Thomas Jefferson University
Thomas Jefferson University is a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, PA ranked #390 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 3,708 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 86.1%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Construction Management.
Day to day, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 82.0% first-year retention, and 68.2% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $28,163, about $11,165 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -42.9%, roughly 128.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $64,335. That's about $20,647 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Thomas Jefferson University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Thomas Jefferson University graduates 68.2% of students within six years and keeps 82.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Thomas Jefferson University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $45,683 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,246 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,028 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $62,110 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 33.9% of Thomas Jefferson University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $20,809 to $34,317 depending on family income. Use Thomas Jefferson University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $29,949/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $34,317/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $64,335
- 10-Year Median Earnings $64,335
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 87.2%
- Employment Rate 85.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Thomas Jefferson University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Thomas Jefferson University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Thomas Jefferson University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Thomas Jefferson University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Thomas Jefferson University graduates earn $64,335 median, the -42.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 590-680
- SAT Math 560-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 27-32
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,708
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 82.0%
- Graduation Rate 68.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Thomas Jefferson University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Thomas Jefferson University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 86.1%, Thomas Jefferson University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 86.1% acceptance rate, Thomas Jefferson University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1150 and 1350 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Thomas Jefferson University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen, and Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 38.1%
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 9.3%
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 7.6%
- Design and Applied Arts 6.8%
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Op 6.8%
- Architectural Sciences and Technology 5.0%
See more majors
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 2.7%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 2.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $98,011
- 2. Construction Management $88,857
- 3. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $86,316
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Mechanical Engineering $79,083
- 5. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General $72,801
- 6. Health and Medical Administrative Services $67,895
- 7. Architecture $67,377
- 8. Business Administration, Management and Operations $62,768
- 9. Interior Architecture $59,320
- 10. Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations $58,144
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $142,990
- 2. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $135,359
- 3. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $130,532
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $125,011
- 5. Taxation (Master's Degree) $107,725
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $87,748
- 7. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $77,183
- 8. Design and Applied Arts (Master's Degree) $73,016
- 9. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $72,903
- 10. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $67,429
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $98,011—69% more than Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations ($58,144). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $142,990 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Thomas Jefferson University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 383 graduates)
- Medicine (First Professional Degree, 261 graduates)
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree, 151 graduates)
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 93 graduates)
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree, 92 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (31 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Design and Applied Arts
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Psychology, General
- Interior Architecture
- Mechanical Engineering
- Information Science/Studies
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Textile Sciences and Engineering
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Engineering, General
- Sustainability Studies
- Landscape Architecture
- Biology, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- International Business
- Chemistry
- Biopsychology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Architecture
- Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
- Biotechnology
Online Master's Degrees (27 programs)â–¼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Public Health
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Design and Applied Arts
- Taxation
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Chemical Engineering
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Real Estate Development
- Interior Architecture
- Genetics
- Engineering, General
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Textile Sciences and Engineering
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Architecture
- Biotechnology
Online Doctoral Degrees (10 programs)â–¼
- Genetics
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Textile Sciences and Engineering
- Public Health
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (7 programs)â–¼
- Public Health
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (4 programs)â–¼
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Online First Professional Degrees (4 programs)â–¼
- Medicine
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,708
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 26.2%
- Female Students 73.8%
- Caucasian 45.2%
- Asian 16.7%
- Hispanic 13.1%
- Black 15.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 33.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Thomas Jefferson University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Thomas Jefferson University's undergraduate population. Women make up 73.8% of the student body, while men represent 26.2%.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Thomas Jefferson University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Thomas Jefferson University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Thomas Jefferson University has a diverse student body, with 45.2% identifying as White. Women make up 73.8% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Thomas Jefferson University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Thomas Jefferson University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Thomas Jefferson University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -42.9% ROI. Ranked #390 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $28,163 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $64,335 median earnings. With 68.2% graduating within six years and 82.0% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Thomas Jefferson University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #390 ranking, Thomas Jefferson University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $28,163 annually, Thomas Jefferson University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 82.0% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $19,714 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -42.9% ROI and $64,335 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $18,163+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Thomas Jefferson University ranks #390 of 1971 institutions, with 849 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 68.2% six-year graduation rate sits 5.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 82.0% first-year retention is 5.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -42.9% return on investment is 128.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $64,335 run about 47% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $28,163 is roughly $8,264 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 82.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.1% employment rate within three years sits 16.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $28,163 is about $8,264 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Thomas Jefferson University—a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, PA—at B+ overall. It appears at #390 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B+), Support (B), Career Outcomes (A-), and Affordability (C+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 82.0% of first-year students return, and roughly 68.2% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -42.9%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $28,163 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $62,110.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $33,947 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 33.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $64,335 at the median. This is roughly 47% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 85.1% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -42.9% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
86.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Thomas Jefferson University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Website www.jefferson.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$2.49B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate23.1%