Thomas Jefferson University is a private research university headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed by the 2017 merger of Jefferson Medical College (founded 1824) and Philadelphia University. The institution is ranked #148 (estimated) among US News National Universities 2026-2027 and operates two campuses that split sharply between health sciences and design or business education.
Jefferson offers more than 160 undergraduate and graduate programmes across the Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, Jefferson College of Nursing, and the College of Rehabilitation Sciences. Instruction is entirely in English. For Indian applicants, Fall remains the primary intake with Spring entry open for selected graduate programmes, and the university currently enrols students from more than 60 countries.
- US News National Rank: #148 (estimated), 2026-2027 edition
- Acceptance Rate: 64% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January, selected programmes)
- Average PG Tuition: USD 35,000 to USD 50,000 (INR 33.08 to 47.25 lakh)
- Average MS Starting Salary: USD 65,000 (INR 61.43 lakh), market median
Also Check: MS universities in USA
Jefferson charges Indian applicants the same published tuition as domestic students and offers a mix of merit awards and graduate assistantships. International admits apply for the F-1 visa and may continue on 12-month OPT after graduation, extended to 36 months for STEM-designated programmes.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). Most graduate programmes accept applications on a rolling basis with priority consideration before February 2027 and final deadlines varying by school. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, began accepting applications in September 2026 and runs rolling admissions with no fixed close date, though Sidney Kimmel Medical College uses a fixed AMCAS cycle. Spring 2027 entry is closed for most programmes; verify programme-specific windows on the official admissions page.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Thomas Jefferson University 2027
- Thomas Jefferson University Admission 2027
- Thomas Jefferson University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Thomas Jefferson University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Thomas Jefferson University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Thomas Jefferson University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Thomas Jefferson University Scholarships 2027
- Thomas Jefferson University Rankings 2027
- Thomas Jefferson University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Thomas Jefferson University vs Peer Universities
- Thomas Jefferson University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Thomas Jefferson University 2027
Jefferson structures tuition by programme and credit load. Postgraduate fees range widely by school, with health science and design programmes priced higher than business or arts tracks. Indian applicants pay the published tuition without an international surcharge for most programmes.
Top PG Programmes at Jefferson University
Most master’s programmes run 18 to 24 months at an average of 36 credit hours. The totals below reflect published per-credit rates confirmed on the official fee schedule.
| Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | USD 50,000 (estimated) | 47.25 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Pharmaceutical Industry | USD 45,000 (estimated) | 42.53 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Textile Engineering | USD 42,000 (estimated) | 39.69 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Industrial Design | USD 48,000 (estimated) | 45.36 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 + portfolio (recommended) |
| MS Architecture | USD 50,000 (estimated) | 47.25 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 + portfolio (recommended) |
| MS Construction Management | USD 38,000 (estimated) | 35.91 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Nursing (DNP) | USD 55,000 (estimated) | 51.98 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in Nursing with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Occupational Therapy | USD 60,000 (estimated) | 56.70 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended) |
| MS Public Health | USD 36,000 (estimated) | 34.02 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Fashion Design | USD 48,000 (estimated) | 45.36 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 + portfolio (recommended) |
Top UG Programmes at Jefferson University
Undergraduate programmes run four years at a flat annual tuition. The totals below assume full-time enrolment at the East Falls campus.
| Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Fashion Design | USD 192,000 (estimated) | 181.44 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Interior Design | USD 192,000 (estimated) | 181.44 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
| BS Nursing | USD 200,000 (estimated) | 189.00 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 75% in PCB (recommended) |
| BS Industrial Design | USD 192,000 (estimated) | 181.44 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% + portfolio (recommended) |
| BS Business Administration | USD 192,000 (estimated) | 181.44 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian students concentrate heavily in Jefferson’s health sciences, design and pharmaceutical industry programmes because those tracks map to clear OPT and employer sponsorship pathways in Philadelphia and the broader New York corridor.
Read More: Thomas Jefferson University Fees and Cost of Living Guide
Thomas Jefferson University Admission 2027
Jefferson accepts Fall and Spring intakes, with Fall being the primary cycle for Indian applicants. Most graduate programmes operate on rolling admission while Sidney Kimmel Medical College follows the AMCAS cycle.
Jefferson University PG Admission Dates 2027
The following dates apply to international applicants targeting Fall 2027 entry.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Priority deadline (most PG) | Expected 1 February 2027 (based on prior cycle) | Earlier submission improves scholarship chances |
| Final deadline (rolling programmes) | Varies by programme; verify at official admissions page | Many design and business programmes remain open until April |
| Credential verification (WES) | Start 8 weeks before deadline | WES evaluation is required for all international transcripts |
| Programme start | August 2027 | Mandatory international orientation in week prior |
Jefferson University UG Admission Dates 2027
Undergraduate international applicants follow a priority schedule separate from US domestic Common Application dates.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action deadline | Expected 1 November 2026 (based on prior cycle) | Non-binding; preferred for scholarship consideration |
| Regular Decision deadline | Expected 1 March 2027 (based on prior cycle) | Final date for Fall 2027 freshman entry |
| Programme start | August 2027 | Orientation includes F-1 compliance briefing |
Planning note: Indian applicants should factor in a six to eight week WES credential evaluation window and an additional four to six week F-1 visa interview wait at Mumbai or Delhi consulates when working backward from the August programme start.
Read More: Thomas Jefferson University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Thomas Jefferson University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Jefferson evaluates Indian applicants on academic record, English proficiency and programme-specific supporting documents.
PG Entry Requirements
- Academic eligibility: Four-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); design and health programmes typically expect 60% or CGPA 6.0/10
- English test minimum: TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5 or PTE Academic 56 or Duolingo English Test 110 (verify at official admissions page)
- Credential verification: WES course-by-course evaluation of Indian transcripts
- Programme-specific: Portfolio for design and architecture; GRE optional for most MS; MCAT required for medical college
UG Entry Requirements
- Academic eligibility: Class 12 completion with 70% to 85% depending on programme (recommended); nursing expects 75% in PCB
- Language requirement: TOEFL iBT 79 or IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo English Test 105 (verify at official admissions page)
- Standardized tests: SAT and ACT are test-optional for most undergraduate programmes
Key insight: Indian applicants with English-medium instruction documented on the Class 12 transcript may request an IELTS or TOEFL waiver, though Jefferson grants this at the admissions committee’s discretion rather than automatically.
Thomas Jefferson University Acceptance Rate 2027
Jefferson University maintains an undergraduate acceptance rate of 64% (estimated), placing it among moderately selective US private universities. Programme-level selectivity varies sharply, with Sidney Kimmel Medical College admitting under 10% of applicants while design and business programmes admit above 70%.
The rate reflects the merged institution’s capacity across two campuses. Graduate programme admissions depend heavily on fit with the specific school rather than a university-wide gate.
Reality check: A moderate overall rate does not mean easy admission for every Indian applicant. Health sciences and design portfolios face stiff competition from US and international candidates, so a strong academic record alone will not secure a seat in the flagship programmes.
Read More: Thomas Jefferson University Acceptance Rate
Thomas Jefferson University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Indian students planning a Jefferson masters should budget USD 50,000 to USD 65,000 (INR 47.25 to 61.43 lakh) per year combining tuition and Philadelphia living costs.
Jefferson Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Tuition is published per credit hour with full-time students taking 9 to 12 credits per semester.
| Programme Level | Annual Fee (USD) | Annual Fee (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (East Falls) | USD 46,000 to USD 50,000 (estimated) | 43.47 to 47.25 lakh (estimated) |
| Postgraduate (MS/MBA) | USD 25,000 to USD 50,000 (estimated) | 23.63 to 47.25 lakh (estimated) |
| Health Sciences (DNP, OT) | USD 40,000 to USD 60,000 (estimated) | 37.80 to 56.70 lakh (estimated) |
[Source: Thomas Jefferson University official tuition schedule]
Monthly Cost of Living in Philadelphia for Indian Students
Philadelphia sits in the middle of the US cost-of-living index, cheaper than New York but pricier than Pittsburgh or Columbus. Expenses below reflect single-student estimates near either Jefferson campus.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared) | USD 900 (estimated) | 0.85 lakh (estimated) |
| Food and groceries | USD 350 (estimated) | 0.33 lakh (estimated) |
| Transportation (SEPTA pass) | USD 100 (estimated) | 0.09 lakh (estimated) |
| Books and supplies | USD 90 (estimated) | 0.09 lakh (estimated) |
| Personal and health insurance | USD 260 (estimated) | 0.25 lakh (estimated) |
| Total monthly | USD 1,700 (estimated) | 1.61 lakh (estimated) |
| Total annual | USD 20,400 (estimated) | 19.28 lakh (estimated) |
[Source: Collegedunia market estimate based on Philadelphia 2026 cost benchmarks]
Insider note: Indian students at the East Falls campus often share two-bedroom apartments in Manayunk or Roxborough for USD 700 per person, which cuts rent 20% below Center City rates near the health sciences campus.
Thomas Jefferson University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Jefferson operates two main campuses in Philadelphia, each with a distinct academic focus and residential character.
- Location and transport: Center City campus sits in downtown Philadelphia near Jefferson Station; East Falls campus lies 10 km north with SEPTA Regional Rail connectivity
- Housing: On-campus options cover roughly 40% of undergraduates; international graduate students typically rent off-campus from USD 700 to USD 1,100 monthly for shared rooms
- Notable facilities: Design Center at East Falls, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, and the Jefferson Health network of 18 hospitals providing clinical rotations
- Indian community: Active Indian Student Association hosts Diwali and Holi events; Philadelphia’s wider Indian community of 90,000-plus supports cultural grounding
What Indian students say: The East Falls campus feels like a traditional American suburban university while Center City operates like an urban teaching hospital. Students suggest choosing accommodation based on which campus your programme uses rather than price alone, since the SEPTA commute between them runs 30 to 40 minutes each way.
Thomas Jefferson University Scholarships 2027
Jefferson offers merit-based scholarships to international graduate and undergraduate applicants, with limited need-based aid at the undergraduate level.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Merit Scholarship | Merit | Up to USD 15,000 (INR 14.18 lakh) | UG international applicants with strong academic record | Verify at official scholarships page |
| Dean’s Scholarship | Merit | Up to USD 20,000 (INR 18.90 lakh) | Top admitted UG applicants | Verify at official scholarships page |
| Graduate Assistantship | Merit and service | Tuition remission + stipend | Enrolled graduate students in select programmes | Rolling after admission |
| Alumni Legacy Scholarship | Merit | Varies | Children or siblings of Jefferson alumni | Verify at official scholarships page |
Planning note: Jefferson awards most international scholarships automatically from the admission application without a separate scholarship form, so submitting the complete application before priority deadlines materially improves award size for Indian applicants.
Read More: Thomas Jefferson University Scholarships Guide
Thomas Jefferson University Rankings 2027
Jefferson ranks strongly in US News National Universities and in health sciences subject rankings but has limited visibility in global ranking bodies that weigh research citations heavily.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | 2026-2027: #148 (estimated) | 2025-2026: #148 | 2024-2025: #151 |
| US News Best Global Universities | 2025: Not ranked in top 1500 | 2024: Not ranked | 2023: Not ranked |
| QS World University Rankings | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| THE World University Rankings | 2026: Not ranked in top 1500 | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
[Source: US News, QS, THE]
Sidney Kimmel Medical College is separately ranked by US News Best Medical Schools in research and primary care categories; applicants pursuing clinical and health sciences programmes should weight subject rankings over global league tables.
Key insight: A US News National University rank around #148 keeps Jefferson comfortably inside the band US employers recognize and inside the H-1B sponsor pool, so the absence of a QS world rank matters less for Indian applicants targeting North American careers than it would for those planning to return home.
Thomas Jefferson University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Jefferson’s placement strength rests on Philadelphia’s dense healthcare employer base and the Jefferson Health hospital network that absorbs many clinical graduates.
- Employment within 6 months: 92% (estimated) across health and design graduates
- Median MS starting salary: USD 65,000 (INR 61.43 lakh), market median for Philadelphia health and design roles
- MBA median post-graduation salary: USD 75,000 (INR 70.88 lakh), market median
- Top sectors for Indian graduates: Healthcare administration, pharmaceutical manufacturing, apparel design, medical devices, and clinical research
- Career support: Jefferson Career Services runs programme-specific advising, OPT and STEM OPT workshops, and an annual career fair that draws Johnson and Johnson, Merck, Comcast, Urban Outfitters and GSK
Insider note: Indian graduates from Jefferson’s STEM-designated MS programmes benefit from the 36-month OPT window, which gives three H-1B lottery chances compared to one chance for non-STEM MBA graduates on standard 12-month OPT.
Thomas Jefferson University vs Peer Universities
Jefferson sits alongside other Philadelphia and northeast private universities serving health sciences and design students. The comparison below uses US News National Universities rank, Collegedunia Study Abroad reference points, and average PG tuition.
| University | US News National 2026-2027 | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD / INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Jefferson University | #148 (estimated) | USD 40,000 / 37.80 lakh (estimated) | Integrated health + design under one institution |
| Drexel University | #105 (estimated) | USD 42,000 / 39.69 lakh (estimated) | Co-op model with six-month paid industry placements |
| Temple University | #105 (estimated) | USD 32,000 / 30.24 lakh (estimated) | Lower tuition with Fox School of Business reputation |
| Rutgers University | #40 (estimated) | USD 36,000 / 34.02 lakh (estimated) | Public research university with stronger global visibility |
| Villanova University | #58 (estimated) | USD 55,000 / 51.98 lakh (estimated) | Catholic private with top engineering and business reputation |
Jefferson stands out for Indian applicants targeting health sciences or design because few US universities house a medical college, nursing school and design college under one administration. The merger lets students combine clinical practice coursework with product design, textile science or health informatics in ways standalone health or design schools cannot replicate.
Jefferson is the right fit for Indian students pursuing health sciences, nursing, pharmaceutical industry or design careers in the US, where a total two-year investment near INR 60 lakh maps against median starting salaries of USD 65,000 (INR 61.43 lakh) and a clear F-1 to OPT to H-1B pathway.
Jefferson is not the right choice for Indian applicants seeking a globally recognized research brand for a return to Indian or European academia, or those targeting pure engineering or computer science degrees. Candidates in that profile should consider Drexel University or Rutgers as realistic alternatives.
Thomas Jefferson University FAQs
Ques. Does Thomas Jefferson University offer English-taught online programmes?
Ans. Yes, Jefferson offers over 20 fully online master’s and certificate programmes in healthcare quality, population health, pharmacy administration, and construction management. These programmes do not qualify for an F-1 visa since physical US presence is not required, so Indian students enrolling online typically study from India and avoid the full relocation cost of a campus programme.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Jefferson?
Ans. F-1 visa holders at Jefferson may work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the academic term and 40 hours per week during breaks. Common roles include library assistant, graduate assistant, and research positions in Jefferson Health labs. Off-campus work needs Curricular Practical Training authorisation after completing one academic year of enrolment.
Ques. Is GRE required for Jefferson University graduate programmes?
Ans. GRE is optional or waived for most Jefferson master’s programmes, including MBA, MS in Construction Management, and MS in Pharmaceutical Industry. However, select health sciences programmes such as physical therapy and some research-track MS degrees may require or recommend GRE scores. Indian applicants should confirm the current requirement on the specific programme page before applying.
Ques. What is the application fee for Jefferson University?
Ans. Jefferson charges USD 50 (INR 4,725) for most graduate applications and USD 75 (INR 7,088) for medical college applications. The university sometimes waives the application fee during open house events or for Common Application users. Indian applicants paying by card may also face a small foreign transaction fee from their issuing bank.
Ques. Which Indian banks offer education loans for Jefferson University?
Ans. Jefferson is recognized by all major Indian education loan providers including HDFC Credila, Avanse, Prodigy Finance, Auxilo, SBI, Bank of Baroda, and Union Bank of India. Students targeting health sciences and STEM-designated MS programmes typically secure easier loan approval because of the strong post-study employment outlook and the 36-month STEM OPT window.
Ques. Does Jefferson accept the Duolingo English Test for admission?
Ans. Yes, Jefferson accepts Duolingo English Test scores for both undergraduate and graduate international applicants, with a typical minimum of 105 to 110 depending on the programme. The test is cheaper and faster than TOEFL or IELTS, and Indian applicants can take it from home. Confirm the current minimum score on the official international admissions page before registering.
Ques. How long does WES evaluation take for Jefferson applicants?
Ans. WES course-by-course evaluation takes six to eight weeks from the date WES receives all transcripts and documents from the Indian university. Indian applicants should start the WES process at least three months before the Jefferson application deadline because university transcript dispatch, document verification and the evaluation itself all stack up. Delays in Indian transcript release are the most common bottleneck.
Ques. Are F-2 dependent visas available for spouses of Jefferson students?
Ans. Yes, F-1 students at Jefferson may bring spouses and children under 21 on F-2 dependent visas. The primary applicant must show additional financial proof of approximately USD 8,000 per dependent per year beyond their own tuition and living costs. F-2 spouses cannot work in the US but may study part-time; children can attend US schools from kindergarten through grade 12.
Thomas Jefferson University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.B.A Innovation 2 years | Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2027 Intake (1st Feb 2027) | USD 21,420 /Yr | 50 | TOEFL- 80 | IELTS- 6.5 | Duolingo- 115 | PTE- 53 | |
MS Biotechnology 2 years | USD 36,807 /Yr | 50 | GPA: 3.0, TOEFL: 4.0, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE: 53 | ||
M.S Construction Management 2 years | USD 28,530 /Yr | 50 | GPA: 3.0, TOEFL : 4.0, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 115 | ||
| USD 25,308 /Yr | 50 | GPA: 3.0, TOEFL : 80, IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 115 |
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Thomas Jefferson University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based |
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Thomas Jefferson University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.philau.edu/admissions/apply.html
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Thomas Jefferson University Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Thomas Jefferson University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2408 | 2372 | 36 | 20 |
Comments
Found 1 Comment
Will there any spring admissions in msc biomedical sciences for 2023-2024 be available soon?
Thomas Jefferson University accepts applications for the M.Sc Biomedical Sciences program on a rolling basis. Students may begin coursework in any academic term. You can submit your application though the online application portal on the university’s website.