Jefferson vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA with West Chester University of Pennsylvania in West Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is larger than Jefferson based on total student enrollment (17,171 students vs. 8,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Jefferson University is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); West Chester University of Pennsylvania is in West Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas Jefferson University 12:1; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 20:1.

Jefferson vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jefferson or WCU? 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania than Jefferson ($22,546 vs. $29,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania are 6.4% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($14,828 vs. $15,834).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 340.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $36,730 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $10,775.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.2% higher at Jefferson than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (about $24,906 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $22,599.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (100% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 513.2% larger than aid received by West Chester University of Pennsylvania students ($35,007 vs. $5,709).

Jefferson vs. WCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 60 points higher than at WCU (1190).
• Incoming Jefferson students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at WCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 1100/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 25/30; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jefferson - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at WCU (3.43).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than WCU (78.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Jefferson vs. 22.4% at WCU.

Jefferson vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jefferson and WCU? 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 $73,900 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($12,500 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($129 vs. $242).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 75%)

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.