Choosing the right college can be a daunting task. With so many factors to consider, such as costs, academics, diversity, and campus life, deciding on the perfect fit can prove to be quite a challenge. In this article, we will compare two institutions – Drexel University and the University of Delaware (UD) – to give you an in-depth look into what each has to offer, helping you make an informed decision for your future.
Drexel Overview
Drexel University, founded in 1891, is a private, research-driven institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With a strong focus on cooperative education and experiential learning, Drexel offers over 200 degree programs across 14 colleges and schools. The university is renowned for its engineering, business, and design programs and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment.
Drexel Costs & Tuition
The cost of attending Drexel University is on the higher side, with tuition and fees averaging around $54,516 per year for the 2021-2022 academic year. However, Drexel offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, to help offset these costs. It is important to note that the cost of living in Philadelphia can also contribute to the overall expenses, with housing and meal plans averaging around $15,390 per year.
Drexel Admissions
Drexel University has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 75%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.73, and the university looks for applicants who demonstrate strong academic potential, leadership qualities, and community involvement. Drexel also offers an Early Decision application option for students who are certain that Drexel is their top choice.
Drexel Degrees Offered
Drexel offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across its 14 colleges and schools. Some of the most popular majors at Drexel include Business, Management, Marketing, Engineering, Health Professions, and Visual and Performing Arts. Students can also take advantage of Drexel’s renowned cooperative education program, which allows them to gain real-world experience and build their professional network through paid work placements.
Drexel Academics
Academics at Drexel University emphasize experiential learning and real-world application. The university boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, allowing for personalized attention and a collaborative learning environment. Drexel’s faculty are accomplished professionals and researchers in their respective fields, offering students access to cutting-edge knowledge and expertise.
Drexel Diversity
Drexel University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. With students from over 125 countries and various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, Drexel offers numerous resources and programs to support and celebrate diversity, including cultural centers, affinity groups, and inclusive student organizations.
Drexel Students
Drexel University has a student population of around 24,190, with approximately 15,346 undergraduate and 8,844 graduate students. Students at Drexel are known for their ambition, curiosity, and drive to succeed. With over 350 student organizations and clubs, there is no shortage of opportunities for students to get involved, develop their interests, and make lasting connections.
Drexel Campus
Drexel’s urban campus is located in the heart of Philadelphia, offering students access to a vibrant city with a rich history and cultural scene. The campus itself spans over 77 acres and features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreation centers. Drexel also offers a variety of housing and dining options to accommodate students’ needs and preferences.
Drexel Alumni
Drexel University boasts a strong alumni network of over 150,000 individuals across various industries and professions. Notable alumni include Paul Baran, a pioneer of packet-switched networks; Raj Gupta, former CEO of Rohm and Haas; and Susan C. Aldridge, President of Drexel University Online.
Drexel Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, Drexel University ranks #133 in National Universities and #66 in Best Value Schools. The university also has a strong reputation for its engineering and business programs, ranking #77 in Best Engineering Schools and #89 in Best Business Schools.
Drexel Outcomes
Drexel University prides itself on preparing students for successful careers, with a 94% post-graduation employment rate for the class of 2019. The median starting salary for Drexel graduates is $54,400, and the university’s cooperative education program often leads to full-time job offers upon graduation.
UD Overview
The University of Delaware (UD), founded in 1743, is a public research institution located in Newark, Delaware. With over 150 undergraduate majors and more than 200 graduate programs, UD offers a diverse range of academic opportunities. The university is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and education, as well as its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
UD Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at the University of Delaware for the 2021-2022 academic year are approximately $14,280 for in-state students and $36,780 for out-of-state students. Room and board costs average around $12,594 per year. UD offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, to help make education more affordable for students.
UD Admissions
Admissions at the University of Delaware are competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 70%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.7, and the university looks for applicants who demonstrate strong academics, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. UD offers both Early Action and Early Decision application options for students who wish to demonstrate their commitment to the university.
UD Degrees Offered
The University of Delaware offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across its eight colleges. Some of the most popular majors at UD include Business, Management, Marketing, Engineering, Education, Health Professions, and Social Sciences.
UD Academics
The University of Delaware emphasizes innovative and interdisciplinary academics, with a commitment to research and experiential learning. UD boasts a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention and an engaging learning environment. The university’s faculty are accomplished scholars and researchers, dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education.
UD Diversity
The University of Delaware is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community. With students from various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, UD offers numerous resources and programs to support and celebrate diversity, including multicultural centers, affinity groups, and inclusive student organizations.
UD Students
The University of Delaware has a student population of around 24,120, with approximately 19,678 undergraduate and 4,442 graduate students. Students at UD are known for their spirit, creativity, and drive to succeed. With over 400 student organizations and clubs, there is no shortage of opportunities for students to get involved, pursue their passions, and make lasting connections.
UD Campus
UD’s suburban campus is located in Newark, Delaware, offering students a blend of both urban and rural environments. The campus spans over 1,996 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research labs, and recreational centers. UD also offers a variety of housing and dining options, catering to students’ needs and preferences.
UD Alumni
The University of Delaware boasts a strong alumni network of over 181,000 individuals across various industries and professions. Notable alumni include Joe Biden, 46th President of the United States; Chris Christie, former Governor of New Jersey; and Elena Delle Donne, professional basketball player and Olympic gold medalist.
UD Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of Delaware ranks #97 in National Universities and #36 in Top Public Schools. The university also has a strong reputation for its engineering and business programs, ranking #56 in Best Engineering Schools and #51 in Best Business Schools.
UD Outcomes
The University of Delaware prides itself on preparing students for successful careers, with a 91% post-graduation employment rate for the class of 2019. The median starting salary for UD graduates is $48,700, showcasing the university’s commitment to producing graduates who are well-equipped to succeed in the workforce.
Drexel vs UD Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Drexel University and the University of Delaware, it is important to consider both tuition and living expenses. Drexel’s tuition and fees are significantly higher than UD’s, averaging around $54,516 per year compared to $14,280 for in-state students and $36,780 for out-of-state students at UD. However, both universities offer financial aid options to help offset these costs, such as scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Additionally, living expenses in Philadelphia, where Drexel is located, tend to be higher than those in Newark, Delaware, further contributing to the overall cost difference between the two institutions.
Drexel vs UD Admissions Difficulty
Both Drexel University and the University of Delaware have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of 75% and 70%, respectively. The average high school GPA of admitted students at both institutions is similar, at 3.73 for Drexel and 3.7 for UD. Both universities consider factors such as academic potential, leadership qualities, and community involvement in their admissions decisions, making it important for applicants to demonstrate a well-rounded profile. Drexel and UD also offer Early Decision and Early Action application options, respectively, for students who wish to demonstrate their commitment to their top-choice institution.
Drexel vs UD Academic Difficulty
Academic rigor is an important factor when considering which university to attend. Both Drexel and UD offer challenging academic programs across various fields, with a focus on experiential learning and research. The student-to-faculty ratios at both institutions are low, with Drexel’s at 11:1 and UD’s at 15:1, allowing for personalized attention and a collaborative learning environment. Faculty at both universities are accomplished professionals and researchers, providing students with access to cutting-edge knowledge and expertise in their respective disciplines.
Drexel vs UD Outcome Comparison
Post-graduation outcomes are a crucial consideration when choosing a university. Drexel boasts a 94% post-graduation employment rate and a median starting salary of $54,400 for its graduates. In comparison, UD has a 91% post-graduation employment rate, with a median starting salary of $48,700. Both universities have strong alumni networks and connections to various industries, providing graduates with support and opportunities for career advancement. Drexel’s cooperative education program, which allows students to gain paid work experience during their studies, is particularly notable for its potential to lead to full-time job offers upon graduation.
