About Drexel University
Drexel built its reputation on co-operative education, a program that alternates classroom learning with paid professional work experience. This private research university enrolls 13,509 students in Philadelphia's urban landscape. The co-op program connects students directly to industry, with notable graduates including Craigslist founder Craig Newmark and NASA astronaut Michael Anderson. Students score an average 1330 SAT, and 79.61% of applicants gain admission.
The financial picture reflects Drexel's strong career outcomes. While sticker price hits $79,913 annually, students typically pay $38,428 after aid. Graduates earn a median $84,648 ten years after graduation, well above most university outcomes. Students leave with $25,325 in median debt, manageable given the earning potential. The co-op program's paid work experiences help offset costs during college.
Drexel operates on quarters rather than semesters, creating an intensive academic pace. The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women, with strong representation across racial groups including 23.82% Asian students. An impressive 95.2% employment rate demonstrates the co-op program's effectiveness in launching careers. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the urban research university setting.
The financial picture reflects Drexel's strong career outcomes. While sticker price hits $79,913 annually, students typically pay $38,428 after aid. Graduates earn a median $84,648 ten years after graduation, well above most university outcomes. Students leave with $25,325 in median debt, manageable given the earning potential. The co-op program's paid work experiences help offset costs during college.
Drexel operates on quarters rather than semesters, creating an intensive academic pace. The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women, with strong representation across racial groups including 23.82% Asian students. An impressive 95.2% employment rate demonstrates the co-op program's effectiveness in launching careers. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention despite the urban research university setting.
Academics & Faculty
Drexel operates as a research university built around its signature cooperative education program, where students alternate between classroom study and paid professional work experience. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship as students navigate this demanding academic model. Engineering, business, and health sciences rank among the strongest programs, with the co-op system giving students real-world experience before graduation. The 77% four-year graduation rate reflects the extended timeline many students follow to complete co-op requirements. Students earn a median of $84,648 ten years after graduation, demonstrating the career value of combining academic rigor with hands-on professional training. The quarter system accelerates coursework between co-op rotations.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 56.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 77.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 77.1%
- Retention Rate
- 89.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $84,648
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $111,501 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $109,095 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $102,258 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Master | $101,964 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $99,516 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $97,737 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $95,473 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Master | $93,520 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $92,632 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $88,448 |
Campus Life
Drexel sits in the heart of Philadelphia's University City, where 25% of the 13,509 students live in campus housing that accommodates 3,361 residents. The urban campus means you'll walk past food trucks and city blocks between classes, with Philadelphia's job market right outside your door. Winter coats are essential for the snowy months, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for exploring the city.
The quarter system keeps pace intense with only 89.6% of students returning after freshman year. Co-op dominates campus culture, with students cycling in and out for six-month work experiences that help explain the impressive $84,648 median earnings ten years out. Weekends often mean exploring Philadelphia's neighborhoods, catching Dragons games, or networking with the 95.2% of graduates who land jobs. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes despite the research university setting. Campus traditions center around co-op send-offs and the tight-knit community that forms when classmates become colleagues at companies across the region.
The quarter system keeps pace intense with only 89.6% of students returning after freshman year. Co-op dominates campus culture, with students cycling in and out for six-month work experiences that help explain the impressive $84,648 median earnings ten years out. Weekends often mean exploring Philadelphia's neighborhoods, catching Dragons games, or networking with the 95.2% of graduates who land jobs. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller classes despite the research university setting. Campus traditions center around co-op send-offs and the tight-knit community that forms when classmates become colleagues at companies across the region.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 3,361 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1891
Campus Safety (2023)
127 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 13 | 1 | 4 | 36 |
| Rape | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–41°F
- July Avg
- 71°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.1"
Student Demographics
Drexel draws ambitious students ready to jump into the working world through its famous co-op program. The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women, reflecting the university's blend of technical fields and liberal arts. About 55% come from out of state, showing Drexel's growing national reputation beyond Philadelphia. One in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school attracts middle-class families willing to invest in career-focused education. The significant Asian American population, at nearly 24%, aligns with Drexel's strength in engineering and technology programs.
- Men
- 51.2%
- Women
- 48.8%
- White
- 42.9%
- Black
- 9.2%
- Hispanic
- 8.6%
- Asian
- 23.8%
- In-State Students
- 44.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.2%
Location
Drexel University sits in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's University City neighborhood. The campus occupies 96 acres in the nation's sixth-largest city, placing students directly in an urban environment with 1.6 million residents. Philadelphia's robust economy centers on healthcare, education, and technology sectors that align well with Drexel's career-focused programs. The university shares the area with other institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, creating a active college atmosphere within the broader metropolitan context. Students have access to internships, cultural attractions, and professional networks throughout the Delaware Valley region. The city's SEPTA transit system connects campus to Center City in minutes. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Drexel University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $84,648
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $89,242
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $54,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 76.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $268/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,325
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Drexel University?
Drexel accepts 79.61% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1330. The university focuses more on fit for their cooperative education model than pure selectivity.
How much does Drexel University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $38,428, though this varies by income level. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $27,737 on average, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full $60,663 tuition.
What makes Drexel University's academic programs unique?
Drexel operates on a quarter system with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. The university is well-known for its cooperative education program that integrates classroom learning with real-world work experience across multiple industries.
What do Drexel University graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median of $84,648 ten years after graduation with a 95.2% employment rate. The cooperative education program gives students valuable work experience that translates into strong career outcomes.
Where is Drexel University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Philadelphia with housing for 3,361 students out of 13,509 total enrollment. Students experience urban campus life while having access to the city's internship and job opportunities that complement Drexel's hands-on learning approach.
Does Drexel University have a strong co-op program?
Drexel pioneered cooperative education and remains famous for this program that combines academic study with professional work terms. The program helps explain why graduates have such high employment rates and strong earnings compared to national averages.
