Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
77.5% Acceptance Rate
Drexel University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
77.5%Acceptance Rate
3.67Avg GPA
1337Avg SAT
30Avg ACT
$75,167Annual Cost
$84,648Grad Salary
25.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
77.5%
Avg GPA
3.67
Avg SAT
1337
Avg ACT
30
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1230–1430
ACT Middle 50%
27–33
Need-Based Aid
25.2% receive Pell
Drexel University is a private, comprehensive research university in Philadelphia known for its innovative approach to experiential learning, particularly its robust co-op program. By integrating rigorous academic study with extensive professional work experience, the university prepares students for leadership in a wide range of fields. Its focus on high-impact research, global engagement, and career readiness makes it a premier choice for students seeking a transformative and professional-oriented degree.
Drexel University Acceptance Rate
Drexel University (Drexel) runs an open-access admission policy — with a 77.5% acceptance rate, the focus is on getting qualified students in, not filtering them out.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in — worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 77.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.67 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.47 – 3.66
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.22
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Drexel University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Drexel University is November 1 for Early Decision I applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 95 days left — Early Decision I
Early Decision I
November 1
Early Decision II
January 15
Regular Decision
January 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (November 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Drexel GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Drexel is 3.67. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.37 and 3.67? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Most schools report GPA on a weighted or unweighted 4.0 scale differently — for an unweighted profile like this, students with AP/IB coursework typically carry a weighted GPA of 3.87–4.07.Drexel GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Where your GPA falls in this range shapes what the rest of your application needs to do:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.67 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.47 – 3.66
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.27 – 3.46
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.26
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Acceptance rate approximately 79% (Class of 2028, 37,314 applications); Early Action and Early Decision deadline November 1 (decisions mid-December); Regular Decision deadline January 15; test-optional for most programs but standardized scores required for the BA/BS+MD Early Assurance program.
- Co-op is a graduation requirement for most majors; five-year plan includes 3 co-op rotations (~18 months paid work); four-year plan includes 1 rotation (~6 months). Drexel is ranked #2 nationally for co-op/internship programs; 1,400+ employer partners.
- Drexel is transitioning from its quarter system to semesters beginning Fall 2027; students entering 2025?26 will experience the mid-program calendar change - co-op cycles continue on quarters through 2026?27, then shift to new semester-aligned schedules.
- Supplemental essay (500 words) required only for Architecture/Architectural Studies and Music Industry applicants; all other applicants submit only the Common App personal statement. BA/BS+MD Early Assurance admits ~8 students per year (avg SAT 1538/ACT 34 for Fall 2025 cohort).
- Rigor Over Raw Number: A slightly lower GPA (say 3.8) paired with multiple AP or IB courses often outweighs a flat 4.0 from a standard curriculum.
- Trajectory Matters: A lower start in 9th or 10th grade, followed by a clear upward trend senior year, reads as academic resilience rather than a weakness.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Drexel
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Drexel University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Drexel University (Drexel) Test Requirements
Standardized scores still matter here: aim for the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class below, and if Drexel is test-optional, a high score submitted voluntarily still helps with merit scholarships.
Can I Get Into Drexel Without SAT or ACT?
Drexel considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
Drexel University Average SAT Score: 1337
The average SAT score of admitted students at Drexel University is 1337 on the 1600-point scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1337 — Competitive
This average is solidly above the national mean, without being in elite-tier territory.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1430 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Drexel University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
If your score is below 1230, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Drexel. Retaking multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants sit for it two or three times. There's no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 675 | 620 | 730 |
| SAT Reading | 655 | 610 | 700 |
| SAT Composite | 1337 | 1230 | 1430 |
Below 1230, you're behind most admitted students; at 1430 or above, you're ahead of 75% of them. (25th/75th percentile = the score below which that share of admitted students fall.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1350
Can I get into Drexel University (Drexel) with a 1450 SAT?
A 1450 SAT puts you ahead of most of Drexel's admitted class — but admissions still weighs GPA, course rigor, and essays alongside it. A strong score opens the door; the rest of your profile decides what happens next.
Drexel University (Drexel) ACT Requirements
The average ACT score at Drexel is 30.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 30 — Very Competitive
An average of 30 is well above the national ACT mean.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 28 | 25 | 31 |
| ACT English | 31 | 26 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 30 | 27 | 33 |
Can I get into Drexel University with a 33 ACT?
A 33 ACT puts you ahead of 75% of Drexel's admitted students — a strong position, though the ACT is only one benchmark among several admissions weighs.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT scores four separate sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — each on a 1–36 scale. A noticeably weak section (Science, especially, at STEM-focused schools) stands out to reviewers, so it's worth checking your section breakdown for outliers before applying.
Your ACT score clears the first filter, but GPA, course rigor, extracurricular depth, recommendations, and essays are what carry an application the rest of the way at Drexel.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Drexel
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Drexel takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Decide Between the Four-Year and Five-Year Co-op Plans Before You Enroll
Drexel's co-op program is a graduation requirement for most majors, and students must choose their plan upfront: the five-year program includes three six-month co-op rotations (approximately 18 months of paid work experience), while the four-year program includes one. These are not interchangeable tracks once you begin. The five-year plan produces a significantly stronger work history and employment outcomes but costs an additional year of tuition. For students targeting competitive fields like engineering, health sciences, or finance, the five-year track's multiple employer relationships often result in return offers before graduation. Confirm which plan applies to your specific major before accepting admission.
Understand That Drexel Is Transitioning from Quarters to Semesters in Fall 2027
Students entering Drexel in 2025 or 2026 will begin their studies on the current quarter system (four ~10-week terms per year) but will transition to a semester calendar starting in the 2027?28 academic year. This affects course sequencing, co-op cycle timing, and credit planning for multi-year students. The co-op program will continue operating on quarter cycles through the end of the 2026?27 year and then shift to new semester-aligned start/end dates. Students and counselors planning four- or five-year timelines should verify how the transition affects their specific major's schedule with Drexel's SCDC (Student Center for Diversity and Inclusion in Computing and Engineering) or their college advising office.
Apply EA or ED to Maximize Scholarship and Financial Aid Consideration
Drexel's Early Action (non-binding) and Early Decision (binding) deadlines are both November 1. EA applicants receive decisions in mid-December and receive priority financial aid review. Drexel's average first-year student receives approximately $38,000 in annual aid, and applying early improves access to merit-based institutional awards. Note that the BA/BS+MD Early Assurance Program - Drexel's direct medical school pathway, which admitted an average SAT of 1538/ACT 34 for the Fall 2025 cohort - requires a separate application through EA or RD and also requires submission of standardized test scores even though Drexel is otherwise test-optional. CASPer testing and an MMI interview are also part of the BA/BS+MD process.
Architecture and Music Industry Applicants Must Write an Additional Essay
Most Drexel applicants submit only the Common App or Coalition App personal statement - no Drexel-specific supplemental essay is required. The exception is applicants to Architecture, Architectural Studies, and Music Industry programs, who must submit a 500-word "Why This Major?" essay. The prompt asks students to reflect on experiences and personal characteristics that have prepared them for their chosen field, how these have shaped their goals, and what they hope to contribute. Students in these programs should treat the essay as a direct conversation with Drexel's program faculty, not as a generic passion statement - the more specific the program knowledge and Philadelphia-context references, the stronger the essay.
Expert Insight:
The most consistent failure at Drexel among students who choose the five-year plan is entering without a realistic financial plan for the extra year of tuition. Students frequently choose the five-year track for its superior co-op outcomes, then experience sticker shock at year four when they realize co-op cycles are paid but tuition-free during co-op terms - meaning financial aid does not cover those semesters but the student has no tuition obligation either. The real risk is students who exhaust scholarship eligibility years or federal loan limits on a five-year timeline without planning ahead. Confirm total five-year cost of attendance with the financial aid office before committing to the extended plan.
Drexel Profile
Full Name
Drexel University (Drexel)
City
Philadelphia
State
Pennsylvania
ZIP Code
19104
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Drexel Degree Worth It?
Whether Drexel is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals — here's the data to weigh it against.
The average household income among admitted students is $74,500, with a graduate unemployment rate of 3.29%.
How much does a degree from Drexel Cost?
The sticker price is $75,167/year, but the average net price students actually pay — after Pell and federal grants — is typically much lower.
25.2% of students receive a Pell Grant and 49.1% take federal loans at Drexel — file your FAFSA early and list Drexel as a choice to be considered for both.
How much does a Drexel Graduate earn?
Median earnings 10 years after enrollment (roughly 4–6 years post-graduation) are $84,648 — about 109% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Drexel University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | 1323 | 29 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | 1304 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Drexel University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrix College | Conway, AR | 1336 | 29 |
| University of Denver | Denver, CO | 1344 | 31 |
| University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | 1338 | 31 |
| Centre College | Danville, KY | 1345 | 29 |
| Bentley University | Waltham, MA | 1340 | 31 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Drexel University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| Connecticut College | New London, CT | 1412 | 32 |
Degree Programs at Drexel
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Drexel Admissions
Drexel University graduates typically earn around $84,648 a year, on the higher end depending on industry.
At about $75,167 a year, Drexel University's cost is on the higher end; look closely at aid options.
About 25.2% receive a Pell Grant at Drexel University — moderate odds, largely income-dependent, but an early FAFSA filing still helps.
At 77.5%, Drexel University's acceptance rate is on the more attainable end compared to top-tier selective schools.
Admitted students at Drexel University average a 3.67 GPA.
Drexel University doesn't publish a hard GPA floor — but landing at or above 3.37 keeps you in the typical applicant range; below it, lean on essays and recommendations.
Below 3.27, Drexel University becomes a harder reach — though a strong test score, meaningful activities, and AP/IB coursework can still make a real case.
A strong SAT score matters at Drexel University — aim above 1337, ideally within the 1230–1430 range admitted students typically fall in.
The application deadline for Drexel University is November 1 for Early Decision I applicants.
The application fee is 65. Fee waivers may be available — check with admissions.
The scholarship/financial aid priority deadline is November 15, 2026. Submit FAFSA before then for maximum consideration.
Yes — transfers are common. Have transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement ready to make your case.
Strong academics, a focused extracurricular profile, and standout essays move the needle most — along with a competitive SAT/ACT score where relevant.
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