-interest loans, the JCRS College Aid program helps financially challenged students get one step closer to a cap and gown—and therefore one step closer to financial stability and self-sufficiency. Last year 109 students received aid totaling $478,000 for higher education.

Our 2026–27 grant cycle has a May 1–June 12 priority deadline. Applications submitted by June 12 receive full consideration and priority funding.

Please review all sections below before beginning your application.

JCRS helps make college possible with need-based assistance

JCRS provides scholarships for college or vocational training in the form of grants and/or no-interest loans based on financial need.  Each academic year, the program funds approximately 100 students who demonstrate financial need, with an average award of about $4,000.  Freshmen and sophomores are typically eligible for grants. Juniors and seniors generally are eligible for a combination of grants and no-interest loans.

To be considered for JCRS College Aid Assistance, each applicant must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a Jewish student residing in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, or Texas
  • Attend a college/training program in the United States
  • Be a permanent resident of the United States
  • Be a United States citizen; refugees who are not naturalized citizens may be considered on a case-by-case basis

The completed application must be received by Friday, June 12 to receive priority consideration for the upcoming school year. Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed as funding permits.

Special Program Funding

  • Gap Years: JCRS College Aid is not available for gap year programs.
  • Study Abroad: Applications for studying abroad for credit toward a degree are accepted, but are not considered a high priority for funding.

A JCRS committee determines awards based on demonstrated financial need. In its review, the committee considers each applicant’s career plan, available financial resources, and anticipated education-related expenses. Applicants who work and contribute earnings toward their education costs are generally viewed more favorably than those who do not. The committee also values cost-effective school choices and a realistic, sustainable plan for financing the applicant’s education.

The JCRS College Aid Program primarily supports undergraduate students who are under age 25 when they begin the term for which assistance is requested. Due to limited funds, graduate students may be considered only after all undergraduate applications have been reviewed.

Application Deadlines & Timetables

The completed application must be received by Friday, June 12 to receive priority consideration for the upcoming school year. Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed as funding permits.

Getting Started

All applicants will complete the same application. When you click the button below, you will be prompted to create a login for your online application (student’s email address and password of your choosing).  Once logged in, you can access the JCRS College Aid application.  Please note there is only one login per application, so your parent(s) will use the same login credentials to complete their part of the application.

You may return to this application via your login at any time to work on it. However, once you submit the application, you will no longer be able to make corrections.

Documents to Have Ready

  • 2025 Federal Tax Return for Parents, including all forms and schedules. If you do not have your 2025 Tax Return due to the extension, upload your 2024 Tax Return, and send in your 2025 when it is available. Make sure the tax returns are PDF files (and not a Turbo Tax.Tax2025 or similar program file).
  • 2025 Federal Tax Return for Student, if applicable.
  • Each tax return must be sent as one file. (Do not upload separate pages.)
  • All corresponding W2 and/or 1099 forms for both parents and the applicant
  • 2026-27 Financial Aid Statement from your college.

Do NOT apply until you receive your school financial aid award.

If you do not receive your financial aid statement by June 1, contact Melanie Musser at melanie@jcrs.org or (832) 767-9097.

When you submit your application, you will receive an email confirming its successful submission.

As your application is prepared for review by committee, the program manager may reach out to you via the email address you provided with questions about your application.

Applications are reviewed over the summer by committee.  Award notifications will be sent to the student via email in late July.

QUESTIONS?
Please contact Melanie Musser at melanie@jcrs.org or (832) 767-9097 with questions about this program or your application.