Arcadia vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

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

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than Arcadia based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 3,404 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Arcadia University is located in Glenside, PA (Large Suburban setting); Thomas Jefferson University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Arcadia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Arcadia University 10:1; Thomas Jefferson University 12:1.

Arcadia vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Arcadia or Jefferson? 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 Thomas Jefferson University than Arcadia ($29,325 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 7.8% lower than at Arcadia University ($15,834 vs. $17,180).
• Arcadia University is 4.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $2,105 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.4% higher at Arcadia than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $2,105 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at Arcadia University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 0.9% larger than aid received by Arcadia University students ($35,007 vs. $34,705).

Arcadia vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 80 points higher than at Arcadia (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Arcadia University 1065/1265; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsThomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Arcadia - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Arcadia (3.42).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Arcadia (80.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.4% at Arcadia vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Arcadia vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Arcadia and Jefferson? 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 $76,500 more per year than Arcadia graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $14,500 lower median loan debt than Arcadia graduates ($12,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arcadia graduates ($129 vs. $279).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arcadia students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 69%)

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.