Muhlenberg College vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

Compare Muhlenberg College in Allentown, 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 Muhlenberg College based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 1,788 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Muhlenberg College vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg College ($29,325 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 8.1% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($14,548 vs. $15,834).
• Muhlenberg College is 32.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $15,300 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.2% higher at Muhlenberg College than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $15,300 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at Muhlenberg College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 21.5% larger than aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students ($42,545 vs. $35,007).

Muhlenberg College vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Muhlenberg College or Jefferson? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Jefferson and Muhlenberg College.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Muhlenberg College (1330) is 80 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming Muhlenberg College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (31 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Muhlenberg College 1250/1410; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Muhlenberg College 29/33; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Muhlenberg College - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Jefferson students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Muhlenberg College (3.44).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Muhlenberg College (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Muhlenberg College vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Muhlenberg College vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Muhlenberg College and Jefferson? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate is 86%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Jefferson.
• Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $59,200 more per year than Muhlenberg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $63,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $13,990 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($12,500 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $144 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($129 vs. $273).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Muhlenberg College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

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.