Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Both located in Philadelphia, PA
When students choose between Holy Family University and Thomas Jefferson University, they're weighing Philadelphia's classic health sciences trade-off. Both institutions concentrate on nursing and allied health programs, preparing graduates for the same regional healthcare job market.
But one costs significantly more while producing notably higher earnings. The question becomes whether Thomas Jefferson's premium justifies the additional investment for typical graduates.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$25,125
federal loans
$14,744
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$20,500
borrowed by parents
$32,255
borrowed by parents
Both schools are health-focused institutions with nursing as their flagship program. Holy Family graduates 237 students annually in registered nursing, followed by psychology (37 graduates) and business administration (35).
The program mix includes 12% Business and 7% Education. Thomas Jefferson graduates 383 nursing students, plus 93 in general health services and 76 in allied health diagnostics.
Their mix includes 14% Business and 8% Arts. This parallel focus explains why both feed into Philadelphia's healthcare ecosystem with similar career trajectories.
For students confident in completing their degrees, Thomas Jefferson delivers higher earnings that typically justify the additional cost within a year of graduation. Holy Family offers comparable healthcare training at significantly lower cost, making it the better choice for students prioritizing affordability or concerned about completion risk.
The data points to Thomas Jefferson as the stronger long-term financial investment — but Holy Family provides excellent value for students who need lower debt levels or face completion uncertainty. Both schools demonstrate strong institutional effectiveness in their respective contexts, serving Philadelphia's healthcare workforce with different cost-benefit profiles.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
