Jefferson vs. St. Mary's University

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA with St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than St. Mary's University based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 3,456 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Jefferson University is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); St. Mary's University is in San Antonio, TX (Large City setting).
• Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St. Mary's University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas Jefferson University 12:1; St. Mary's University 11:1.

Jefferson vs. St. Mary's University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jefferson or St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's University than Jefferson ($20,412 vs. $29,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at St. Mary's University are 18.6% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($12,894 vs. $15,834).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 26.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than St. Mary's University (about $10,071 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $37,434.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.9% higher at Jefferson than at St. Mary's University (about $10,071 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $37,434.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University as at St. Mary's University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 27.5% larger than aid received by St. Mary's University students ($35,007 vs. $27,464).

Jefferson vs. St. Mary's University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Jefferson or St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's University and Jefferson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 140 points higher than at St. Mary's University (1110).
• Incoming Jefferson students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at St. Mary's University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330; St. Mary's University 900/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 25/30; St. Mary's University 15/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jefferson - Test optional; St. Mary's University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027; St. Mary's University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at St. Mary's University (3.61).
• St. Mary's University has a higher acceptance rate (97.8%) than Jefferson (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Jefferson vs. 12.6% at St. Mary's University.

Jefferson vs. St. Mary's University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jefferson and St. Mary's 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 $72,900 more per year than St. Mary's University graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $14,500 lower median loan debt than St. Mary's University graduates ($12,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Mary's University graduates ($129 vs. $279).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former St. Mary's University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 59%)

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.