Jefferson vs. Old Dominion

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA with Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Old Dominion University is larger than Jefferson based on total student enrollment (23,743 students vs. 8,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Jefferson University is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); Old Dominion University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Old Dominion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas Jefferson University 12:1; Old Dominion University 13:1.

Jefferson vs. Old Dominion Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jefferson or Old Dominion? 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 Old Dominion University than Jefferson ($16,419 vs. $29,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Old Dominion University are 6% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($14,878 vs. $15,834).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 272.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Old Dominion (about $34,755 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $12,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.6% higher at Jefferson than at Old Dominion University (about $13,725 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $33,780.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at Old Dominion University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 198.2% larger than aid received by Old Dominion University students ($35,007 vs. $11,740).

Jefferson vs. Old Dominion Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Jefferson or Old Dominion? 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 Old Dominion and Jefferson.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 60 points higher than at Old Dominion (1190).
• Incoming Jefferson students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Old Dominion).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330; Old Dominion University 1100/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 25/30; Old Dominion University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jefferson - Test optional; Old Dominion - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027; Old Dominion Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Old Dominion (3.3).
• Old Dominion has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Jefferson (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Jefferson vs. 19.9% at Old Dominion.

Jefferson vs. Old Dominion Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jefferson and Old Dominion? 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 $75,300 more per year than Old Dominion graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than Old Dominion graduates ($12,500 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Old Dominion graduates ($129 vs. $242).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Old Dominion students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 53%)

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.