Drake vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA 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 Drake based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Thomas Jefferson University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Thomas Jefferson University 12:1.

Drake vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake 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 Drake ($29,325 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 21.4% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($12,452 vs. $15,834).
• Drake University is 9.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $4,625 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.7% higher at Drake than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $4,625 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Thomas Jefferson University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 1.4% larger than aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students ($35,498 vs. $35,007).

Drake vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drake 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 Drake.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 20 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming Jefferson students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Drake).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Drake (3.7).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Drake vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake 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 $54,400 more per year than Drake graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $68,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $13,500 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($12,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $139 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($129 vs. $268).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drake students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

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.