Drexel University
Drexel University is a private research university in Philadelphia built around cooperative education, where most undergraduates complete up to three six-month, full-time paid co-op placements before they graduate. The university enrolls about 12,300 undergraduates and admits roughly 70% of applicants, though competitive majors like engineering and nursing run tighter. Business, engineering, and the health professions account for more than half of bachelor's degrees, and enrolled first-years post middle-50% SAT scores of 1260–1430 with an average high school GPA near 3.79.
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Drexel admissions statistics
Acceptance Rate
Total applicants, admitted students, and enrolled students for the most recent admission cycle.
Early Decision
Drexel offers binding Early Decision. Applying early can meaningfully change your odds — but ED commits you to enroll if admitted.
Admit rate by application plan
% admitted~1.1× higher admit rate applying early.
Standardized Tests
Drexel is currently test-optional — you may apply without submitting scores.
SAT Accepted?
ACT Accepted?
Test Optional?
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Class Rank
Where Drexel's enrolled first-years placed in their high school graduating class.
Based on the 26.5% of enrolled students who reported a class rank. Drexel does not publish an average GPA.
Admissions Factors
How Drexel weighs each part of your application.
Rigor of High School Record
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Application Essay
Recommendations
Extracurricular Activities
Character / Personal Qualities
Talent / Ability
First Generation
Level of Applicant's Interest
Class Rank
Volunteer Work
Work Experience
Geographical Residence
State Residency
Alumni Relation
Racial / Ethnic Status
Religious Affiliation
Cost of Attendance
Estimated full-time annual cost from Drexel's Common Data Set.
Private universities charge the same tuition regardless of state residency.
Financial Aid
Need-based aid statistics for full-time first-year students.
Major Distribution
Bachelor's degrees awarded in the past year by academic major.
Student Diversity
Racial and ethnic breakdown of enrolled undergraduate students.
Student-Faculty Ratio
The number of students for every one faculty member, indicating the average level of access students have to instructional staff.
Campus Life
On-campus housing and Greek life participation rates.
Enrollment by Gender
Since some students did not report gender, totals may not fully reflect the student body.
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Frequently asked questions about Drexel admissions
Is it hard to get into Drexel?＋
Drexel is moderately selective, admitting about 69.9% of applicants for its most recent class — roughly 26,583 offers from 38,030 applications. The bar climbs for competitive programs such as engineering and nursing, where applicant pools are stronger than the university-wide average. Enrolled first-years average about a 3.79 high school GPA with middle-50% SAT scores of 1260–1430.
How does Drexel's co-op program work?＋
Drexel structures its degrees around cooperative education, alternating classroom terms with six-month, full-time professional placements. Students in the five-year track complete up to three co-ops, while a four-year track includes one, and most positions are paid. Co-op is a defining reason students choose Drexel, so showing in your application that you understand and want that hands-on, work-integrated model helps you fit what admissions looks for.
What GPA do you need to get into Drexel?＋
Enrolled first-years at Drexel average about a 3.79 high school GPA, and among the roughly 27% who reported a class rank, about 63% placed in the top quarter of their graduating class. There is no fixed cutoff, but academic GPA, class rank, and the rigor of your course load are all weighed as very important factors in the review.
Does Drexel require SAT or ACT scores?＋
No, Drexel is test-optional, so you can apply without submitting scores. Among enrolled students who did submit, the middle 50% scored 1260–1430 on the SAT and 28–33 on the ACT. Test scores are weighed as a very important factor when you choose to send them, so submit only if your numbers strengthen your file.
Is a 1400 SAT good enough for Drexel?＋
Yes, a 1400 is strong for Drexel and sits near the top of the admitted range — the middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1260–1430 on the SAT, so a 1400 lands just below the 75th percentile. Because Drexel is test-optional, a score in or above that band gives your application a clear boost when paired with solid grades.
What are the most popular majors at Drexel?＋
Business and marketing is the largest field at about 21% of bachelor's degrees, followed by engineering at roughly 17% and the health professions at about 17%. Computer and information sciences (10%) and the visual and performing arts (10%) round out the top areas, reflecting Drexel's strength in pre-professional, career-focused programs.
How much does Drexel cost, and how much aid does it give?＋
Tuition and required fees run about $64,212 per year, with food and housing adding roughly $18,831 on top. About 74% of first-years receive need-based scholarship or grant aid, with an average aid package near $53,305, and Drexel meets about 82% of demonstrated financial need on average.
Does the application essay matter at Drexel?＋
Yes. Drexel rates the application essay as an important factor in its holistic review, alongside recommendations and personal qualities, while GPA, rigor, class rank, and test scores are weighed as very important. A focused, well-revised personal statement that connects your goals to Drexel's co-op model is one of the clearest ways to stand out.
Source: Drexel University Common Data Set 2025-2026. Figures transcribed 2026-06-22. In-State Cost is from the 2024-2025 edition. Esslo aggregates publicly reported data and is not affiliated with Drexel. Banner photo by Daderot, via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).