Hope College vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

Compare Hope College in Holland, MI 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 Hope College based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 3,395 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Hope College is located in Holland, MI (Small City setting); Thomas Jefferson University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Hope College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Hope College 9:1; Thomas Jefferson University 12:1.

Hope College vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Hope 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 Hope College ($29,325 vs. $30,700).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hope College are 18.2% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($12,950 vs. $15,834).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 13.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hope College (about $5,535 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $41,970.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at Jefferson than at Hope College (about $5,535 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $41,970.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at Hope College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 40.3% larger than aid received by Hope College students ($35,007 vs. $24,945).

Hope College vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Hope 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 Hope College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 30 points higher than at Hope College (1220).
• Incoming Hope College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hope College 1100/1340; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Hope College 25/31; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Hope College - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hope College students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Jefferson (3.73).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Hope College (79.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at Hope College vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Hope College vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Hope 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 $75,400 more per year than Hope College graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $14,500 lower median loan debt than Hope College graduates ($12,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hope College graduates ($129 vs. $279).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hope College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 82%)

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.