Although
Drexel University is a private school in Philadelphia, it stands out as one of the most civically engaged institutions in the country. From when it was founded in 1891 to today, the university has remained connected and active in the community as well as society as a whole. All while, it continues to serve its original purpose—being a prestigious school for practical arts and sciences. Even in its early days, Drexel University was already providing high-quality education in the vital fields of medicine, business, design, and more. It was even one of the first schools of its kind to be co-ed, equally focusing on both male and female students.
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History of Drexel University
Philadelphia financier and philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel founded Drexel University in 1891. Initially named the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry, he established the school to provide education to men and women and equal opportunities in practical arts and sciences. It's also worth noting that Drexel University started as a co-ed school, making it one of the first of its kind to welcome women in its academic space. By the 1970s, the institution gained university status, changing its name to Drexel University. Despite how long it's been around, the university has upheld practical arts and sciences since its early days.
What Does Drexel University Look Like?
Similar to other universities in Philadelphia, Drexel University has retained its many old-world buildings. Its main campus on Chestnut Street, for example, looks straight out of a history book. It's located just west of the Schuylkill River in the University City
neighborhood of Philadelphia. Another notable campus is the Queen Lane Campus, which became part of the school through the acquisition of MCP Hahnemann University. It's here where you'll find the medical school and its subsequent research facilities. The Academy of Natural Sciences, on the other hand, is now a subsidiary of the university. It's the oldest natural museum in the country and continues to lead the way in biodiversity and environment research.
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The Drexel University Student Body
Drexel University is undoubtedly one of the biggest schools in Philadelphia, not just with its campus but with its student body too. Today, the university welcomes over 24,000 students per year, composed of both new enrollees and those returning who have yet to graduate. To break it down even further, the school has about 15,000 undergraduates and 8,000 postgraduates. As far as its demographics are concerned, Drexel University has around 47.5% White students, 18.9% Asian students, 9.2% Black students, 7.55% Hispanic students, 3.97% Multiracial students, and 0.0492% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander students, among many others.
Drexel University's Best Programs and Courses
As already mentioned, Drexel University has retained its reputation as one of the best schools for practical arts and sciences. Hence, the university's most popular majors include Medicine, Biology, Nursing, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science. Beyond all that, Drexel University's Westphal College of Media Arts & Design has also gained prominence over the years. Those who want to get into Music, Fashion Design, Architecture, and more will find a place here. This diverse range of specialized academic programs is part of what makes it one of the more unique higher educational institutions in the country.
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Drexel University’s Prerequisites
With a 79.6% acceptance rate, it's admittedly easier to get into Drexel University compared to the other top schools in Philadelphia. Does this mean just about anyone can get into this university? Of course not! For one thing, applicants will still need to get at least a 1250 SAT score or a 27 ACT score (or anything equivalent in your home country's educational system). Naturally, postgraduate applicants will still need at least a Bachelor's Degree in a related field just to be considered. Overall, there's still work to be done when applying to get into Drexel University.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at Drexel University?
Is it expensive to study at Drexel University? For the most part, yes, it is. Its tuition fees range from $15,009.00 to $20,014.00 per term for full-time undergraduates, which are already high prices on their own. For postgraduates, on the other hand, how much you will pay per term will depend on your major. Those in the College of Arts & Sciences, for example, will have to pay around $796.00 to $1,423.00 per credit hour. Students of the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, & Health Systems, on the other hand, have to pay about $1,423.00 per credit hour. Combined with the
living costs in Philadelphia, which are already high too, do you think you can afford all that?
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Where is Drexel University in Philadelphia?
Drexel University's massive campus is spread throughout various neighborhoods of Philadelphia. Though most of its main buildings are in the University City district, many others are located beyond that. As for the University City district, in particular, it's a lovely area by the eastern edge of West Philadelphia. Thanks to the fact that various universities in Philadelphia are located here, the place is far less hectic compared to other parts of the city center. Its population is more youthful too, considering that many of those who live here are university students. It's also because of this that the district has some of the more affordable
luxury homes to rent in Philadelphia.
Drexel University's Famous Graduates
What's great about Drexel University's most prominent graduates is that they've become influential figures in various and very different industries. Unlike other prestigious schools in Philadelphia which are famous because their alumni mostly in one or two specific fields, this university is more diverse in that aspect. There's retired NASA astronaut Christopher Ferguson, for example, as well as Malik Rose, a former star NBA player. There's also Chuck Barris, who was an American game show host, and Paul Baran, an engineer and inventor of packet switching. What other school could boast such a diverse alumni list?
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There's no doubt that Drexel University is one of the most prestigious schools in Philadelphia. This respected academic institution has long been among the best for learning practical arts and sciences, as well as a diverse university where everyone is welcome.
