Jefferson vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA with Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Liberty University is larger than Jefferson based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 8,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Jefferson University is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas Jefferson University 12:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Jefferson vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jefferson or Liberty University? 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 Liberty University ($29,325 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Liberty University are 12.6% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($13,835 vs. $15,834).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 111.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $25,040 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 111.5% higher at Jefferson than at Liberty University (about $25,040 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at Liberty University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 180.3% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($35,007 vs. $12,489).

Jefferson vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Jefferson or Liberty University? 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 Liberty University and Jefferson.

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 100 points higher than at Liberty University (1150).
• Incoming Jefferson students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Liberty University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 25/30; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jefferson - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Jefferson (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Jefferson vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Jefferson vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jefferson and Liberty University? 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 $83,800 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $11,666 lower median loan debt than Liberty University graduates ($12,500 vs. $24,166).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $120 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Liberty University graduates ($129 vs. $249).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 36%)

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.