Jefferson vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

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

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than Wilkes based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 5,381 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Thomas Jefferson University is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); Wilkes University is in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting).
• Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Thomas Jefferson University 12:1; Wilkes University 13:1.

Jefferson vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Jefferson or Wilkes? 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 Wilkes University than Jefferson ($28,511 vs. $29,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 2.1% lower than at Wilkes University ($15,834 vs. $16,166).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 9.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wilkes (about $4,009 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $43,496.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.2% higher at Jefferson than at Wilkes University (about $4,009 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $43,496.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University as at Wilkes University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 23.6% larger than aid received by Wilkes University students ($35,007 vs. $28,324).

Jefferson vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 110 points higher than at Wilkes (1140).
• Incoming Jefferson students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Wilkes).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Thomas Jefferson University 25/30; Wilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Jefferson - Test optional; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Wilkes (3.56).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Jefferson (81%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Jefferson vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

Jefferson vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Jefferson and Wilkes? 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 $64,700 more per year than Wilkes graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $58,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $13,500 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($12,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $139 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($129 vs. $268).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Wilkes 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.