At $38,428/yr net price, Drexel University graduates earn $84,648/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $50,648/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $38,428 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $153,712 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $84,648/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$50,648/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 77.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,325 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $27,737/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $29,749/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $35,842/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $39,204/yr |
| $110,001+ | $47,490/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $111,501 | $127,979 |
| Computer Engineering. | Master | $109,095 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $102,258 | $51,250 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Master | $101,964 | |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $99,516 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $97,737 | $41,000 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $95,473 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Master | $93,520 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $92,632 | $56,561 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $88,448 |
The Risk Factor
77.1% of students at Drexel University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 23% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Drexel University delivers strong financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $84,648 placing it well above national averages for private universities. The combination of relatively manageable debt loads and solid post-graduation salaries creates favorable ROI for students who complete their degrees.
Your program choice makes a massive difference at Drexel. Engineering and health programs dominate the top earnings, with computer engineering graduates earning $109,095 annually. Nursing offers particularly strong value with $102,258 in median earnings against moderate debt loads. However, allied health diagnostic programs show a concerning pattern with $111,501 in earnings but crushing debt levels of $127,979 that could take decades to pay off.
The main financial risk at Drexel is the high net price of $38,428 annually combined with a graduation rate of 77%. If you don't finish your degree, you face significant debt without the earnings boost needed to justify the cost. The co-op program helps many students earn while learning, but this extends time to graduation and delays full-time earning potential.
Drexel makes financial sense if you're targeting high-paying fields like engineering, computer science, or nursing and can handle the academic rigor to graduate. Students interested in lower-paying majors should carefully consider whether Drexel's premium price tag is worth it compared to cheaper alternatives.
Only 25% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial assistance for middle-income families. Merit scholarships exist but competition is fierce. Your best cost strategy is leveraging co-op earnings and targeting the highest-ROI programs where Drexel's industry connections translate into job placement advantages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drexel University worth the cost?
Drexel's graduates earn $84,648 annually after 10 years, which is decent but not exceptional given the $38,428 yearly net price. The value depends heavily on your major, with health and engineering programs offering strong returns while other fields may not justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Drexel University?
Allied health programs lead with $111,501 median earnings, followed by computer engineering at $109,095 and nursing at $102,258. These technical and healthcare fields provide the strongest return on investment at Drexel.
How much debt do Drexel University graduates have?
The median debt load is $25,325, which is manageable compared to many private universities. With a 77% graduation rate, most students complete their degrees, though those who don't finish face debt without the earning benefits.
Is Drexel University's tuition justified by graduate outcomes?
For students in high-paying programs like engineering and healthcare, the investment pays off well. However, students in lower-earning fields may struggle to justify the private school premium given the net price of over $38,000 annually.