Look beyond the university name
Drexel University is a private research university with its main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Drexel's undergraduate school was founded in 1891 by Anthony J. Drexel, a financier and philanthropist. Founded as Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry, it was renamed Drexel Institute of Technology in 1936, before assuming its current name in 1970. As of 2020, more than 24,000 students were enrolled in over 70 undergraduate programs and more than 100 master's, doctoral, and professional programs at the university. Drexel's cooperative education program (co-op) is a unique aspect of the school's degree programs, offering students the opportunity to gain up to 18 months of paid, full-time work experience in a field relevant to their undergraduate major or graduate degree program prior to graduation.
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Founded | 1891 |
| Institution type | University |
| Total students | 23,589 |
| Faculty & staff | 4,919 |
| Research works (OpenAlex) | 82,801 |
| Total citations | 5,945,737 |
| President | Antonio Merlo |
Source: Wikipedia ↗ (reviewed 07 October 2026)
What can you study at Drexel University?
Academics Undergraduate admissions In 2024, Drexel University accepted 77.5% of undergraduate applicants, the 47th highest acceptance rate of Pennsylvania schools, with applicant competition considered very low. Those enrolled had an average 3.67 high school GPA . The university does not require submission of standardized test scores, but they will be considered when submitted. Those enrolled who submitted test scores had an average 1330 SAT score (38% submitting scores) or an average 30 ACT score (6% submitting scores). Schools and colleges College of Arts and Sciences Main article: Drexel University College of Arts and Sciences The College of Arts and Sciences was formed in 1990 when Drexel merged the two existing College of Sciences and College of Humanities together. Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design Main article: Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design The College of Media Arts and Design "fosters the study, exploration and management of the arts: media, design, the performing and visual". The college offers 18 undergraduate programs and nine graduate programs, in modern art and design fields that range from architecture, graphic design and dance to fashion design and television management. Its wide range of programs has helped the college earn full accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design , the National Architectural Accrediting Board , and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.
Research strengths (by indexed output): MXene and MAX Phase Materials, Autism Spectrum Disorder Research, Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research, Innovations in Medical Education, Health disparities and outcomes.
For the complete programme catalogue with entry requirements per degree, check the official website.
Official source: Official website ↗
Source: Wikipedia ↗ (reviewed 07 October 2026)
Know your admission route
Undergraduate admissions In 2024, Drexel University accepted 77.5% of undergraduate applicants, the 47th highest acceptance rate of Pennsylvania schools, with applicant competition considered very low. Those enrolled had an average 3.67 high school GPA . The university does not require submission of standardized test scores, but they will be considered when submitted. Those enrolled who submitted test scores had an average 1330 SAT score (38% submitting scores) or an average 30 ACT score (6% submitting scores). ^ "Pennsylvania Colleges Ranked by Lowest Acceptance Rate" . Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics .
Always verify current deadlines on the official website — third-party sites may carry outdated dates.
Official source: Official website ↗
Source: Wikipedia ↗ (reviewed 07 October 2026)
Tuition & costs
Tuition fees change each academic year and differ by programme, study level (undergraduate/graduate) and residency status. JournalsWorld does not publish estimated figures that may be outdated.
Check the university's official tuition & fees page for the current schedule applicable to your intake.
Official source: Official website ↗
Research at Drexel University
According to OpenAlex, Drexel University has 82,801 indexed research works with 5,945,737 total citations.
Rankings Academic rankings National Forbes 185 U.S. News & World Report 80 (tie) Washington Monthly 143 WSJ /College Pulse 54 Global ARWU 501–600 QS 711–720 THE 401–500 U.S. News & World Report 493 USNWR 2025 graduate school rankings Education 125 Engineering 74 Law 79 Medicine: Primary Care Tier 3 Medicine: Research Tier 2 Nursing: Master's N/A USNWR 2025 departmental rankings Biological Sciences 158 Chemistry 119 Clinical Psychology 91 Computer Science 88 Library & Information Studies 13 Mathematics 99 Nursing-Anesthesia 51 Physical Therapy 46 Physician Assistant 35 Physics 95 Psychology 81 Public Affairs 129 Public Health 27 In its 2026 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked Drexel tied for 80th among national universities in the United States, tied for 42nd in the "Most Innovative Schools" category, 76th in "Best Value Schools", tied for 50th in "Best Colleges for Veterans", and tied for 74th in "Top Performers on Social Mobility.
Most-cited affiliated researchers
- Yury G. Gogotsi — 77,513 citations
- Michel W. Barsoum — 33,527 citations
- Michael Naguib — 27,487 citations
- Maria R. Lukatskaya — 17,885 citations
- Babak Anasori — 17,832 citations
Source: OpenAlex (most-cited affiliated authors)
Official source: Official website ↗
Who leads Drexel University?
The current President is Antonio Merlo.
Antonio Merlo is an Italian-born American economist and academic who is the president of Drexel University.
Official source: Official website ↗
Campus & student life
Student life Graduate Students Association Buckley Volleyball Courts on 33rd and Arch Streets The Graduate Student Association "advocates the interests and addresses concerns of graduate students at Drexel; strives to enhance graduate student life at the University in all aspects, from academic to campus security; and provides a formal means of communication between graduate students and the University community". Jewish life on campus Drexel has an approximate Jewish population of 5% and has both a Chabad House and a Hillel. Both provide services to Jewish and non-Jewish students at Drexel. Due to an increase in the number of Orthodox Jewish students, the Hillel offers hot kosher food Monday through Thursday. There is also an eruv which is jointly managed by Jewish students from Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania . Television DUTV is Drexel's Philadelphia cable television station.
For housing options, campus facilities and student services, see the official website.
Official source: Official website ↗
Source: Wikipedia ↗ (reviewed 07 October 2026)
Contact Drexel University
Official website: https://drexel.edu ↗
For admissions enquiries, department contacts and phone numbers, use the official contact page.
Official source: Official website ↗
Frequently asked questions
When was Drexel University founded?
Drexel University was founded in 1891.
How many students attend?
Approximately 23,589 students.
What are the admission requirements?
Requirements vary by programme. Check the admission section above and verify on the official website.
How much is tuition?
Tuition changes yearly. See the official tuition page for current figures.
Who is the president?
Antonio Merlo.