Dickinson College vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

Compare Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA with Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than Dickinson College based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dickinson College is located in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting); Thomas Jefferson University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dickinson College 11:1; Thomas Jefferson University 12:1.

Dickinson College vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Dickinson College or Jefferson? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Thomas Jefferson University than Dickinson College ($29,325 vs. $38,483).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 7.4% lower than at Dickinson College ($15,834 vs. $17,100).
• Dickinson College is 38.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $18,145 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.2% higher at Dickinson College than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $18,145 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at Dickinson College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dickinson College students is 27.1% larger than aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students ($44,479 vs. $35,007).

Dickinson College vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Dickinson College or Jefferson? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Jefferson and Dickinson College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dickinson College (1390) is 140 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming Dickinson College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson College 1310/1460; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Dickinson College 30/33; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Dickinson College - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Dickinson College (42.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.1% at Dickinson College vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Dickinson College vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Dickinson College and Jefferson? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $60,900 more per year than Dickinson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $62,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $8,500 lower median loan debt than Dickinson College graduates ($12,500 vs. $21,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Dickinson College graduates ($129 vs. $217).
• More Dickinson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jefferson students, three years after graduation. (89% vs. 86%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.