Why is Drexel tuition so high?

Drexel is expensive due to its unique quarter system and renowned co-op program that blends work and study, high urban location in Philadelphia, and operational costs for a large research university, with its costs often perceived as high compared to its relatively open admission policies. Students pay for extensive real-world experience, but also face fees, textbooks, and living expenses in a major city, though financial aid and co-op earnings can offset much of the sticker price.

Is Drexel overpriced?

Overall, we still believe Drexel University is a good value school that is worth the cost. But if you can get into a school with a better reputation and lower cost, you'll likely get much more in the long run.

What is the #1 most expensive college in the US?

The #1 most expensive college in the U.S. varies slightly by report and year, but Columbia University, University of Southern California (USC), and Vassar College frequently top the lists for 2024-2025, with total costs (tuition, fees, room, board) exceeding $90,000-$97,000 annually, though aid significantly reduces actual costs for many students at these institutions.
 

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. 

Is Drexel part of the Big 5?

Yes, Drexel is now part of the Philadelphia Big 5 in both men's and women's basketball, officially joining in 2023 for the men and shortly after for the women, expanding the traditional group of Penn, La Salle, Saint Joseph's, Temple, and Villanova to six teams. Drexel's inclusion changed the format to include a Big 5 Classic tripleheader event and a pod system for intra-city play. 

Why is Drexel acceptance rate so high?

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. 

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.
 

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. 

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 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.

What is the #1 hardest school to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as it changes slightly by year and criteria, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the top with extremely low acceptance rates (often 3-4%) and intense competition for spots, though other top global universities like Oxford and Tsinghua are also incredibly selective. Harvard is frequently cited as the hardest due to its high volume of applications and focus on global leadership potential, while Caltech is known for its extreme difficulty in STEM. 

What might a $300,000 college cost a $200,000 family?

A $200,000 income family might pay anywhere from $20,000 to over $40,000 annually for a $300,000 (total) college, depending heavily on the school's financial aid policies (needs-based vs. merit-based), the CSS Profile vs. FAFSA, and if the school uses home equity, but many selective schools offer substantial aid, reducing the cost significantly below sticker price. Expect aid to be around 10-25% of the total cost, with specific contributions varying by institution. 

What college has the richest students in America?

Colleges With the Wealthiest Students

Trinity College tops the list of schools with the highest percentage of students from the wealthiest families.

Is Drexel an elite school?

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.
 

Why is Gen Z not going to college?

Gen Z is questioning college due to skyrocketing costs, overwhelming student debt, and a perceived poor return on investment (ROI), especially with AI changing jobs and stronger alternatives like skilled trades emerging, leading many to seek faster, cheaper paths to financial stability and job security. They've seen Millennials' debt struggles, witness online success stories, and value hands-on training over traditional degrees, making college less of a guaranteed ticket to success.
 

Where do the 1% go to college?

The 1% of the wealthiest Americans disproportionately attend highly selective, elite universities, particularly Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, Penn, Columbia) and other top institutions like MIT, Stanford, Duke, and UChicago, where they make up a large percentage of the student body, often outnumbering students from the bottom 60% of income earners combined. Liberal arts colleges and prestigious public universities also attract many wealthy students, with specific examples including WashU St. Louis, UVA, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Vanderbilt, and Johns Hopkins.
 

Why is Drexel losing money?

Drexel University is losing money due to a combination of declining enrollments (especially first-year students), increased costs for financial aid and student support, rising operational expenses, and challenges from the flawed FAFSA rollout. These factors created a significant structural budget imbalance, prompting the university to implement multi-year cost-cutting measures, including staff reductions, benefit changes, and administrative consolidations, as part of a plan to achieve long-term financial stability.
 

Is Drexel hard academically?

I have just finished my first year at Drexel and I already feel like I am learning a lot. The classes are challenging, but the professors are extremely helpful. For example, I took AP Calculus at my high school and did okay, but I didn't feel I was learning much.

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.

What degree is Drexel known for?

Today, Drexel University's College of Engineering, which is home to 19 percent of the undergraduate student body, is known for creating the world's first engineering degree in appropriate technology.

What is the #1 engineering college in the US?

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is consistently ranked as the #1 engineering school in the U.S. by major publications like U.S. News & World Report, leading both graduate and undergraduate programs, followed closely by universities like Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and Georgia Tech.
 

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. 

What is the hardest school to get into in Pennsylvania?

The hardest Physician Assistant (PA) schools to get into are extremely competitive, often featuring <2.3% acceptance rates, like Duke University, with top-tier programs also including Baylor College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Emory University, and George Washington University. These programs demand exceptional academics (high GPAs), significant patient care hours (often thousands), strong GRE scores, and a deep understanding of the profession, making them far tougher than general university admissions, even at elite schools like the University of Pennsylvania. 

Is Bryn Mawr still all female?

Yes, Bryn Mawr College remains an all-female undergraduate institution, one of the few remaining "Seven Sisters" colleges, but its graduate programs and postbaccalaureate programs are coeducational, and the college embraces a diverse community that includes women and gender minorities. While undergraduate students are women, they can take classes at nearby co-ed Haverford College through a unique bi-college arrangement, creating a mixed-gender academic environment in some instances.
 

What are the Big 5 Philly schools?

The Big 5 Philly schools are La Salle, Penn, St. Joseph's, Temple, and Villanova, with Drexel joining in 2023, forming a historic group of Philadelphia-area college basketball teams known for intense local rivalries, now competing in the Big 5 Classic with a new tournament format.