Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science

80.5%Acceptance

$18,933Tuition

233Students

50%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$83,438Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science

Charles R Drew University trains the next generation of healthcare professionals with a mission rooted in serving underserved communities. This historically black health sciences university enrolls just 233 students in suburban Los Angeles. The school maintains an impressive 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio that allows for intensive mentoring in medical and health science programs.

Students pay an average net price of $27,789 annually, which represents solid value given the specialized training. Graduates earn a median of $83,438 ten years after enrollment, providing strong returns on their healthcare education investment. The typical graduate carries $18,750 in debt with monthly loan payments of $199. With a 92.9% employment rate, most students find work in their field after graduation.

The student body reflects the school's commitment to diversity in healthcare, with 34.33% Black students and 20.60% Hispanic students. Women comprise 60.94% of enrollment, typical for health professions programs. However, the 50% six-year graduation rate and 78.57% retention rate suggest students face academic challenges in these demanding programs. The school accepts 80.46% of applicants, making admission accessible for students committed to healthcare careers serving diverse populations.

Academics & Faculty

Charles R Drew University centers entirely on health sciences education, training the next generation of healthcare professionals in underserved communities. The 4:1 student-faculty ratio provides intensive mentorship crucial for rigorous medical and health science curricula. Students receive personalized attention in small cohorts, though the 50% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of health science programs. The university excels in training physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers who often return to serve minority and low-income communities. With 92.9% employment rates, graduates find strong career prospects in healthcare fields. The institution's focus on community health and social justice shapes its academic mission, preparing students to address health disparities in urban settings.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 4:1
Full-Time Faculty: 23.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 50.0%
Retention Rate: 78.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $83,438
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (High Career)

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Campus Life

Charles R Drew sits in the Willowbrook neighborhood of South Los Angeles, about 15 miles from downtown LA. You'll need sunscreen year-round in this Mediterranean climate where winter temperatures rarely drop below 50 degrees. The small campus houses just 233 students, creating an intimate learning environment where your 4:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name.

With 60.94% women and 34.33% Black students, the university maintains its identity as a historically Black institution dedicated to health sciences. Most of the 83.33% in-state students commute from across LA County rather than living on campus. Weekends often involve study groups preparing for rigorous pre-med and health science coursework, though students take advantage of LA's beaches and entertainment districts. The university's laser focus on medicine and health sciences means campus life revolves around labs, clinical rotations, and MCAT prep. Students bond over their shared goal of entering healthcare fields, creating a tight-knit community despite the commuter school atmosphere.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	0	3
Burglary	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 49°–67°F
July Avg: 64°–77°F
Annual Precipitation: 11.8"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Charles R Drew attracts students deeply committed to healthcare careers, particularly those from underrepresented communities. The student body is 83% from California, reflecting the university's strong reputation for training local healthcare professionals. Women make up 61% of enrollment, typical for health sciences programs. Black and Hispanic students comprise 55% of the student body, fulfilling the university's historic mission as an HBCU dedicated to increasing diversity in medicine. Nearly one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves students from working-class families pursuing upward mobility through healthcare careers.

Men: 39.1%
Women: 60.9%
White: 3.4%
Black: 34.3%
Hispanic: 20.6%
Asian: 9.9%
In-State Students: 83.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 31.3%

Location

Charles R Drew University sits in the Willowbrook neighborhood of Los Angeles, putting students directly in the nation's second-largest city. The campus lies about 15 miles south of downtown LA in a diverse, working-class community that reflects the university's mission to serve underrepresented populations. Students have access to major medical centers and research facilities throughout the LA metropolitan area, which spans nearly 500 square miles. The location provides exposure to urban health challenges while offering clinical training opportunities at nearby hospitals. The mild Mediterranean climate allows year-round outdoor activities, from beaches 20 miles west to mountains an hour east. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Charles R Drew University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Los Angeles, California 90059

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $83,438
Median Earnings (5 years): $85,673
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $73,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $199/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science?

Charles R Drew accepts 80.46% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for a specialized health sciences institution. The university focuses on training students from underrepresented communities for careers in medicine and health sciences. With only 233 students enrolled, the small size allows for personalized attention in this competitive field.

How much does Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $27,789 after aid, with tuition set at $18,933 regardless of residency status. Only 31.30% of students receive federal financial aid, and the median debt load is a manageable $18,750. The focused health sciences curriculum justifies the investment for students pursuing high-earning medical careers.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science?

The university maintains an exceptional 4:1 student-faculty ratio, providing intensive mentorship crucial for medical education. This historically black institution emphasizes hands-on training in health sciences programs. The small class sizes enable close supervision during clinical rotations and laboratory work.

What are the career outcomes for Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $83,438 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strong earning potential in health sciences careers. The employment rate reaches 92.9%, demonstrating the university's success in preparing job-ready healthcare professionals. However, the 50% six-year graduation rate indicates the rigorous demands of medical training programs.

Where is Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science located and what is the campus like?

The university sits in a large suburban area of Los Angeles, providing access to major medical centers and research facilities. With 83.33% of students coming from California, the campus serves primarily local and regional students. The Los Angeles location offers extensive clinical training opportunities at nearby hospitals and healthcare systems.

How diverse is Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science?

The student body is 34.33% Black and 20.60% Hispanic, reflecting the university's mission as a historically black institution serving underrepresented communities. Women comprise 60.94% of students, typical for health sciences programs. This diversity aligns with the university's founding purpose of training healthcare professionals from communities that have been historically excluded from medicine.