About Thomas Jefferson University
Thomas Jefferson University shapes tomorrow's healthcare professionals through hands-on medical and health sciences training. The school enrolls 3,708 students in its Philadelphia campus, where nearly three-quarters are women (73.81%) pursuing careers in nursing, physical therapy, medicine, and other health fields. With an acceptance rate of 88.85%, the school welcomes motivated students who score around 1240 on the SAT and want direct paths into healthcare careers.
The financial picture works well for most families, with students paying an average of $28,163 after aid despite the $45,683 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $77,449 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $14,744 very manageable with monthly payments of just $156. The 97% employment rate shows that employers actively recruit Thomas Jefferson graduates, and the loan repayment rate of 87.24% indicates most alumni can handle their debt comfortably.
The student body reflects Philadelphia's diversity, with 45.23% white students, 16.72% Asian, 15.40% Black, and 13.13% Hispanic students creating a learning environment that mirrors the patients future healthcare workers will serve. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means plenty of personal attention during clinical training, and the 68.20% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding but achievable nature of health sciences programs.
The financial picture works well for most families, with students paying an average of $28,163 after aid despite the $45,683 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $77,449 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $14,744 very manageable with monthly payments of just $156. The 97% employment rate shows that employers actively recruit Thomas Jefferson graduates, and the loan repayment rate of 87.24% indicates most alumni can handle their debt comfortably.
The student body reflects Philadelphia's diversity, with 45.23% white students, 16.72% Asian, 15.40% Black, and 13.13% Hispanic students creating a learning environment that mirrors the patients future healthcare workers will serve. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means plenty of personal attention during clinical training, and the 68.20% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding but achievable nature of health sciences programs.
Academics & Faculty
Thomas Jefferson University built its reputation as a health sciences powerhouse, with programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy that have trained Philadelphia-area healthcare workers for nearly 200 years. The school recently merged with Philadelphia University to add design, engineering, and business programs, but health sciences remain the main draw. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students get close attention from professors who often work in nearby hospitals and clinics. The 68% graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of health science programs, where students must pass rigorous licensing exams. Most graduates enter fields with strong job security, which explains the 97% employment rate and median earnings of $77,449 ten years after graduation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 40.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 67.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.2%
- Retention Rate
- 82.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $77,449
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $117,418 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $111,100 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $102,706 |
| Taxation. | Master | $81,812 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $72,320 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $70,761 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,680 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $63,997 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $62,579 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $59,730 |
Campus Life
Thomas Jefferson University sits in the heart of Philadelphia, where 56% of students come from Pennsylvania and get to experience big city life without the overwhelming scale of New York. The campus houses 2,080 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community within one of America's most walkable cities. You'll need a real winter coat here, as Philadelphia gets cold and snowy from December through March, but spring and fall offer perfect weather for exploring the city's historic neighborhoods.
With 73.81% women and a heavy focus on health sciences, the social scene revolves around study groups and clinical rotations rather than traditional college parties. Students often spend weekends exploring Philadelphia's museums, restaurants, and professional sports teams, or taking the short train ride to New York City or Washington DC. The 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio means you'll know your professors personally, which matters when you're preparing for medical school or health careers. Campus life blends the intensity of health sciences training with the cultural richness of living in a major city.
With 73.81% women and a heavy focus on health sciences, the social scene revolves around study groups and clinical rotations rather than traditional college parties. Students often spend weekends exploring Philadelphia's museums, restaurants, and professional sports teams, or taking the short train ride to New York City or Washington DC. The 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio means you'll know your professors personally, which matters when you're preparing for medical school or health careers. Campus life blends the intensity of health sciences training with the cultural richness of living in a major city.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,080 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1824
Campus Safety (2023)
17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–41°F
- July Avg
- 71°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.1"
Student Demographics
Thomas Jefferson draws students who want careers in healthcare, which explains why women make up 74% of the student body since fields like nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy attract more women. The school pulls from a wide geographic area with 43% coming from out of state, showing its reputation extends beyond Pennsylvania. About one-third receive Pell Grants, meaning the university serves students from working-class families alongside those from higher-income backgrounds. The diverse racial mix reflects Philadelphia's demographics, with significant representation from Asian, Black, and Hispanic communities who often value healthcare as a stable career path.
- Men
- 26.2%
- Women
- 73.8%
- White
- 45.2%
- Black
- 15.4%
- Hispanic
- 13.1%
- Asian
- 16.7%
- In-State Students
- 57.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.9%
Location
Thomas Jefferson University sits in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the fifth-largest city in the United States with over 1.5 million residents. The campus puts students right in the heart of a major metropolitan area, with access to strong hospitals, research facilities, and internship opportunities that health sciences students need. Philadelphia's rich medical history includes being home to the first medical school in America and some of the nation's top hospitals. The city offers everything from professional sports teams to historic sites like Independence Hall, plus a large student population from the area's many colleges. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Thomas Jefferson University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $77,449
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $73,911
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $67,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 87.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $156/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,744
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Thomas Jefferson University?
Thomas Jefferson University accepts 88.85% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1240. This health sciences-focused institution welcomes students who are serious about healthcare careers but maintains academic standards that prepare graduates for rigorous professional programs.
How much does Thomas Jefferson University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $28,163 annually, lower than the sticker price of $45,683 in tuition. The university provides substantial institutional grants averaging $32,486 to 18.42% of students, making this private health sciences education more accessible.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Thomas Jefferson University?
The university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its health sciences programs with 3,708 enrolled students. This intimate learning environment is essential for hands-on medical training and allows for personalized mentorship in clinical settings.
How much do Thomas Jefferson University graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median salary of $77,449 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strong earning potential in healthcare fields. The 97.0% employment rate demonstrates the high demand for Jefferson's health sciences graduates in the job market.
Where do students live at Thomas Jefferson University?
The university houses students in facilities with a capacity of 2,080 in downtown Philadelphia. Campus life serves the 26.19% male and 73.81% female student body, reflecting the gender distribution typical of health sciences programs.
Does Thomas Jefferson University have strong diversity?
The student body is 45.23% White, 16.72% Asian, 15.40% Black, and 13.13% Hispanic, creating a diverse learning environment. This diversity mirrors the patient populations that health sciences graduates will serve in their professional careers.
