Drexel University
Drexel University is a private nonprofit university in Philadelphia, PA ranked #279 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 13,509 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 77.5%. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Computer Science.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 89.6% first-year retention, and 77.1% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $38,428, about $21,430 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -55.1%, roughly 140.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $69,063. That's about $25,375 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Drexel University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Drexel University graduates 77.1% of students within six years and keeps 89.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Drexel University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $60,663 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,700 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,550 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,500 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $75,167 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 25.2% of Drexel University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $27,737 to $47,490 depending on family income. Use Drexel University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $39,204/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $47,490/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $69,063
- 10-Year Median Earnings $69,063
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,204
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 76.6%
- Employment Rate 85.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Drexel University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Drexel University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Drexel University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Drexel University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Drexel University graduates earn $69,063 median, the -55.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 610-700
- SAT Math 620-730
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 27-33
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 13,509
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 89.6%
- Graduation Rate 77.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Drexel University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Drexel University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 77.5%, Drexel University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 77.5% acceptance rate, Drexel University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1230 and 1430 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Drexel University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Accounting and Related Services, and Mechanical Engineering draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 14.0%
- Accounting and Related Services 7.5%
- Mechanical Engineering 5.5%
- Design and Applied Arts 5.4%
- Marketing 4.4%
- Computer Science 4.1%
See more majors
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods 3.9%
- Biology, General 3.4%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $119,954
- 2. Computer Science $116,867
- 3. Information Science/Studies $106,929
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $106,794
- 5. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $103,385
- 6. Chemical Engineering $103,291
- 7. Finance and Financial Management Services $101,329
- 8. Construction Management $99,117
- 9. Materials Engineering $99,089
- 10. Mechanical Engineering $99,010
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $168,204
- 2. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $160,094
- 3. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $151,577
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Computer Science (Master's Degree) $145,348
- 5. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $138,258
- 6. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $137,596
- 7. Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) $137,228
- 8. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $130,756
- 9. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $124,559
- 10. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degree) $124,339
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $119,954—21% more than Mechanical Engineering ($99,010). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $168,204 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Drexel University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 368 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 259 graduates)
- Medicine (First Professional Degree, 255 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 189 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 185 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (64 programs)▼
- Accounting and Related Services
- Mechanical Engineering
- Design and Applied Arts
- Computer Science
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Biology, General
- Computer Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Chemical Engineering
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Economics
- Information Science/Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Architecture
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Mathematics
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Materials Engineering
- International Business
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Engineering Technology, General
- Graphic Communications
- Public Health
- Construction Management
- Architectural Engineering
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- International/Global Studies
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Nutrition Sciences
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Political Science and Government
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dance
- Culinary Arts and Related Services
- Real Estate
- Engineering, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Anthropology
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Business/Commerce, General
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
Online Master's Degrees (59 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Public Health
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Mechanical Engineering
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Biology, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Psychology, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Materials Engineering
- Marketing
- Interior Architecture
- Nutrition Sciences
- Economics
- Animal Sciences
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Design and Applied Arts
- Physics
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Food Science and Technology
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Security Science and Technology
- Mathematics
- Public Policy Analysis
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Chemistry
- Science, Technology and Society
- Publishing
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Architectural Engineering
- Homeland Security
- Culinary Arts and Related Services
- Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
- Real Estate
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
Online Doctoral Degrees (37 programs)▼
- Business/Commerce, General
- Psychology, General
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Information Science/Studies
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Mathematics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Chemical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Nutrition Sciences
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Education, Other
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Health
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Public Policy Analysis
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Communication and Media Studies
- Architectural Engineering
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Education, General
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (26 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Security Science and Technology
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Real Estate
- Library Science, Other
- Library Science and Administration
- Information Science/Studies
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Homeland Security
- Education, General
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Business/Commerce, General
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (20 programs)▼
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
- Marketing
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Engineering, General
- Science, Technology and Society
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Construction Management
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (5 programs)▼
- Medicine
- Law
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Public Health
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 13,509
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 51.2%
- Female Students 48.8%
- Caucasian 42.9%
- Asian 23.8%
- Hispanic 8.6%
- Black 9.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 25.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Drexel University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Drexel University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Drexel University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Drexel University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Drexel University has a diverse student body, with 42.9% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Drexel University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Drexel University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Drexel University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -55.1% ROI. Ranked #279 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $38,428 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $69,063 median earnings. With 77.1% graduating within six years and 89.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Drexel University's Positioning
With a A- grade and #279 ranking, Drexel University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $38,428 annually, Drexel University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 89.6% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $26,900 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -55.1% ROI and $69,063 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $28,428+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Drexel University ranks #279 of 1971 institutions, with 1303 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 77.1% six-year graduation rate sits 14.6 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 89.6% first-year retention is 12.8 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -55.1% return on investment is 140.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $69,063 run about 58% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $38,428 is roughly $18,529 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 89.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 85.9% employment rate within three years sits 17.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $38,428 is about $18,529 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 25.2% trails the national share by 8.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Drexel University is a private nonprofit university based in Philadelphia, PA and earns a A- overall grade. It appears at #279 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion A-, Support A-, Career Outcomes A, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 89.6% of first-year students return, and roughly 77.1% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -55.1%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $38,428 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $75,167.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $36,739 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,204 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 25.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $69,063 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 58% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 85.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -55.1% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
77.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Drexel University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Website drexel.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$948.4M