Thomas Jefferson University admits approximately 86.1% of applicants, meaning roughly 6 in 7 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Thomas Jefferson University among institutions with Open Access admission standards, accepting more than 75% of applicants. The peer median admission rate of 70.6% indicates that Thomas Jefferson University is more accessible than typical comparable institutions by about 15.5 percentage points. This level of accessibility means that most students who meet basic admission requirements can expect to gain admission. Unlike highly selective institutions where even exceptional students face uncertainty, Thomas Jefferson University's admission process focuses on identifying students who can succeed in health-focused programs rather than creating artificial scarcity. Students should view this accessibility as an advantage, particularly for those seeking entry into competitive health professions without the stress of highly selective admission. For prospective students, this indicates that academic preparation and program fit matter more than competing against other applicants for limited spots. Building a college list with Thomas Jefferson University means including an institution where admission is likely for academically prepared students.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Thomas Jefferson University typically score between 1150 and 1350 on the SAT, with a median of 1259. SAT Math scores range from 560 to 670, while SAT Verbal scores span from 590 to 680. ACT scores range from 27 to 32, with a median of 28. These test score ranges indicate that most admitted students perform well above national averages, with the middle 50% falling within these ranges. The 25th percentile represents the lower quarter of enrolled students, not a minimum requirement, while the 75th percentile represents the upper quarter. Students scoring below 1150 SAT or 27 ACT should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from admission consideration. Thomas Jefferson University's test score profile at the 96th percentile for SAT and 97th percentile for ACT demonstrates that the institution enrolls academically strong students despite its open admission standards. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1256, Thomas Jefferson University enrolled students score slightly higher by 3 points. This combination suggests that while admission is accessible, enrolled students demonstrate strong academic preparation. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list, particularly for health profession programs that require rigorous preparation.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Thomas Jefferson University enrolls 33.9% Pell-eligible students and 33.0% first-generation students, indicating the university serves substantial populations from lower-income families and those without family college experience. Additionally, 45.7% of enrolled students are transfers, suggesting the institution prioritizes educational opportunity for students from various academic pathways. This composition reflects Thomas Jefferson University's commitment to access across socioeconomic backgrounds while maintaining strong academic standards. The substantial transfer population indicates that students can successfully enter Thomas Jefferson University from community colleges and other four-year institutions, providing multiple pathways to degree completion. Compared to many health-focused institutions that serve predominantly traditional students, Thomas Jefferson University's diverse enrollment profile suggests a welcoming environment for students from varied backgrounds. First-generation students should know that one-third of enrolled students share their background, while students from lower-income families will find significant representation among their peers. Transfer applicants should note the substantial 45.7% transfer enrollment as evidence of the institution's transfer-friendly policies and support systems.
Given Thomas Jefferson University's 86.1% acceptance rate, admission is likely for most academically prepared applicants. However, students seeking alternatives or additional options should consider these comparable institutions.
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82.0% of Thomas Jefferson University freshmen return for sophomore year, and 68.2% graduate within six years. These retention and completion rates indicate solid institutional support systems, though completion rates trail the peer median of 70% by 1.8 percentage points. Pell-eligible students graduate at 45.7%, creating a 22.5 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This substantial Pell gap suggests that lower-income students face additional challenges in degree completion, though nearly half of Pell recipients do successfully graduate. The large Pell completion gap indicates that prospective lower-income students should carefully evaluate support services and consider the institution's track record with students from similar backgrounds. Students who gain admission can expect solid first-year support given the 82% retention rate, but should plan for degree completion challenges that disproportionately affect lower-income students. Prospective students should view these metrics as indicators of the academic environment and support structures they will experience, particularly regarding the institution's effectiveness in serving diverse student populations through graduation.
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