Academic Comparison between Thomas Jefferson and Penn State

Thomas Jefferson University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Thomas Jefferson is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Philadelphia, PA and Penn State is a four-year, public school located in University Park, PA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Thomas Jefferson is a private (not-for-profit) and Penn State is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Thomas Jefferson has more expensive tuition & fees ($47,355) than Penn State ($41,790).
  • It is harder to admit to Penn State than Thomas Jefferson.
  • Penn State has a higher submitted SAT score (1,240) than Thomas Jefferson (1,240).
  • Penn State has higher submitted ACT score (27) than Thomas Jefferson (27).
  • Penn State has more students with 50,737 students while Thomas Jefferson has 8,238 students.
  • Thomas Jefferson has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while Penn State's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • Penn State has more full-time faculties with 4,174 faculties while Thomas Jefferson has 330 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Thomas Jefferson Universityvs.Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaLocationUniversity Park, Pennsylvania
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$47,3552025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$20,644
Out-Of-State$41,790
90%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$27,176Average Amount of Financial Aid$14,013
80.97 %Acceptance Rates60.56 %
12.15 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)17.11 %
1,240SAT Score1,330
27ACT Score30
69 %Graduation Rate86 %
23 %Transfer-out Rate2 %
82 %Retention Rate93 %
8,238Student Population50,737
330Number of Faculties4,174
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening CollegeSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, On-campus daycare