Drexel vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

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

Drexel University is larger than Jefferson based on total student enrollment (21,153 students vs. 8,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drexel University is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); Thomas Jefferson University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Drexel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drexel University 9:1; Thomas Jefferson University 12:1.

Drexel vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drexel 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 Drexel ($29,325 vs. $42,801).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 12.5% lower than at Drexel University ($15,834 vs. $18,096).
• Drexel University is 31.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $14,907 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.4% higher at Drexel than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $14,907 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drexel University as at Thomas Jefferson University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drexel University students is 0.1% larger than aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students ($35,051 vs. $35,007).

Drexel vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drexel 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 Drexel.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drexel University (1340) is 90 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming Drexel students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drexel University 1240/1440; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drexel University 27/32; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drexel - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drexel Jan 15, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Drexel (3.67).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Drexel (79.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.1% at Drexel vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Drexel vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drexel 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 $45,500 more per year than Drexel graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $77,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $13,743 lower median loan debt than Drexel graduates ($12,500 vs. $26,243).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $142 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drexel graduates ($129 vs. $271).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drexel students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 77%)

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.