Drew University
Drew University in Madison, New Jersey has an acceptance rate of 67.8%, annual tuition of $47,100, average net price of $24,280, and a national rank of #456 (Grade B+), with a 70.5% six-year graduation rate, about 1,533 undergraduates, and median earnings of $47,562 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Drew University is a private nonprofit university in Madison, NJ. Students most often pursue Economics and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
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 -51.0%, roughly 136.3 points below 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 70.5% of students within six years 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
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 | $47,100 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,035 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $17,640 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,460 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $65,301 |
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 28.9% 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 $15,224 to $35,512 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 $24,947/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $35,512/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $47,562
- 10-Year Median Earnings $47,562
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $21,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 69.7%
- Employment Rate 73.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Drew 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.
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: While Drew University graduates earn $47,562 median, the -51.0% 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 570-688
- SAT Math 533-650
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 24-30
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,533
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 88.4%
- Graduation Rate 70.5%
- 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 16.3%
- Psychology, General 10.5%
- Biology, General 7.5%
- Economics 6.4%
- English Language and Literature, General 5.8%
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft 5.5%
See more majors
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences 5.2%
- Computer Science 5.0%
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. Economics $89,492
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $86,815
- 3. Political Science and Government $75,911
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biology, General $64,272
- 5. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $60,739
- 6. Psychology, General $57,560
- 7. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $57,346
- 8. Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $54,015
- 9. Anthropology $51,563
- 10. Computer Science $47,689
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Theological and Ministerial Studies (Doctoral Degree) $73,739
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $66,064
- 3. Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degree) $50,373
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Economics grads earn $89,492—88% more than Computer Science ($47,689). Graduate: Theological and Ministerial Studies programs lead with $73,739 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard 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 – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 59 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 27 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Economics (Bachelor's Degree, 23 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 (31 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Economics
- English Language and Literature, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Computer Science
- Political Science and Government
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sociology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- History
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Music
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Area Studies
- Public Health
- Mathematics
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Online Master's Degrees (10 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Economics
- Education, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Computational Science
Online Doctoral Degrees (6 programs)â–¼
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (6 programs)â–¼
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Special Education and Teaching
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,533
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.4%
- Female Students 55.6%
- Caucasian 55.7%
- Asian 3.8%
- Hispanic 7.1%
- Black 11.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 28.9%
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 -51.0% ROI. Ranked #456 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $24,280 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $47,562 median earnings. With 70.5% graduating within six years 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 #456 ranking, Drew University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $24,280 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 $16,996 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -51.0% ROI and $47,562 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $14,280+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Drew University ranks #456 of 6101 institutions, with 1087 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
- 70.5% six-year graduation rate sits 8.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 88.4% first-year retention is 11.6 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -51.0% return on investment is 136.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $47,562 run about 9% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $24,280 is roughly $6,883 higher than the national median of $17,397.
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.
- 73.1% employment rate within three years sits 4.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $24,280 is about $6,883 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 28.9% trails the national share by 10.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Drew University is a private nonprofit university based in Madison, NJ and earns a B+ overall grade. It is currently ranked #456 nationally 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 (2026 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 and 70.5% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -51.0%, 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 $24,280 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $65,301.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $41,021 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 28.9% 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 $47,562 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 9% higher.
Roughly 73.1% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near -51.0%, 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
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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 College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Drew University cost?
At Drew University, listed tuition and fees are $47,100 per year, and the average net price after aid is $24,280. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Drew University's ranking?
Drew University ranks #456 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 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 six-year graduation rate is 70.5%, and first-year retention is 88.4%.
What are Drew University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Drew University report median earnings of $47,562 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
Contact Information
- Address 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 Rate21.4%