Is Drexel a hard college to get into?

Drexel isn't extremely hard to get into, with acceptance rates around 77-80% in recent years, making it moderately selective, but strong grades (middle 50% GPA 3.3-3.9) in challenging courses are expected, especially for competitive programs like Engineering or Computer Science, where selectivity increases. While not an Ivy League, Drexel is competitive due to its strong co-op program and good rankings, meaning meeting GPA/score expectations is crucial for admission.

How difficult is it to get into Drexel?

The acceptance rate at Drexel University is 79.4%.

For every 100 applicants, 79 are admitted. This means the school is lightly selective. The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores.

Is Drexel considered prestigious?

Yes, Drexel University is considered a reputable and prestigious institution, particularly known for its strong R1 research status, innovative programs, and especially its highly-regarded co-op program, which offers significant real-world experience, though it's not typically in the absolute top tier of all universities, it excels in specific areas like Engineering and offers great value and outcomes, ranking highly in various national lists.
 

Is Drexel part of the Big 5?

Yes, Drexel University is now part of the Philadelphia Big 5 in both men's and women's basketball, joining Penn, La Salle, Saint Joseph's, and Villanova, expanding the historic group from five to six members starting in the 2023-24 season. The addition led to a new format with a Big 5 Classic showcase event, including a tripleheader at the Wells Fargo Center, featuring the city's top college basketball programs.
 

What GPA do I need to get into Drexel?

Drexel University looks for competitive applicants, with the average admitted freshman having a GPA around 3.75, but considers applications holistically, often admitting students with GPAs from the low 3s, especially with strong essays, test scores (if submitted), and class rank. While some programs like Engineering or Business might have higher recommendations (e.g., 3.5+) and specific prerequisites, general admission often targets students in the top quarter of their high school class, needing a mix of A's and B's. 

Why is Drexel acceptance rate so high?

Is Drexel considered the Ivy League?

No, Drexel University is not an Ivy League school, but it's a well-regarded private university known for its strong co-op program, especially in engineering and tech, and is located in Philadelphia near the only Ivy in the state, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). While not Ivy League, Drexel offers competitive graduates with significant work experience, making it a strong alternative to Ivies for many students. 

What is Drexel's average SAT score?

The average SAT score composite at Drexel University is a 1340.

Is Drexel better than UPenn?

If you're looking for a highly-ranked engineering program with a lot of research opportunities and don't mind a competitive environment, UPenn might be a better fit for you. On the other hand, if you value hands-on experience, industry connections, and a closer community spirit, it's worth considering Drexel.

Is Drexel struggling financially?

Yes, Drexel University is facing significant financial challenges, including budget deficits, enrollment shortfalls (especially in first-year students), declining net tuition revenue, and rising costs for student support and facilities, leading to staff layoffs and benefit cuts to address a structural budget imbalance and ensure long-term stability. While they are taking steps to manage these issues, it's a challenging period for the institution, like many in higher education. 

What is the #1 college in Philadelphia?

The #1 college in Philadelphia, consistently ranked at the top in national and local lists, is the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), an Ivy League research university known for its strong academics, resources, and location within the city. Other highly-regarded institutions in the Philadelphia area include Swarthmore College, Haverford College, Drexel University, and Temple University, but Penn generally holds the top spot for overall prestige and rankings.
 

What majors is Drexel famous for?

The most popular majors at Drexel University include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Engineering; Health Professions and Related Programs; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Visual and Performing Arts; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Biological and Biomedical ...

Is Drexel tier 1?

Yes, Drexel University is considered a top-tier research university, officially classified as an R1 Doctoral University (Very High Research Activity) by the Carnegie Classification since 2018/2019, placing it in the highest research tier alongside institutions like Harvard and UPenn, though it's also noted for its specific strengths, particularly its strong co-op program and rankings in specialized fields like engineering and privacy law. While it consistently ranks well nationally (e.g., ~80th in U.S. News 2026), its "Tier 1" status often comes from its research designation rather than being in the absolute top-20 elite universities, but it's definitely a strong, leading institution.
 

Is Drexel the most expensive school?

No, Drexel isn't the most expensive, but it's consistently ranked as one of the nation's pricier universities, with total costs approaching $80,000-$90,000 annually, placing it in the top tier alongside schools like NYU, Columbia, and USC, though usually slightly below the absolute highest costs like Pepperdine. Its urban Philadelphia location, large campus improvements, and co-op program contribute to its high sticker price, but significant financial aid is available, lowering the net cost for many students. 

Is a degree from Drexel respected?

Yes, a degree from Drexel is generally respected, known for its strong co-op program that provides significant real-world experience, leading to good graduate outcomes and strong employer recognition, although perceptions can vary by program and individual experience. Drexel is a nationally ranked university, often cited in top 100 lists, with specific programs like engineering, nursing, and business receiving high marks, alongside a reputation for innovative, hands-on learning. 

What PA school is the easiest to get into?

There isn't a single "easiest" PA school, as it depends on your profile, but programs like Advent Health University, West Coast University, University of North Dakota, and Mercy College are sometimes cited for lower minimum GPAs or acceptance rates, while others like Barry University, Marquette University, and Loma Linda University accept applicants with lower scores but still require strong applications overall, with many schools looking for GPAs around 3.0 and beyond, plus clinical experience. 

Why is Drexel so popular?

Drexel is popular due to its renowned co-op program, which integrates hands-on work experience with academics, giving graduates a significant career advantage, alongside its urban Philadelphia location, strong tech/engineering/design programs, and innovative quarterly system that accelerates learning and offers more coursework. Its focus on practical application and direct industry ties, especially in fields like engineering, design, and nursing, attracts motivated students seeking real-world skills and strong job prospects. 

Is it harder to get into Drexel or Temple?

Based on recent acceptance rates, Drexel is slightly harder to get into than Temple, with Drexel's rate hovering around 78-79% and Temple's around 80-83% (though Temple's acceptance rate has been increasing), but both are considered moderately selective, with highly competitive programs like Health Sciences or Engineering requiring higher stats than general admissions. Your chances depend more on your specific program, GPA, and test scores (if submitted) than just overall rates, as both schools have strong, competitive majors. 

How much does it cost to go to Drexel for 4 years?

At Drexel University, the total cost is $83,708. The net price is the average cost of the university after aid and scholarship funds are discounted from the total cost, which comes in at $49,185 for the average student receiving need-based aid.

What 5 universities are under investigation?

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has opened national origin discrimination investigations into the University of Louisville, the University of Nebraska Omaha, the University of Miami, the University of Michigan, and Western Michigan University.

Is Drexel an elite College?

Drexel University was recognized as one of the country's top higher education institutions in both a prominent annual rankings list as well as a new book about choosing the best colleges and universities.

What is the #1 College in PA?

The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) in Philadelphia is consistently ranked as the number one university in Pennsylvania by most major publications like U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and Times Higher Education, known for its strong academics, Ivy League status, and research opportunities. It's followed closely by other top institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University and Swarthmore College.
 

Which is the easiest Ivy League to get into?

While all Ivy League schools are highly selective, Cornell University is generally considered the "easiest" to get into due to having the highest acceptance rate (around 8-9%), partly because it's the largest Ivy with diverse colleges, like the less competitive Agriculture and Life Sciences, though its engineering programs are tough. Dartmouth College and Brown University often follow as the next most accessible Ivies, while Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia are typically the most difficult, with lower acceptance rates. 

Does Drexel give full ride?

Yes, Drexel offers full-ride scholarships, most notably through programs like the Liberty Scholars for Philadelphia residents (covering tuition/fees) and Drexel Global Scholars (tuition, living expenses, insurance), but these are highly competitive and limited, with most aid coming from significant merit and need-based packages rather than full rides. Drexel provides substantial aid, with nearly all first-year students receiving support, averaging thousands in grants and scholarships, though full cost-of-attendance packages are rare. 

Is Drexel a top medical school?

Drexel University 2025 Rankings

Drexel University is in Tier 3 in Best Medical Schools: Research and in Tier 2 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care. Schools were assessed on their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

How big is Drexel freshman class?

Drexel University announced today that 1,918 students enrolled in the first-year class for the 2025-2026 academic year, a significant drop from the 2,369 students who enrolled last year and the 2,850 the year before.