Drexel University

Experience. Innovate. Lead.

📍 Philadelphia, United States 🇺🇸

🏆 #86 in United States · QS World #711 · THE World #351 · ARWU #401

Quick Facts about Drexel University

  • Founded: 1891
  • Type: Private
  • Students: 22,000
  • Campus: Urban
  • Tuition: $22,140 – $62,462/year
  • Language: English
  • Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
  • Intakes: September

About Drexel University

Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a private research institution renowned for its distinctive cooperative education (co-op) program. This program provides students with extensive real-world work experience, contributing to the university's high graduate employment rates. With a diverse student body representing numerous countries, Drexel offers a wide array of academic programs across its 15 colleges.

Academics

Drexel University operates on a quarter system, allowing students to take more classes per year compared to a traditional semester system. The university offers over 80 undergraduate and 120 graduate and professional programs. Popular majors include engineering, business, computer science, and nursing. Drexel's teaching approach emphasizes experiential learning, most notably through its cooperative education program, which integrates professional work experience into the curriculum. This co-op program is ranked highly nationally.

International Students

Drexel's International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) provides comprehensive support to approximately 3,500 international students, scholars, and employees from over 120 countries. This support includes assistance with visa applications, cultural adjustment, financial matters, and academic concerns, extending up to 36 months after graduation for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT. Drexel also offers an International Gateway program for English language preparation. International student organizations like the International Students Union (ISU) and the International Graduate Student Association (IGSA) foster a sense of community and promote multicultural awareness.

Campus & Location

Drexel University's main campus is situated in University City, a dynamic neighborhood in West Philadelphia, which is also home to other educational and research institutions. Philadelphia, a city rich in history and culture, offers extensive opportunities for exploration, including museums, sports, and arts. The urban campus provides easy access to city amenities and opportunities, with convenient public transportation options like buses, subways, and trolleys.

Career Outcomes

Drexel boasts strong career outcomes, with approximately 96% of graduates securing employment or continuing their education within a few months of graduation. The co-op program plays a significant role in this success, with many students receiving job offers from their co-op employers. The average annual salary for Drexel graduates is around USD 71,121. The university has strong industry connections, and notable employers of Drexel graduates include Amazon, Apple, Comcast, Google, Johnson & Johnson, and Lockheed Martin. Drexel also fosters a vibrant startup culture, with resources like the Baiada Institute for Entrepreneurship providing support and incubation space for student ventures.

Information for International Students at Drexel University

Drexel University in Philadelphia, United States welcomes international students.

  • Visa support available
  • On-campus work allowed
  • Student housing available (~$1616/month)
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: English

Admissions Requirements for Drexel University

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Drexel University:

  • IELTS minimum: 6.5
  • TOEFL minimum: 79
  • Duolingo minimum: 115
  • GPA minimum: 3
  • Application fee: $65
  • Selectivity: Open (60%+)
  • Application deadline: January 15

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Programs at Drexel University (12 programs)

Drexel University offers 12 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (6)

  • Environmental Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · $59,000/yr · STEM
    Students study environmental issues from a scientific perspective, including ecology, conservation, pollution, and sustainable development.
    Field: Environmental Science
    Career outcomes: Environmental Scientist, Conservationist, Environmental Consultant
  • Mechanical Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · $59,000/yr · STEM
    Students learn to design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems, covering topics from thermodynamics to robotics and materials science.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Mechanical Engineer, Product Designer, Manufacturing Engineer
  • Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English · $59,000/yr
    This program explores human behavior and mental processes, covering areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: Counselor, Human Resources Specialist, Research Assistant
  • Environmental Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · $59,000/yr · STEM
    Students study environmental issues from a scientific perspective, including ecology, conservation, pollution, and sustainable development.
    Field: Environmental Science
    Career outcomes: Environmental Scientist, Conservationist, Environmental Consultant
  • Mechanical Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · English · $59,000/yr · STEM
    Students learn to design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems, covering topics from thermodynamics to robotics and materials science.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Mechanical Engineer, Product Designer, Manufacturing Engineer
  • Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English · $59,000/yr
    This program explores human behavior and mental processes, covering areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: Counselor, Human Resources Specialist, Research Assistant

Master Programs (4)

  • Materials Science and Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · $38,000/yr · STEM
    Students explore the structure, properties, processing, and performance of materials, from metals and ceramics to polymers and composites.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Materials Engineer, Research Scientist, Process Engineer
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · English · $65,000/yr
    A comprehensive graduate program designed to develop leadership and management skills, covering core business disciplines and offering various concentrations.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Senior Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Director
  • Materials Science and Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · $38,000/yr · STEM
    Students explore the structure, properties, processing, and performance of materials, from metals and ceramics to polymers and composites.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: Materials Engineer, Research Scientist, Process Engineer
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 24 months · English · $65,000/yr
    A comprehensive graduate program designed to develop leadership and management skills, covering core business disciplines and offering various concentrations.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Senior Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Director

PhD Programs (2)

  • Biomedical Engineering (PhD) — 60 months · English · $38,000/yr · STEM
    This doctoral program involves advanced research in areas such as neuroengineering, tissue engineering, and medical imaging, contributing to scientific discovery.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Research Scientist, R&D Director
  • Biomedical Engineering (PhD) — 60 months · English · $38,000/yr · STEM
    This doctoral program involves advanced research in areas such as neuroengineering, tissue engineering, and medical imaging, contributing to scientific discovery.
    Field: Engineering
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Research Scientist, R&D Director

Scholarships & Tuition at Drexel University

Annual tuition for international students: $22,140 – $62,462/year

✅ Drexel University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Drexel University

  • National Ranking: #86 in United States
  • QS World University Ranking: #711
  • Times Higher Education (THE): #351
  • Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #401
  • Ranking tier: Research University
  • Research output: Very High

Campus & Facilities at Drexel University

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Urban
  • Average class size: 21
  • Housing cost: ~$1616/month

Key Highlights

  • Renowned cooperative education program
  • High graduate employment rates
  • Diverse international student body
  • Quarter system, accelerated learning
  • Vibrant Philadelphia urban campus

Accreditation

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)
  • National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)
  • National Association of Schools of Arts & Design (NASAD)
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Project Management Institute (PMI)
  • Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
  • National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
  • American Council for Construction Education (ACCE)
  • Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
  • American Psychological Association (APA)
  • Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Notable Alumni

  • Paul Baran
  • Malik Rose
  • Chuck Barris
  • Christopher Ferguson
  • Lex Fridman

Frequently Asked Questions about Drexel University

What is Drexel University?

Drexel University is a private university located in Philadelphia, United States, founded in 1891. It has approximately 22,000 students.

How much does it cost to study at Drexel University?

Tuition fees at Drexel University for international students range from $22,140 – $62,462/year. Student housing costs approximately $1616/month. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for Drexel University?

IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 79. Duolingo minimum: 115. GPA minimum: 3. Application fee: $65. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: January 15.

What language are courses taught in at Drexel University?

Courses at Drexel University are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

How many programs does Drexel University offer?

Drexel University offers 12 programs: 6 Bachelor's, 4 Master's, and 2 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is Drexel University ranked?

#86 in United States · QS World #711 · THE World #351 · ARWU #401.

Does Drexel University offer scholarships?

Yes, Drexel University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does Drexel University provide visa support?

Yes, Drexel University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.

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