Drexel University
The Vibe Check
Drexel feels like a launchpad for careers, buzzing with a practical, project-driven energy where students are constantly building, coding, and designing. The campus has an urban grit, blending historic buildings with modern labs, and there's a palpable focus on real-world application over purely theoretical learning. It's a place where you're treated like a professional-in-training from day one.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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Academics & Majors
Drexel is a powerhouse in STEM and professional fields, with elite co-op programs that integrate paid, full-time work experience directly into the curriculum. Teaching is intensely hands-on, often led by industry veterans, and research opportunities are abundant, especially in biomedical engineering, robotics, and computer science. The academic culture is rigorous and collaborative, emphasizing problem-solving for tangible outcomes.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Philadelphia
Philadelphia offers an incredible urban playground, from exploring the historic sites of Old City and the vibrant murals to catching concerts and games at the nearby Wells Fargo Center. Students love the food scene (hello, cheesesteaks and Reading Terminal Market), the artsy vibe of Fishtown, and easy access to public transit for weekend trips to NYC or D.C. There's always something to do, whether it's museum-hopping, park picnics, or nightlife in Center City.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($84,648):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
Drexel's campus is in a dense urban area with a visible security presence, including the Drexel University Police Department and extensive camera networks. Like any major city campus, students need to stay aware of their surroundings, especially at night, but the university provides robust safety resources like escort services and well-lit pathways.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ The co-op program provides unparalleled paid work experience and a career head start.
- ✓ Strong outcomes in high-earning fields like engineering, computer science, and health professions.
- ✓ Location in Philadelphia offers rich cultural, professional, and urban opportunities.
- ✓ Diverse and inclusive campus community with a global focus.
Cons
- ✗ High tuition and fees, making affordability a concern for many families.
- ✗ The quarter system can be fast-paced and demanding, with less downtime.
- ✗ Urban setting requires students to be proactive about safety and navigating city life.
- ✗ The intense career focus might feel less liberally arts-oriented for some students.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Drexel is renowned for its pioneering co-op program, which integrates six months of full-time, paid work experience into the undergraduate curriculum. It's a leader in experiential learning, particularly in STEM fields like engineering, computer science, and biomedical research, as well as business and design. The university emphasizes real-world problem-solving and has strong industry partnerships.
Drexel has a moderately selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of approximately 77.53%. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1337. While it's not as selective as some top-tier universities, strong academic performance, especially in math and science, and demonstrated interest in its co-op program are important for competitive applicants.
Campus life at Drexel is vibrant and career-oriented, with a strong sense of community built around shared academic and professional goals. Students are heavily involved in project teams, research, and co-op preparation, but there are also over 300 student clubs, NCAA Division I athletics, and social events. The urban location means students can easily access Philadelphia's cultural and social scene, though some find the campus can feel quiet on weekends when many students are working co-ops or exploring the city.
For many students, especially in high-earning majors like engineering, computer science, and health professions, Drexel's investment can pay off. The median 10-year earnings of $84,648, combined with the co-op program's ability to offset tuition costs, provides a strong ROI. However, the high net price means families should maximize financial aid and scholarships to ensure it's a financially sound decision.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1891
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 15,486
- In-State Tuition $60,663
- Zip Code 19104
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $38,428 and strong post-grad earnings ($84,648 median at 10 years), Drexel offers a solid return on investment, especially for STEM and business majors. The co-op program is a key financial advantage, allowing students to earn significant income (often $18,000+ per year) to offset tuition costs. However, the high sticker price means families should carefully evaluate aid packages and scholarships to ensure affordability.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.