Jefferson Demonstrates a Model of Success Amid Significant Change
New University leadership, industry connections and a focus on jobs of the future led to a record year.
In recent years, Thomas Jefferson University has emerged as an institution with significant momentum. By strategically highlighting the connection between academic programs and professional success, the University is setting new records as students seek an education focused on the future of work.
Strong Enrollment Figures Reflect Growing Interest
In the competitive landscape of higher education recruitment, Jefferson is experiencing a record-setting year.
The 2025 freshman class is projected to enroll 930 to 950 students—the largest in the institution’s 201-year history and a remarkable 95% increase since 2017.
Undergraduate transfer enrollment is also on the rise as the University is on pace for a 10% increase compared to last year; graduate enrollment and medical school demand continue to climb, as evidenced by the record number of applications to Sidney Kimmel Medical College—12,033 for the 275 seats in the incoming 2025 class.
“We launch strategic programs that resonate with employers,” says University President Dr. Susan Aldridge, pictured here with members of the Class of 2025. (Photos/©Thomas Jefferson University Photography Services)
These impressive stats are particularly striking against the backdrop of higher education challenges, including mergers and closures, faced by many institutions in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
“We’re doing extremely well,” says University President Dr. Susan Aldridge, emphasizing Jefferson’s resilience and competitiveness in an ever-changing educational landscape.
The enrollment increase highlights the University’s success, especially in the context of market conditions over the past five years, says Erin Finn Saraceni, vice president of enrollment management.
“The pandemic, botched FAFSA roll-out and changing perceptions of the value of higher education have created downward pressure on student recruitment,” she says. “I believe Jefferson’s success reflects the high premium students and families place on an education focused on personal development, professional readiness and workforce needs.”
Commitment to Student Success and Career Readiness
Jefferson’s commitment to student success and career readiness lies at the heart of its recruitment strategy. Dr. Aldridge stresses the University’s impressive outcomes, noting that 98% of students with an undergraduate degree go on to work in their field or pursue a graduate degree.
Jefferson saw a record number of applications to Sidney Kimmel Medical College for the incoming 2025 class. Pictured here, med student Arryana Daniels celebrates with her family at last year’s White Coat Ceremony.
This trend underscores Jefferson’s dedication to providing a distinctive teaching and learning approach focused on active, collaborative, real-world learning grounded in the liberal arts. The University offers an education aligned with the needs of the work world, experiential and dedicated to building the practical skills students need and employers clamor for—an essential factor for prospective students seeking value in their educational investment.
Dr. Matt Baker, provost and chief academic officer, shares insights into the inherent appeal of Jefferson’s professional degrees. “We address high-demand fields,” he says. “Our outcomes are strong, particularly our very high match rates in our medical and pharmacy colleges.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Baker emphasizes the importance of innovation in education.
“A recent survey showed that 75% of students said their university didn’t prepare them for a world of artificial intelligence (AI),” he says. “We’re continuing to add opportunities and programs that focus on AI, so our students have a robust knowledge base that will help them succeed in any career path.”
For Jefferson’s undergrad Class of 2024, 98% of students went on to work in their field or pursue a graduate degree.
New degree and course offerings recently added include MS in Business Analytics, MS in Data Analytics, MS in Computational Biology and Medicine, and AI in Health Analytics Leadership Advanced Practice Certificate. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates Jefferson’s commitment to continuously adapting its curriculum to the evolving needs of the workforce and demands of future students.
“We launch strategic programs that resonate with employers,” says Dr. Aldridge, who was installed as the University’s seventh president in October. “We educate working professionals who return to school to enhance their skills. Many of our professional certifications and post-graduate degrees have online and flexible learning options, so professionals with full-time jobs can gain new knowledge and skills.”
A Holistic Approach to Education
The University also meets the needs of a shift in consciousness of the current generation.
“Students want to make a difference in the world, which we’ve woven into our curriculum,” Dr. Baker says. “We integrate sustainability into architecture and business courses, social consciousness into nursing and medicine curriculum, and cross-disciplinary collaboration into many of our academic programs.”
Jefferson continues to add opportunities and programs that focus on AI, so students have a robust knowledge base that will help them succeed in any career path, says Dr. Matt Baker, provost and chief academic officer.
Furthermore, Jefferson emphasizes community engagement and individualized attention. “When asked what makes us special, students tell me that the faculty know them, they know their names and they care about their success,” Dr. Aldridge says. “Our faculty truly sees and cares about our students. It’s in our DNA.”
This level of personalized engagement fosters a supportive learning environment and empowers students to achieve their goals, she says.
Building Momentum for a Bright Future
As Jefferson enters its third century, it’s capitalizing on significant momentum, Finn Saraceni says. “It’s not a coincidence that this is a record-breaking year.”
With enrollment continuing to rise—for first-year undergraduate, transfer and graduate students—Jefferson is solidifying its position in the higher education landscape.
“The growth and stability in our enrollment portfolio over the past eight years is incredibly exciting,” Finn Saraceni says. “We’re focused on the full breadth and depth of what Thomas Jefferson University offers today. For example, not only have we continued to grow in the health professions, but we’ve also seen increases in colleges beyond health and science, like a 45% growth in our College of Architecture and the Built Environment.”
Since merging with Philadelphia University nearly eight years ago, Jefferson has seen significant benefits contributing to its increased enrollment and success.
At Jefferson’s Fashion Design Show, students highlight their creative, innovative and forward-thinking looks.
The merger allowed for a diversification of academic programs, bringing together a university primarily focused on health and science with one known for disciplines in design, fashion, textiles, business, engineering and health. This broader curriculum has attracted a wider range of students seeking unique and marketable skills.
Additionally, integrating resources and facilities has enhanced the campus experience, making it more appealing to prospective students. This strategic move continues to fuel growth, solidifying the institution’s reputation as an educational leader that meets contemporary demands.
Jefferson’s remarkable recruitment efforts stand as a testament to its dedication to student engagement, academic excellence and transformative education. Through a strong emphasis on career preparation and the future of work, community involvement and innovative curricula, the University is paving the way for generations of students to thrive in their careers and positively impact the world.
Jefferson isn’t just building a legacy—it’s transforming lives and shaping the future of higher education.
“Our focus on innovation, creating new knowledge and redefining what’s possible so our graduates can go out and live our mission statement—we improve lives—is a real draw to this University,” Finn Saraceni says.