Jefferson vs. W&J

Comparable Facts

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

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than W&J based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 1,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Jefferson vs. W&J Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jefferson or W&J? 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 Washington & Jefferson College than Jefferson ($22,702 vs. $29,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington & Jefferson College are 7.1% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($14,710 vs. $15,834).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 61.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than W&J (about $18,113 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.6% higher at Jefferson than at Washington & Jefferson College (about $18,113 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University as at Washington & Jefferson College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 73.7% larger than aid received by Washington & Jefferson College students ($35,007 vs. $20,152).

Jefferson vs. W&J Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Jefferson or W&J? 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 W&J and Jefferson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 120 points higher than at W&J (1130).
• Incoming Jefferson students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 23 at W&J).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330; Washington & Jefferson College 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 25/30; Washington & Jefferson College 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jefferson - Test optional; W&J - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at W&J (3.54).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than W&J (80.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Jefferson vs. 12.6% at W&J.

Jefferson vs. W&J Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jefferson and W&J? 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 $66,000 more per year than W&J graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $56,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $14,500 lower median loan debt than W&J graduates ($12,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than W&J graduates ($129 vs. $279).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former W&J students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 79%)

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.