What Admissions Pathways Are Available at Thomas Jefferson University?

Thomas Jefferson University offers distinct admissions pathways depending on where you are in your education: first-year undergraduate, transfer, graduate, and medical school applicants each apply through a separate entry point. The university also runs accelerated online undergraduate options and nearly 100 online undergraduate and graduate programs through Jefferson Online. If you are unsure which path fits you, the University Admissions website is the central starting point.

Admissions pathways at a glance

First-Year Admissions

This is the pathway for students applying to a bachelor's degree without prior college enrollment. Jefferson describes its admissions team as ready to assist with the academic journey ahead, and the first-year route is the standard entry point for that stage.

Transfer Admissions

If you have already completed college coursework elsewhere, Transfer Admissions is the relevant pathway rather than First-Year Admissions. Use this route when you are bringing existing credits into a Jefferson undergraduate program.

Graduate Admissions

Graduate Admissions covers master's and other graduate-level programs outside the medical school. Jefferson offers nearly 200 programs in total across undergraduate and graduate levels, so this pathway spans a wide range of fields.

Sidney Kimmel Medical College Admissions

Medical school applicants apply through a separate pathway: Sidney Kimmel Medical College Admissions. This is distinct from general Graduate Admissions and should be used specifically for the medical college.

Accelerated and online options

Jefferson offers a variety of accelerated online undergraduate degree options across multiple disciplines, intended for students with specific educational objectives who want a faster route. Separately, Jefferson Online hosts nearly 100 online undergraduate and graduate programs built for flexibility and an interactive community. If you want to search by program rather than by applicant type, Jefferson's Online Program Finder is the tool to use.

How to decide which pathway to use

• No prior college credit, seeking a bachelor's degree → First-Year Admissions
• Prior college credit, seeking a bachelor's degree → Transfer Admissions
• Seeking a master's or other graduate degree (non-medical) → Graduate Admissions
• Applying to medical school → Sidney Kimmel Medical College Admissions
• Wanting to finish an undergraduate degree faster → Accelerated Online Undergraduate
• Needing fully online study at either level → Jefferson Online

Before you apply

Jefferson's admissions pages point to several supporting resources: a virtual tour and in-person visit options across its Philadelphia-area campuses, which include the Center City campus and the East Falls grounds. The university also highlights outcomes data — its First Destination Report cites 92% of recent graduates — and notes that it climbed in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, including gains in Best Value Schools and Top Performers on Social Mobility. Tuition & Financial Aid is listed as a separate section, and the university promotes Fall Open House & Scholarship Days where prospective students can meet faculty, hear from current students, and learn about financial aid.

To move forward, start at the University Admissions website and select the pathway that matches your situation.