US University · Ranked #90
Drexel University: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
Drexel University is an accessible university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with an acceptance rate of roughly 76%, meaning most qualified applicants are admitted. Ranked #90 nationally in our dataset, it is a strong choice for a likely or safety school: meeting the published academic minimums and applying before the deadline puts most students in good standing.
Drexel is a Philadelphia university known for its extensive co-op program, giving students up to 18 months of professional work experience before graduation.
This guide breaks down Drexel's admission requirements, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
Drexel University admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 76%
- SAT range
- 1160–1360
- Average GPA
- 3.5
- In-state
- $58,833
- Out-of-state
- $58,833
- Enrollment
- 14,347
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
How hard is it to get into Drexel University?
An acceptance rate of 76% makes Drexel an accessible school where most qualified applicants are offered admission. For students who meet the published academic minimums, this functions as a likely or safety option. The priority is a complete, accurate, on-time application rather than a polished competitive narrative.
Drexel is a sensible likely or safety school. Confirm you meet the stated minimums, submit your application early in the cycle, and keep it clean and complete.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at Drexel typically score between 1160 and 1360 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1160 and a quarter above 1360. A score at or above 1360 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1260 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.5. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1160) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
Drexel Universityapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Nov 1
- • Regular Decision: Jan 15
Drexel offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Nov 1, with Regular Decision closing Jan 15. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Nov 1 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 15.
Notable programs at Drexel University
- Engineering — typically a more selective track with specific math and science prerequisites.
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Nursing — a clinical pathway with prerequisite coursework and, in some cases, separate admission.
- Design — frequently requiring a portfolio or audition in addition to the standard application.
- Computer Science — a perennial high-demand field with competitive secondary admission at many schools.
Drexel is particularly known for Engineering, Business, Nursing, Design, and Computer Science.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending Drexel University
As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Drexel charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $58,833 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.
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Drexel University: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at Drexel University?
- Drexel University has an acceptance rate of 76%, which makes it accessible. Drexel is a sensible likely or safety school. Confirm you meet the stated minimums, submit your application early in the cycle, and keep it clean and complete.
- What SAT score do you need for Drexel University?
- Admitted students at Drexel University typically score between 1160 and 1360 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1360 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1160 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into Drexel University?
- The average GPA of admitted students at Drexel University is approximately 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.5 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for Drexel University?
- Drexel University's application deadlines: Early Action is Nov 1 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Jan 15. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is Drexel University a public or private university?
- Drexel University is a private university. Tuition is the same regardless of residency, but need-based aid can substantially lower the net price.
- How much does it cost to attend Drexel University?
- As a private institution with a single tuition rate for all students, Drexel charges the same tuition regardless of residency — approximately $58,833 per year. The sticker price is high, but private schools at this level often have substantial need-based aid, so the net price for many families is considerably lower; run the school's net price calculator before ruling it out on cost alone.