F&M vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

Compare Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, 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 F&M based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 1,808 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

F&M vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, F&M 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 F&M ($29,325 vs. $43,987).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 2.2% lower than at Franklin and Marshall College ($15,834 vs. $16,188).
• Franklin and Marshall College is 49% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $23,289 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49% higher at F&M than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $23,289 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at Franklin and Marshall College (100% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Franklin and Marshall College students is 19.7% larger than aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students ($41,901 vs. $35,007).

F&M vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, F&M 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 F&M.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin and Marshall College (1390) is 140 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming F&M students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Franklin and Marshall College 1310/1463; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Franklin and Marshall College 30/33; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: F&M - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: F&M Jan 15, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than F&M (28.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.1% at F&M vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

F&M vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for F&M 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 $61,000 more per year than F&M graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $61,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than F&M graduates ($12,500 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $98 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than F&M graduates ($129 vs. $227).
• More F&M graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jefferson students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 86%)

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.