Syracuse vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

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

Syracuse University is larger than Jefferson based on total student enrollment (22,589 students vs. 8,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Syracuse University is located in Syracuse, NY (Midsize City setting); Thomas Jefferson University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Syracuse University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Syracuse University 15:1; Thomas Jefferson University 12:1.

Syracuse vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Syracuse 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 Syracuse ($29,325 vs. $48,215).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 17.5% lower than at Syracuse University ($15,834 vs. $19,188).
• Syracuse University is 37.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $18,023 more per year; $65,528.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.9% higher at Syracuse than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $18,023 more per year; $65,528.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at Syracuse University (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Syracuse University students is 4% larger than aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students ($36,417 vs. $35,007).

Syracuse vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Syracuse 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 Syracuse.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Syracuse University (1360) is 110 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming Syracuse students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Syracuse University 1270/1440; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Syracuse University 29/32; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Syracuse - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Syracuse Jan 1, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Syracuse (3.69).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Syracuse (45.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.8% at Syracuse vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Syracuse vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Syracuse 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 $57,000 more per year than Syracuse graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $65,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $14,500 lower median loan debt than Syracuse graduates ($12,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Syracuse graduates ($129 vs. $279).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Syracuse students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 80%)

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.