Lafayette College vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

Compare Lafayette College in Easton, 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 Lafayette College based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 2,775 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Lafayette College vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lafayette College 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 Lafayette College ($29,325 vs. $38,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 20.3% lower than at Lafayette College ($15,834 vs. $19,866).
• Lafayette College is 37.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $17,893 more per year; $65,398.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.7% higher at Lafayette College than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $17,893 more per year; $65,398.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at Lafayette College (100% vs. 61%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lafayette College students is 27.7% larger than aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students ($44,707 vs. $35,007).

Lafayette College vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lafayette College 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 Lafayette College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lafayette College (1430) is 180 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming Lafayette College 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: Lafayette College 1350/1500; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lafayette College 31/33; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lafayette College - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lafayette College Jan 15, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Lafayette College (3.53).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Lafayette College (31.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.8% at Lafayette College vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Lafayette College vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lafayette College 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 $41,900 more per year than Lafayette College graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $81,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $13,500 lower median loan debt than Lafayette College graduates ($12,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $139 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lafayette College graduates ($129 vs. $268).
• More Lafayette College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Jefferson students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.