Jefferson Jumps in Latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings

Thomas Jefferson University has jumped in several major categories in the just-released U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges rankings.

The rise in rankings clearly demonstrates Jefferson’s commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive, experiential learning, says Jefferson CEO Dr. Joe Cacchione. “We’re providing value at a crucial time in the higher-education landscape.”

Most notably, Jefferson climbed six spots to No. 136 in the overall rank–national universities category, placing the University in the top 31% of the country. U.S. News & World Report bases this rank on a host of metrics, including graduation rates, peer assessment, first-year retention rates, financial resources per student and faculty salaries.

“These rankings represent the stellar work of our faculty and staff to ensure student success,” says University President Dr. Susan Aldridge. “When students leave Jefferson, we’re confident they’re ready and adaptable for the future of work or to continue their studies in their chosen field.”

Jefferson also moved up four spots to No. 36 in the best value schools category, a top 17% ranking that validates the tremendous return on investment University graduates receive in beginning their professional lives, admissions to master’s degree programs and starting salary, Dr. Aldridge says.

“The cost of education is a challenge for families and students,” she says. “They look for value for the investment. Jefferson students are focused on careers, not just jobs.

“Undergraduates achieve a 97% employment and grad school success rate, and 24% of graduates from East Falls Campus go into master’s degree programs at Jefferson,” Dr. Aldridge continues. “Our deans and faculty design academic programs to give these students clear pathways into master’s degree programs. This has been a hallmark of our success.”

U.S. News bases the best value ranking on four indicators: academic quality relative to the average discount price paid by full-time undergraduates after receiving need-based grants; the percent of all full-time undergraduates receiving need-based scholarships or grants; among full-time undergraduates who received need-based aid, the percentage of that percentage who also received a grant or scholarship—aid students don’t have to pay back; and the average discount from the school’s total sticker price for full-time undergraduates.

In addition, Jefferson’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing soared 28 spots to No. 39 to be in the top 6% of the country—“a well-deserved distinction for this exceptional program,” Dr. Aldridge notes.

U.S. News determines these rankings on the judgment of deans and senior faculty members of nursing schools and departments at institutions nationwide who participated in a peer assessment survey. Plus, a school must be accredited at the bachelor’s level by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and be a regionally accredited institution that awarded at least 40 BSN degrees.

“At Jefferson College of Nursing, our high rankings aren’t just numbers; they’re a testament to the exceptional caliber of our faculty, staff and the outstanding quality of students we attract,” says Dean Dr. Marie Ann Marino. “We take pride in fostering an inclusive environment of excellence and innovation, empowering our students to become nurse leaders who will transform healthcare in the communities they serve.”

Finally, Jefferson improved seven spots for best colleges for veterans. The University recently announced it expanded Yellow Ribbon Program benefits for post-9/11 military veterans, active-duty service members and their families.

“Just like most professionals these days, military service members and veterans are looking for opportunities that will give them a leg up on career advancement,” Dr. Aldridge says. “By expanding Yellow Ribbon benefits, we’re not only providing a wide range of high-quality academic options that meet their needs, we’re also giving back to those brave men and women who have given so much to us.”

For more information, see the U.S. News & World Report rankings.