Chatham vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

Compare Chatham University in Pittsburgh, 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 Chatham based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 2,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Chatham vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chatham 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 Chatham ($29,325 vs. $31,280).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chatham University are 14.1% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($13,600 vs. $15,834).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 6.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Chatham (about $2,879 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $44,626.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.5% higher at Jefferson than at Chatham University (about $2,879 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $44,626.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Chatham University as at Thomas Jefferson University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 16.3% larger than aid received by Chatham University students ($35,007 vs. $30,095).

Chatham vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Chatham 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 Chatham.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 70 points higher than at Chatham (1180).
• Incoming Jefferson students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Chatham).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chatham University 1070/1295; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chatham University 21/30; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chatham - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Chatham students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Jefferson (3.73).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Chatham (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Chatham vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Chatham vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chatham 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 $86,200 more per year than Chatham graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than Chatham graduates ($12,500 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $82 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Chatham graduates ($129 vs. $211).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chatham students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 62%)

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.