Drexel University

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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