George Washington vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

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

George Washington University is larger than Jefferson based on total student enrollment (25,374 students vs. 8,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• George Washington University is located in Washington, DC (Large City setting); Thomas Jefferson University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• George Washington University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: George Washington University 13:1; Thomas Jefferson University 12:1.

George Washington vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, George Washington 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 George Washington ($29,325 vs. $46,485).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 6.4% lower than at George Washington University ($15,834 vs. $16,920).
• George Washington University is 42.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $20,205 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.5% higher at George Washington than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $20,205 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at George Washington University (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Washington University students is 7.1% larger than aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students ($37,500 vs. $35,007).

George Washington vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, George Washington 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 George Washington.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Washington University (1430) is 180 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming George Washington students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 1350/1500; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: George Washington University 31/34; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: George Washington - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: George Washington Jan 5, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman George Washington students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Jefferson (3.73).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than George Washington (47.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.3% at George Washington vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

George Washington vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for George Washington 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 $42,400 more per year than George Washington graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $80,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $12,462 lower median loan debt than George Washington graduates ($12,500 vs. $24,962).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $129 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than George Washington graduates ($129 vs. $258).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former George Washington students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 82%)

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.