Choosing the right university is a challenging and crucial decision in a student’s life, as it can significantly impact their future career and personal growth. In this article, we will compare two universities, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) and Drexel University (DU), to provide a comprehensive understanding of each institution’s offerings, allowing prospective students to make an informed decision.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Overview
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is a public research university located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Established in 1956, it is the largest university in the Milwaukee metropolitan area and a member of the University of Wisconsin System. UWM offers more than 190 degree programs across 14 schools and colleges, catering to a diverse range of academic interests. With its strong focus on research and innovation, UWM has earned a reputation for its contributions to various fields, including engineering, education, and social sciences.
UWM Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at UWM vary based on the student’s residency status and program choice. For Wisconsin residents, undergraduate tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $9,254, while non-residents can expect to pay around $20,748. Graduate tuition varies by program; Wisconsin residents can expect to pay approximately $12,000 per year, whereas non-residents may pay around $25,000 annually. Additional expenses, such as housing, meals, and textbooks, can add to the overall cost of attendance.
UWM Admissions
Admission to UWM is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 74% in recent years. Prospective undergraduate students are required to submit a completed application, high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. Some programs may have additional requirements, such as portfolio submissions or auditions. Graduate programs typically require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale), and satisfactory scores on the GRE, GMAT, or another relevant standardized test.
UWM Degrees Offered
UWM offers a wide range of degree programs across its 14 schools and colleges, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Some popular undergraduate majors include business, nursing, psychology, engineering, and education. Graduate programs encompass various fields such as urban planning, public health, architecture, social work, and information studies.
UWM Academics
UWM is a research-heavy institution, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. The university’s faculty is composed of accomplished researchers and teachers, providing students with a high-quality education and opportunities for research and professional development. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, UWM offers a supportive and engaging learning environment that encourages active participation and open communication between students and faculty members.
UWM Diversity
UWM prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusion, as it fosters a welcoming and inclusive campus community. The university’s student population is made up of individuals from various backgrounds, including different races, ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations. UWM offers several resources and support services to promote diversity, such as multicultural centers, dedicated staff, and various student organizations.
UWM Students
UWM has a diverse student body of more than 27,000 students, including approximately 21,000 undergraduates and 6,000 graduate students. The university offers a vibrant campus life, with more than 300 student organizations covering a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, recreational, and social pursuits. Students at UWM can also take advantage of numerous services and resources, such as career planning, academic support, and health and wellness services.
UWM Campus
UWM’s campus is located in a residential neighborhood of Milwaukee, providing students with a combination of urban and suburban atmospheres. The campus is home to modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research centers, and recreational spaces. Additionally, UWM is conveniently located near downtown Milwaukee, offering students easy access to the city’s cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.
UWM Alumni
UWM has a strong alumni network of over 191,000 graduates, with many occupying prominent positions in various industries and professions. Some notable alumni include Golda Meir, former Prime Minister of Israel; Charlotte Rae, actress and singer; and Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.
UWM Rankings
UWM consistently ranks among the top 200 universities in the United States, according to various publications such as U.S. News & World Report and Forbes. Some of the university’s programs, including architecture and urban planning, also hold high positions in national rankings.
UWM Outcomes
With a strong focus on career preparedness and professional development, UWM graduates have a high employment rate. According to the university’s latest data, around 94% of graduates find employment or continue their education within six months of graduation. UWM alumni often find success in various fields, with many securing positions in education, healthcare, technology, and business.
Drexel University Overview
Drexel University (DU) is a private research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1891, DU emphasizes experiential learning and offers a unique cooperative education program that allows students to gain professional experience while completing their degrees. The university offers over 200 degree programs through its 15 colleges and schools, with a focus on engineering, business, and the health professions.
DU Costs & Tuition
As a private university, tuition and fees at DU are generally higher than those at public institutions. For the 2021-2022 academic year, undergraduate tuition is approximately $54,516. Graduate tuition varies by program, with most programs charging between $1,000 and $1,400 per credit. Like UWM, additional expenses such as housing, meals, and textbooks will add to the overall cost of attendance.
DU Admissions
Admission to DU is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 75%. Prospective students must complete an application, submit high school transcripts, and provide SAT or ACT scores. Some programs may require additional materials such as portfolios or auditions. Graduate program requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA (often 3.0 or higher), and satisfactory standardized test scores.
DU Degrees Offered
DU offers a wide range of degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Popular undergraduate majors include engineering, business, health professions, and computer and information sciences. Graduate programs cover various fields, such as education, public health, and law.
DU Academics
DU’s academics are grounded in experiential learning, with a focus on practical application and real-world experience. The university’s cooperative education program allows students to alternate between classroom learning and full-time, paid employment in their field of study. This provides students with valuable professional experience, networking opportunities, and a strong foundation for their future careers.
DU Diversity
DU is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus and within its academic programs. The university’s student population represents various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. DU offers numerous resources and support services to enhance diversity on campus, such as cultural centers, dedicated staff, and student organizations.
DU Students
DU has a total enrollment of around 24,000 students, including approximately 15,000 undergraduates and 9,000 graduate students. Campus life at DU is vibrant and engaging, with over 350 student organizations and numerous recreational and cultural opportunities. Additionally, the university provides various resources and services for student success, such as academic advising, career services, and health and counseling services.
DU Campus
DU’s urban campus is located in Philadelphia’s University City neighborhood, offering students access to the city’s cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research centers, and recreational spaces.
DU Alumni
DU boasts a strong alumni network, with over 150,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include Paul Baran, inventor of packet switching technology; Susan C. Aldridge, president of Drexel University Online; and John A. Fry, president of Drexel University.
DU Rankings
DU consistently ranks among the top 100 universities in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report and Forbes. The university’s engineering, business, and health professions programs are particularly well-regarded in national rankings.
DU Outcome
DU’s focus on experiential learning and career preparedness results in strong outcomes for graduates, with around 94% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. DU alumni find success in various fields, including engineering, business, healthcare, and technology.
UWM vs DU Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending UWM and DU, it is important to consider both tuition and additional expenses such as housing, meals, and textbooks. As a public university, UWM’s tuition is generally lower than DU’s, particularly for in-state students. However, out-of-state students may find the cost difference between the two universities to be less pronounced. Additionally, both universities offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help offset the cost of attendance.
UWM vs DU Admissions Difficulty
Admissions difficulty at both UWM and DU is moderately competitive, with acceptance rates around 74% and 75%, respectively. Both universities have similar admission requirements, including the submission of high school transcripts and standardized test scores. However, some programs at both institutions may have additional requirements, such as portfolio submissions or auditions. Prospective students should research the specific requirements for their desired programs at each university to ensure they are well-prepared for the application process.
UWM vs DU Academic Difficulty
Both UWM and DU are known for their strong academic programs and commitment to research and innovation. While their curricula may differ, both universities place a strong emphasis on experiential learning and real-world application. DU’s cooperative education program is a unique offering that provides students with valuable professional experience while completing their degrees. Prospective students should carefully consider their preferred learning style and the specific programs offered at each university when evaluating academic difficulty and fit.
UWM vs DU Outcome Comparison
Outcomes for graduates from both UWM and DU are generally positive, with around 94% of graduates from each university employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The strong focus on career preparedness and professional development at both institutions contributes to this success. However, individual outcomes may vary based on factors such as the specific program completed, the student’s goals and aspirations, and the prevailing job market. It is essential for prospective students to consider their individual goals and desired career paths when comparing these two universities.
