Drew University
Drew University in Madison, New Jersey has an acceptance rate of 67.8%, an average net price of $25,614, and an overall rank of #401 (Grade B+). About 70.8% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $62,641 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
Drew University is a private nonprofit university in Madison, NJ. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Biology.
Academically, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, and 88.4% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 57.4%, roughly 7.5 points higher than typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Drew University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Drew University graduates 70.8% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 74.8% and keeps 88.4% 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 Drew 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
Est. annual aid gap: $41,200 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
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 | $49,100 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,035 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $18,504 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,460 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $66,814 |
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 31.5% of Drew University students receive Pell Grants — slightly 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 $14,982 to $36,453 depending on family income. Use Drew University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $25,294/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $36,453/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $62,641
- 10-Year Median Earnings $66,065
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $21,585
- Debt-to-Earnings ~34.5%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 69.7%
- Employment Rate 93.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Drew University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Drew University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Drew University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Drew University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Drew University graduates earn $62,641 median five years after graduation, 2% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 570-688
- SAT Math 533-650
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 24-30
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,533
- Full-Time Students 99.3%
- Part-Time Students 0.7%
- Retention Rate 88.4%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 70.8%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 74.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Drew University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Drew 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 67.8%, Drew 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 67.8% acceptance rate, Drew 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 1103 and 1338 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Drew University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 13.7%
- Psychology, General 8.9%
- Biology, General 7.9%
- English Language and Literature, General 7.1%
- Political Science and Government 6.6%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.7%
See more majors
- Computer Science 4.7%
- Economics 4.7%
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. Business Administration, Management and Operations $73,007
- 2. Biology, General $72,254
- 3. Political Science and Government $67,905
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $62,472
- 5. Psychology, General $61,107
- 6. Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft $55,901
- 7. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $54,143
- 8. English Language and Literature, General $53,589
- 9. Neurobiology and Neurosciences $50,259
- 10. Fine and Studio Arts $49,767
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Theological and Ministerial Studies (Doctoral Degree) $77,998
- 2. Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degree) $57,404
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $73,007—47% more than Fine and Studio Arts ($49,767). Graduate: Theological and Ministerial Studies programs lead with $77,998 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Drew 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
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 52 graduates)
- Theological and Ministerial Studies (Doctoral Degree, 34 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 34 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 30 graduates)
- English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degree, 27 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data 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 (35 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Political Science and Government
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sociology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Anthropology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- History
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Marketing
- Public Health
- Physics
- Music
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Engineering Physics
- Area Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Accounting and Related Services
Online Master's Degrees (9 programs)▼
- Economics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Computational Science
- Education, General
- Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Data Science
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
Online Doctoral Degrees (8 programs)▼
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
- English Language and Literature, General
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, General
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (11 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Statistics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
- Data Science
Online First Professional Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, General
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,533
- Full-Time Students 99.3%
- Part-Time Students 0.7%
- Male Students 44.4%
- Female Students 55.6%
- Caucasian 55.7%
- Asian 3.8%
- Hispanic 7.1%
- Black 11.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 31.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Drew University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Drew University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Drew University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Drew University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Drew University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong 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 Drew University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Drew University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 57.4% ROI. Ranked #401 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $25,614 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $62,641 median earnings. With 70.8% graduating within 150% of normal time and 88.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Drew University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #401 ranking, Drew University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $25,614 annually, Drew University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 88.4% 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 $17,930 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 57.4% ROI and $62,641 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $15,614+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Drew University ranks #401 of 1955 institutions, with 1163 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
- 70.8% graduation rate sits 8.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 88.4% first-year retention is 11.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 57.4% return on investment is 7.5 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $62,641 run about 2% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $25,614 is roughly $5,733 higher than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 88.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.0% employment rate within three years sits 24.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $25,614 is about $5,733 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 31.5% trails the national share by 7.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- 46.6% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Drew University is a private nonprofit university based in Madison, NJ and earns a B+ overall grade. It is currently ranked #401 overall Completion earns A-, Support A-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 88.4% retention, 70.8% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 74.8% earning an award within eight years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 57.4%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
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 $25,614 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $66,814.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $41,200 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,585 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 31.5% 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 $62,641 five years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 2% higher.
Roughly 93.0% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near 57.4%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
67.8% 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 Drew 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
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Drew University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/drew-university/
MLA (9th): “Drew University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/drew-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Drew University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/drew-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drew University the same as Charles R. Drew University?
No. Drew University is a private university in Madison, New Jersey. Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is a separate graduate institution in Los Angeles, California.
What is Drew University's acceptance rate?
Drew University's acceptance rate is 67.8%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Drew University cost?
At Drew University, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $25,614 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $66,814 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $49,100. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Drew University's ranking?
Drew University ranks #401 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Drew University's graduation rate?
At Drew University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 70.8% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 74.8%, and first-year retention is 88.4%.
What are Drew University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Drew University report median earnings of $62,641 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address 36 Madison Ave, Madison, NJ 07940
- Website www.drew.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
- Endowment$128.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate18.5%