Jefferson vs. Roanoke College

Comparable Facts

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

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than Roanoke College based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 1,804 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Jefferson University is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); Roanoke College is in Salem, VA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Roanoke College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas Jefferson University 12:1; Roanoke College 11:1.

Jefferson vs. Roanoke College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jefferson or Roanoke College? 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 Roanoke College than Jefferson ($26,044 vs. $29,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Roanoke College are 3% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($15,366 vs. $15,834).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 24.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Roanoke College (about $9,437 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $38,068.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.8% higher at Jefferson than at Roanoke College (about $9,437 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $38,068.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University as at Roanoke College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 24.2% larger than aid received by Roanoke College students ($35,007 vs. $28,188).

Jefferson vs. Roanoke College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Jefferson or Roanoke College? 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 Roanoke College and Jefferson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 50 points higher than at Roanoke College (1200).
• Incoming Jefferson students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 27) as students at Roanoke College (27).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330; Roanoke College 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 25/30; Roanoke College 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jefferson - Test optional; Roanoke College - Test optional.
• 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 Roanoke College (3.56).
• Roanoke College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than Jefferson (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Jefferson vs. 9.7% at Roanoke College.

Jefferson vs. Roanoke College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jefferson and Roanoke College? 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 $71,700 more per year than Roanoke College graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $51,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $14,500 lower median loan debt than Roanoke College graduates ($12,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roanoke College graduates ($129 vs. $279).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Roanoke College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 75%)

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.