Jefferson vs. Widener University

Comparable Facts

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

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than Widener University based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 5,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Jefferson vs. Widener University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jefferson or Widener 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 Widener University than Jefferson ($26,778 vs. $29,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 4.2% lower than at Widener University ($15,834 vs. $16,530).
• Widener University is 17.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $8,225 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.3% higher at Widener University than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $8,225 more per year; $55,730.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University as at Widener University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Widener University students is 24.8% larger than aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students ($43,706 vs. $35,007).

Jefferson vs. Widener University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 60 points higher than at Widener University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330; Widener University 1080/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jefferson - Test optional; Widener University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Widener University (3.46).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Widener University (70.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Jefferson vs. 13.8% at Widener University.

Jefferson vs. Widener University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jefferson and Widener 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 $63,400 more per year than Widener University graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $59,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $14,500 lower median loan debt than Widener University graduates ($12,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Widener University graduates ($129 vs. $279).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Widener University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 68%)

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.