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) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 77.5%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
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
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
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
⏳ 105 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 the admitted students at Drexel is 3.67. Drexel is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.87-4.07 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.37 and 3.67, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Drexel GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Drexel utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.67, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
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
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- 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).
- The Rigor Metric: At Drexel, 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 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
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 Drexel Without SAT or ACT?
Drexel University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Drexel University Average SAT Score: 1337
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Drexel University is 1337 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1337 — Competitive
This score makes it Competitive for SAT scores. You need to do well to score 1337 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1430 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Drexel University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1230, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Drexel. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is 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 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1230 then you are below most of the admitted students at Drexel and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1430 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1350
Can I get into Drexel University (Drexel) with a 1450 SAT?
With a 1450 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Drexel University (Drexel) are good but the admission staff at Drexel tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Drexel University (Drexel) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Drexel is 30.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 30 — Very Competitive
This score makes Drexel University very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 30 on the ACT.
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 places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Drexel University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Drexel University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Drexel University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Drexel University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 33 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Drexel
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Drexel is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
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?
Getting into Drexel 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. Drexel 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 Drexel is $74,500 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.29%.
How much does a degree from Drexel Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Drexel University is $75,167. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Drexel University is much less than this.
25.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 49.1 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Drexel and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Drexel University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Drexel as your choice in the form.
How much does a Drexel Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $84,648. An average Drexel 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.
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
Graduates of this university typically earn a high salary, $84,648 annually, depending on the industry.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $75,167 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
25.2% 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 Drexel University is 77.5% 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 3.67. 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 3.37, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.37, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.27 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 3.67, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Drexel University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1337 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1230–1430.
The application deadline for Drexel University is November 1 for Early Decision I applicants.
The application fee for Drexel University is 65. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is November 15, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
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.
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