Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Los Angeles, California
38.8% Acceptance Rate
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
38.8%Acceptance Rate
3.26Avg GPA
$33,973Annual Cost
$83,438Grad Salary
31.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
38.8%
Avg GPA
3.26
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Need-Based Aid
31.3% receive Pell
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is a private, non-profit, historically black graduate institution in California dedicated to health equity and social justice. Known for its rigorous medical and nursing programs, the university serves as a leader in training health professionals to address the needs of underserved communities. Its unique mission, combined with strong clinical training and a focus on community health, makes it a premier destination for students who are passionate about healthcare and committed to making a tangible, positive impact.
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science Acceptance Rate
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is 38.8%. This means that 39 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 38.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.26 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.06 – 3.25
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.81
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
CDU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at CDU is 3.26. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.46-3.66 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 2.96 and 3.26, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
CDU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at CDU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.26, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.26 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.06 – 3.25
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.86 – 3.05
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.85
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science offers 18 programs across 3 colleges, all oriented toward preparing students for healthcare careers, with a strong institutional emphasis on serving and understanding underserved communities.
- The university's undergraduate Biomedical Sciences program begins every Fall semester, with a recommended (but not strict) application deadline given the rolling admissions structure.
- CDU's study abroad programs for health sciences students offer short-term clinical rotations, internships, and research projects with international partner institutions, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration among medical, nursing, and allied health students.
- The Rigor Metric: At CDU, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at CDU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science'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
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into CDU Without SAT or ACT?
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for CDU
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At CDU, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Engage Directly With Admissions Before Applying - They Offer Personalized Pre-Application Guidance
CDU explicitly encourages prospective students to contact the Admissions Office before starting their application, where a specialist will discuss your career goals, review your transcripts, and advise on strengthening your file. Take advantage of this early, low-stakes conversation rather than submitting a standalone application without guidance, since CDU's process is built around this kind of direct engagement.
Frame Your Application Around CDU's Specific Mission of Addressing Health Disparities
CDU's institutional identity centers explicitly on preparing "socially conscious students" for healthcare careers, with study abroad and clinical opportunities specifically focused on underserved populations and global health challenges. If you reference CDU specifically, ground your interest in genuine commitment to community health and reducing disparities, not generic interest in "going into healthcare."
Apply Early Within the Rolling Admissions Window for Biomedical Sciences
CDU's undergraduate Biomedical Sciences program operates on rolling admissions, with applications considered until enrollment capacity is reached, accepting both freshman and transfer applicants. Submit your complete application as early in the cycle as possible rather than waiting until a final deadline, since capacity-based admission means later applicants face a smaller remaining pool of spots.
Understand That Undergraduate Admission Is Distinct From - and Far More Accessible Than - CDU's Medical School
CDU's undergraduate Biomedical Sciences program has a notably high acceptance rate and comprehensive, holistic review focused on academic readiness and personal achievement, while CDU's College of Medicine operates an entirely separate, highly competitive AMCAS-based process with limited seats (around 60 per cycle). Don't conflate the two pathways when researching requirements or timelines - they are structurally distinct admissions processes.
Expert Insight: Do not submit an incomplete undergraduate application assuming CDU's accessible admissions standards mean missing materials won't matter - the Department of Health and Life Sciences explicitly states an incomplete application file may delay processing, and given the program's mission-driven, community-health focus, a complete file with genuine engagement in your personal statement matters for both admission and securing the Admissions Office's early guidance.
CDU Profile
Full Name
Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU)
City
Los Angeles
State
California
ZIP Code
90059
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
Is a CDU Degree Worth It?
Getting into CDU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. CDU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at CDU is $55,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 5.31%.
How much does a degree from CDU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is $33,973. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is much less than this.
31.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 68.7 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CDU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CDU as your choice in the form.
How much does a CDU Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $83,438. An average CDU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at CDU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Post-baccalaureate Certificate Programs
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
First Professional Degree Programs
Professional Certificate Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science →
Frequently Asked Questions About CDU Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $83,438 annually, depending on the industry.
The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $33,973 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.
31.3% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science is 38.8% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.26. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 2.96, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 2.96, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.86 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.26, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.