Analysis
In Pennsylvania, health professions bachelor's programs show remarkable variation—from nearly $71,000 at Saint Joseph's Lancaster campus to under $30,000 at La Roche. Thomas Jefferson's program appears positioned near the state median based on estimates from four comparable PA programs, which suggest first-year earnings around $40,682. Combined with an estimated $27,000 in debt, this produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66, meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first year's salary.
The challenge here is uncertainty. With only estimates available for Jefferson's specific program, there's no way to know whether its graduates match the state median or diverge significantly. The school's strong reputation in health sciences and 86% admission rate suggest accessibility, but without actual outcome data, parents can't verify whether Jefferson delivers results comparable to Pitt's $44,545 median or falls closer to La Roche's lower figure. The $27,000 debt estimate sits right at the national median for health professions programs, but again, individual student borrowing could vary substantially.
For families considering this investment, the key question is what specific health profession this degree leads to. A general "health professions" bachelor's covers everything from health administration to clinical support roles, with vastly different earning potentials. Before committing, identify the exact career path, verify Jefferson's track record in placing graduates in that field, and compare those outcomes to the estimated figures—which may or may not reflect this program's reality.
Where Thomas Jefferson University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
Health Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (16 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $45,683 | $40,682* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $31,866 | $70,566* | — | $27,801* | 0.39 | |
| $21,524 | $44,545* | — | $25,239* | 0.57 | |
| $51,340 | $36,819* | $70,368 | $26,576* | 0.72 | |
| $33,120 | $29,678* | — | $26,000* | 0.88 | |
| National Median | — | $38,492* | — | $26,000* | 0.68 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Thomas Jefferson University, approximately 34% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 4 similar programs in PA. Actual outcomes may vary.