Drexel University is a private research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, click for info widely recognized as a national leader in experiential education. Founded in 1891 by financier and philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel, the university has built its reputation on a pioneering cooperative education model that integrates full-time professional work experience directly into the academic curriculum. With approximately 26,000 students and around 200 degree programs, Drexel stands apart as an institution that prepares students for careers from day one.
The Pioneer of Cooperative Education
Drexel’s defining feature is its cooperative education (co-op) program, introduced in 1919 as one of the first of its kind. This model allows students to alternate between periods of classroom study and paid, professional work experience with industry partners. The result is that most undergraduates receive up to 18 months of full-time professional experience before graduation.
The strength of this program is reflected in national recognition: Drexel is ranked No. 2 in the nation for Co-ops/Internships by U.S. News & World Report. The impact on student outcomes is measurable—45% of co-op students received a full-time job offer from their co-op employer upon graduation.
Academic Structure and Programs
Drexel offers over 80 undergraduate majors and approximately 120 graduate and professional degrees and certificates. The university is organized into several colleges and schools, including:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Bennett S. LeBow College of Business — AACSB-accredited and ranked among the elite 20% of business schools globally
- College of Engineering — Programs accredited by ABET
- College of Computing and Informatics
- Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design — Programs accredited by NASAD and CIDA
- College of Nursing and Health Professions — Programs accredited by CCNE and other specialized bodies
- Dornsife School of Public Health
- Close School of Entrepreneurship
Drexel also offers accelerated degree programs, including 4+1 options that allow students to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years. For example, the Biomedical Engineering BS/MHA program combines technical training with health administration coursework, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare.
Rankings and Recognition
Drexel has demonstrated consistent improvement in national rankings. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, Drexel placed No. 80 among National Universities, advancing for the third consecutive year and moving up six spots from the previous year. It also ranked No. 41 among private universities.
The university has earned particular recognition for its commitment to student success and social mobility:
- No. 2 in Co-ops/Internships
- No. 74 in Top Performers on Social Mobility — up 18 spots from the previous year
- No. 76 in Best Value Schools
- Top 15 Colleges for Launching Your Career (Forbes, 2025)
- Top 3% of U.S. Universities for lifetime earnings (NACE Salary Survey)
Drexel was also named a “Dream School” in higher education expert Jeffrey Selingo’s 2025 book, Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You, selected among 75 institutions based on career earnings, job prospects, student engagement, and accessible admissions.
Research and Innovation
Drexel is classified as a global research university with a strong emphasis on translating discoveries into real-world applications. The university’s research enterprise spans engineering, health sciences, computing, and public health.
In Materials Science, Drexel’s research output ranks particularly high—U.S. News’ global subject rankings place Drexel’s Materials Science program with a normalized citation impact of No. 1 globally. The university also performs strongly in Economics and Business, where its percentage of publications among the top 10% most cited ranks No. 41 globally.
Recent institutional developments reflect Drexel’s forward momentum. In 2025, the university completed its merger with Salus University, creating new opportunities in health sciences education. Drexel also announced a new undergraduate degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and signed an enterprise license with OpenAI to provide ChatGPT Edu access to all students, ensuring every graduate develops AI literacy.
Cost and Financial Aid
Drexel is a significant investment, but the university provides substantial financial support. For the 2026-2027 academic year, estimated first-year costs are:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $63,078 |
| Fees | $2,420 |
| Housing & Food | $19,398 |
However, 100% of first-year students in the 2025-26 class received financial aid awards, and 100% received gift aid (scholarships and grants that do not need to be repaid). The average grant aid award to first-year undergraduates was $40,814.
Drexel’s investment in undergraduate financial aid exceeds $305 million** in institutional scholarships and grants. Merit scholarship ranges for admitted fall 2026 students are **$20,000–$35,000** for Early Decision and Early Action applicants, and **$10,000–$35,000 for Regular Decision applicants.
Campus and Location
Drexel’s 74-acre University City Main Campus is located in the vibrant University City district of Philadelphia, click over here just a 10-minute walk from Center City, the core of Philadelphia’s commercial and business district. This urban location is integral to the Drexel experience, integrating the city’s resources—its industries, cultural institutions, and professional networks—directly into the classroom, co-op experience, and student life.
The university has been a pioneer in educational technology. In 1983, Drexel became the first university to mandate that all students have personal access to a microcomputer. In 1998, it inaugurated the first totally wireless library in the nation, and in 2000, it became the first major university to offer completely wireless Internet access across the entire campus.
A Legacy of Innovation
Drexel’s alumni network includes pioneers who have shaped technology and society. Paul Baran (BS electrical engineering ’49), credited with helping develop packet-switching technology that laid the foundation of the Internet, is among the university’s distinguished graduates. Other notable alumni include James Bagian (BS mechanical engineering ’73), a NASA astronaut who logged over 331 hours in space, and Bennett S. LeBow (BS electrical engineering ’60), whose philanthropy endowed the university’s business college.
More recent graduates continue this legacy of innovation. Paige DeAngelo (BA communication ’23) founded Aer Cosmetics, a sustainable mascara company, while still an undergraduate, winning multiple startup competitions. Colleen Wolfe (BA communication ’08) is a host at NFL Media, appearing in primetime shows and major events including the NFL Draft and Super Bowl.
A University Built for the Future
Drexel University offers a distinctive educational model that bridges the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Its co-op program, urban location, and commitment to technology and innovation create an environment where students graduate not only with a degree but with substantial professional experience. With strong rankings in career outcomes, social mobility, and value, Clicking Here Drexel continues to demonstrate that experiential education is not just a philosophy—it is a proven pathway to success.