Penn State University vs Drexel University Introduction
Deciding between two schools can be a challenging process. In this guide, we’ll be comparing Penn State University and Drexel University, two renowned institutions with different offerings and experiences. We’ll be examining various aspects of each school, including costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, campus life, and more. By the end of this guide, you should have a better understanding of which school might be the best fit for you.
Penn State University Overview
Penn State University, founded in 1855, is a public research institution located in University Park, Pennsylvania. With an enrollment of over 46,000 undergraduate students, Penn State offers a large campus setting with a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities.
Penn State University Costs & Tuition
The estimated annual cost of attendance for in-state students is $36,974, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $50,054. These figures include tuition, room and board, and other miscellaneous expenses. Financial aid is available to eligible students through grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
Penn State University Admissions
Admission to Penn State University is considered moderately competitive. The average high school GPA of enrolled freshmen is 3.58, and the middle 50% of accepted students have an SAT score between 1160 to 1360. The overall acceptance rate is around 49%.
Penn State University Degrees Offered
Penn State offers over 275 undergraduate degree programs across various fields of study. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Engineering, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Biological Sciences.
Penn State University Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, Penn State offers personalized attention and support from faculty members. The four-year graduation rate is 66%, while the six-year graduation rate is 85%.
Penn State University Diversity
Penn State is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus. About 33% of the student body are students of color, and international students make up 8% of the undergraduate population.
Penn State University Students
Penn State’s large student body, with diverse interests and backgrounds, provides numerous opportunities for students to get involved in clubs, organizations, and other extracurricular activities. There are over 1,000 student groups, including academic and professional organizations, community service clubs, and recreational sports teams.
Penn State University Campus
The Penn State campus spans over 8,500 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, libraries, and recreational centers. On-campus housing is available to students, with various options to suit individual needs and preferences.
Penn State University Alumni
Penn State boasts a strong alumni network, with over 692,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include former US Vice President Joe Biden, graphic designer Chip Kidd, and NFL player Saquon Barkley.
Penn State University Rankings
Penn State consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. According to the 2021 edition of U.S. News & World Report, Penn State is ranked #63 among National Universities and #23 among Public Universities.
Penn State University Outcomes
Graduates from Penn State University have a strong record of success in the workforce. The average starting salary for Penn State graduates is $47,200, and 94% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
Drexel University Overview
Drexel University, founded in 1891, is a private research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university enrolls over 15,000 undergraduate students and offers a diverse range of academic programs and experiential learning opportunities through its cooperative education program.
Drexel University Costs & Tuition
The estimated annual cost of attendance for Drexel is $74,082, including tuition, room and board, and other expenses. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with approximately 97% of incoming students receiving some form of assistance.
Drexel University Admissions
Admission to Drexel University is considered moderately competitive. The average high school GPA of enrolled freshmen is 3.73, and the middle 50% of accepted students have an SAT score between 1170 and 1380. The overall acceptance rate is around 75%.
Drexel University Degrees Offered
Drexel offers over 80 undergraduate degree programs across various fields of study. Some of the most popular majors include Business, Engineering, Health Professions, Visual and Performing Arts, and Biological Sciences.
Drexel University Academics
Drexel has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, offering a more intimate learning environment for students. The four-year graduation rate is 53%, while the six-year graduation rate is 74%.
Drexel University Diversity
Diversity is an essential aspect of the Drexel experience, with 39% of the student body being students of color. International students make up 10% of the undergraduate population, and the university is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
Drexel University Students
With over 300 student clubs and organizations, Drexel provides ample opportunities for students to get involved and make connections on campus. Students can participate in academic and professional groups, cultural organizations, community service clubs, and intramural sports teams.
Drexel University Campus
Drexel’s urban campus is situated on 96 acres in the dynamic city of Philadelphia, offering access to numerous cultural, social, and professional resources. The university provides modern facilities, including research centers, libraries, and recreational spaces, as well as on-campus housing options.
Drexel University Alumni
Drexel has a strong alumni network, with over 130,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable alumni include former President and CEO of Boeing, Dennis Muilenburg; fashion designer, Tory Burch; and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, David Barstow.
Drexel University Rankings
Drexel ranks highly among national universities, with U.S. News & World Report ranking it #133 among National Universities and #64 among Best Value Schools in 2021.
Drexel University Outcomes
Drexel graduates benefit from the university’s renowned cooperative education program, which provides valuable work experience and connections in their chosen fields. The average starting salary for Drexel graduates is $53,400, and 93% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
[Penn State University] vs [Drexel University] Cost Comparison
The cost of attendance is an important factor in comparing schools. Penn State University’s estimated annual cost for in-state students is $36,974, while the cost for out-of-state students is $50,054. On the other hand, the estimated annual cost of attendance at Drexel University is significantly higher at $74,082. Both schools offer financial aid to eligible students, with 97% of incoming students at Drexel and a significant percentage at Penn State receiving some form of assistance.
[Penn State University] vs [Drexel University] Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Penn State University and Drexel University are considered moderately competitive. Penn State has a slightly lower acceptance rate of 49% compared to Drexel’s 75% acceptance rate. The average high school GPA of enrolled freshmen at Penn State is 3.58, while at Drexel, it is slightly higher at 3.73. The middle 50% of SAT scores for accepted students at both schools are similar, with Penn State’s range being 1160 to 1360 and Drexel’s range being 1170 to 1380.
[Penn State University] vs [Drexel University] Academic Difficulty
Academic rigor is an essential aspect of the college experience. Based on the student-to-faculty ratio, Drexel University offers a more intimate learning environment with a ratio of 11:1, compared to Penn State’s 15:1 ratio. The four-year graduation rate at Penn State is higher at 66%, compared to Drexel’s 53%; however, the six-year graduation rate is similar, with Penn State at 85% and Drexel at 74%.
[Penn State University] vs [Drexel University] Outcome Comparison
Outcomes for graduates from both institutions are strong, with Penn State graduates earning an average starting salary of $47,200 and Drexel graduates earning an average starting salary of $53,400. Employment and further education rates are similar, with 94% of Penn State graduates and 93% of Drexel graduates finding employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation. Drexel’s cooperative education program offers valuable work experience and connections for graduates, while Penn State’s large alumni network also provides support and resources for its graduates.
In conclusion, both Penn State University and Drexel University have unique offerings and experiences, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual preferences, financial situation, and academic goals.
