Drexel University
About Drexel University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is known for its cooperative education program, which integrates classroom learning with up to 18 months of paid work experience. Drexel has strong programs in engineering, business, and health sciences.
Founded
1891
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Students
21,077
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
79.4%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
78.2%
Near national average
Tuition
$62,412
Per year
Avg Net Price
$38,509
After financial aid
SAT Average
1345
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$84,648
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$65
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Drexel University accepts the majority of applicants at 79.4%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1345/ 1600
ACT Scores
29/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
78.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
89.5%
4-Year Grad
31%
6-Year Grad
78%
Teaching Quality
9:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
57.7%
$/Student
$22.4K
Class Size
Small
The 31% graduation rate is below average, but 89.5% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$62,412
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$18,096
Books & Supplies
$1,700
Total Cost of Attendance
$76,835
After Financial Aid
$38,509
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$28,055
Receive Grants
26.8%
Take Loans
49.3%
The total cost of attendance runs about $76,835/yr, including $18,096 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $38,509.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Drexel University fund their education.
While in School
26.8%
Get Grants
Free money
49.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$52,511
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,325
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$268/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,325 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $85K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Drexel University.
Gender
49.2%
Female
51%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
13,233
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
7,844
Graduates
29.2%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
7.3%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (49% women, 51% men). 29.2% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 9.1% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
13,233
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Quarter calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Co-op program provides up to 18 months of work experience
- +University City location near Penn and Philadelphia attractions
- +Strong career placement from co-op connections
- +Modern campus with growing facilities
Cons
- -Quarter system is fast-paced and stressful
- -Tuition is high even with co-op earnings
- -Campus area safety concerns at night
- -Five-year program extends time to graduation
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Drexel University fields 12 varsity teams with 463 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Colonial
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Rowing
Student Athletes
463
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
53% / 47%
247
Men
216
Women
9
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Drexel Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$84,648
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$85K
470 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$70K
333 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Science
$87K
209 grads
1yr Earnings
Mechanical Engineering
$74K
183 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$38K
152 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$58K
148 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $69K six years out, climb to $67K by year eight, and reach $85K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Drexel University
What is the acceptance rate at Drexel University?▾
How much does Drexel University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Drexel University?▾
How much do Drexel University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.