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Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, PA Private ยท Urban Est. 1824 www.jefferson.edu
Accept Rate
86.14%
Grad Rate
67.9%
Enrollment
3,708
Avg SAT
1259
Tuition
$45,683
Median Salary
$77,449
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Thomas Jefferson University feels like a dynamic, career-focused hub where creativity and science intersect in the heart of Philadelphia. The urban campus fosters a professional, hands-on atmosphere, with students deeply engaged in studios, labs, and clinical rotations. Itโ€™s a place for self-starters who are eager to dive into their fields and make an immediate impact.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

86.14%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 125975th Pctl
11501350
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2875th Pctl
2732
1122436

Admissions Tips

Applicants should highlight specific experiences related to their intended major, especially for competitive programs like architecture or health sciences, as demonstrated interest in the field is crucial. Since the acceptance rate is high, meeting the average SAT score of 1259 will make your application competitive. Ensure your personal essay reflects a clear understanding of Jefferson's unique blend of professional education and its urban Philadelphia setting.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1259
40080012001600
School range: 1150โ€“1350

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Jefferson is a powerhouse in health professions and architecture, offering exceptional hands-on training and cutting-edge research opportunities. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students in business, design, and science to work on real-world projects. With a focus on experiential learning, students are mentored by faculty who are leaders in their respective industries.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
69.1%
Architecture
6.9%
Business & Marketing
6.8%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.5%
Psychology
3.4%
Biology & Biomedical
2.6%
Computer Science
2.2%
Engineering
1.5%
Legal Studies
1.4%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

67.9%
Graduation Rate
82%
Retention Rate
3,708
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$45,683
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$28,163
After financial aid
Total Cost
$62,110
Cost of attendance/year
33.9%
Receive Pell Grants
85%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Philadelphia

Students enjoy unparalleled access to all that Philadelphia has to offer, from world-class museums and historic landmarks to a vibrant food and music scene. The city's extensive public transit, including the SEPTA rail lines with a stop directly on campus, makes exploring easy. For fun, students frequent nearby Fairmount Park, catch concerts, and sample diverse cuisines in neighborhoods like Fishtown and Rittenhouse Square.

Local Rent Check

$1,451 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Philadelphia
Explore Philadelphia

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$182,732
$0Est. 4 Years: $182,732

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($77,449):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a bustling urban area and is generally considered safe, with its own campus security force. The surrounding Center City and East Falls neighborhoods are well-patrolled and popular with students, though standard city awareness is advised.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Prime location in Philadelphia offers immense networking and internship opportunities.
  • โœ“ Strong academic programs, especially in health professions and architecture, with excellent career outcomes.
  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it accessible for many qualified applicants.
  • โœ“ Impressive median graduate earnings of $77,449 after 10 years.

Cons

  • โœ— Tuition is high for a private institution, requiring careful financial planning.
  • โœ— The campus is more professional and career-focused, which may lack a traditional 'college town' feel.
  • โœ— The 67.9% graduation rate, while decent, is lower than some peer institutions.

Notable Alumni

Katherine Hepburn
Legendary four-time Oscar-winning actress who studied at the now-merged Philadelphia Textile School.
Michael Graves
World-renowned architect and a key figure in the postmodern architecture movement.
David Lynch
Iconic filmmaker and artist, known for his surrealist films like 'Blue Velvet' and 'Twin Peaks'.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thomas Jefferson University is renowned for its top-tier programs in health professions, including medicine, nursing, and occupational therapy. It is also highly respected for its School of Architecture and the interdisciplinary approach that merges design, business, and health sciences. The university's emphasis on experiential learning and its integration with the Jefferson Health system provides students with unparalleled real-world training.

No, Thomas Jefferson University is not considered highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 86.14%. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1259. While admission is accessible, applicants should still present a strong academic profile, particularly for competitive programs like architecture and health sciences, where specific prerequisites and portfolios are important.

Campus life at Jefferson is professional and urban, reflecting its focus on career readiness. Students are deeply engaged in their studies and take advantage of the vibrant city life in Philadelphia for both social activities and professional networking. The campus offers a supportive environment with resources geared toward student success, though it may feel more like a professional campus than a traditional undergraduate social hub.

For many students, yes, the investment can be worthwhile. The average net price of $28,163 is significantly lower than the sticker price, and the 10-year median earnings of $77,449 suggest a strong financial return. The value is particularly high for students in its top-ranked health and architecture programs, which have excellent career placement rates in a major metropolitan area.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Jefferson Health Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) University of Pennsylvania Health System Temple University Health System GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Smart Start Score
77

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1824
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 4,174
  • In-State Tuition $45,683
  • Zip Code 19107

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 26.2% โ™€ 73.8%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $28,163, the degree is more affordable than the sticker price suggests, especially for a private university in a major city. The 10-year median earnings of $77,449 for graduates indicate a strong return on investment, particularly for those in high-demand fields like healthcare and architecture. The 33.9% Pell Grant rate also reflects a commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $45,683
Housing (12 mo) $17,412
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $70,295
With avg financial aid:
$28,163/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.