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Thomas Jefferson University — ROI, Cost & Payback

Private nonprofit · Philadelphia, PA · 3,755 students

The verdict

Thomas Jefferson University charges a net price of $28,928/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $115,712. Graduates earn a median $77,449 ten years after entry, $29,089/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 4 years — a 20-year net return of $466,068, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Thomas Jefferson University's 4-year payback ranks #289 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 78% of them, and #15 of 169 in Pennsylvania.

Better ROI than 78% of US colleges#289 of 1,280
Weakest ROIStrongest ROI
$28,928
Net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$77,449
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
4 yrs
Payback
Our math, 2026
81%
Admission rate
Scorecard, 2026
Thomas Jefferson University: cost, earnings and payback
MeasureValueSource
Net price (after aid)$28,928/yrScorecard, 2026
Total net cost (4 yrs)$115,712our math
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry$77,449Scorecard, 2026
Earnings premium over HS baseline$29,089/yrour math
Median debt (completers)$14,744Scorecard, 2026
Payback4 yrsour math
20-year net return$466,068our math

College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.

How we compute this. Payback = total net cost ÷ annual earnings premium, where the premium is median earnings 10 years after entry minus the $48,360 baseline (BLS 2024 median for a high-school-diploma worker 25+). Total net cost = net price × 4 years. We do not discount future dollars. The institution-wide earnings figure blends every major — a specific program's payback can be far better or worse. Full method on the methodology page.

Thomas Jefferson University: frequently asked questions

Is Thomas Jefferson University worth the cost?
On the numbers, yes. Thomas Jefferson University charges $28,928/yr after aid ($115,712 over 4 years), and graduates earn a median $77,449 ten years out — $29,089/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. That clears the cost in 4 years and returns $466,068 net over 20 years, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast.
How long does a Thomas Jefferson University degree take to pay off?
About 4 years. We divide the $115,712 four-year net cost by the $29,089/yr earnings premium over the high-school baseline. It is a floor, not a ceiling — mid-career raises pay it back faster.
How much does Thomas Jefferson University cost after financial aid?
The median net price is $28,928/yr — about $115,712 over 4 years. That is what the typical aided student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the published sticker price.
How does Thomas Jefferson University compare to other Pennsylvania colleges?
It ranks #15 of 169 Pennsylvania colleges we track by payback. Its $77,449 median earnings beat the national median of $43,552, and its $28,928 net price is above the national median of $16,906.