Umary vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Mary in Bismarck, ND 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 Umary based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 3,861 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Mary is located in Bismarck, ND (Rural Fringe setting); Thomas Jefferson University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• University of Mary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Thomas Jefferson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Mary 14:1; Thomas Jefferson University 12:1.

Umary vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Umary 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 University of Mary than Jefferson ($20,156 vs. $29,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Mary are 41.4% lower than at Thomas Jefferson University ($9,276 vs. $15,834).
• Thomas Jefferson University is 112.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Umary (about $25,149 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $22,356.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 112.5% higher at Jefferson than at University of Mary (about $25,149 more per year; $47,505.00 vs. $22,356.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at University of Mary (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 157.4% larger than aid received by University of Mary students ($35,007 vs. $13,601).

Umary vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Umary 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 Umary.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Thomas Jefferson University (1250) is 20 points higher than at Umary (1230).
• Incoming Jefferson students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (27 vs. 23 at Umary).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Mary 1110/1340; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Mary 21/26; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Umary - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Umary Sep 30, 2026; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Jefferson students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Umary (3.37).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Umary (75.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 41.4% at Umary vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Umary vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Umary 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.

• University of Mary's six-year graduation rate is 52%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Jefferson.
• Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $71,000 more per year than Umary graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $51,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $10,000 lower median loan debt than Umary graduates ($12,500 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Umary graduates ($129 vs. $232).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Umary students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 76%)

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.