“co-op education at its best”
If you are more tech-minded and looking to get a leg up on your career, Drexel’s co-op curriculum may be the place for you. Set in one of the now more desirable parts of downtown Philadelphia, Drexel University’s 123-acre, 20-block radius campus is adjacent to UPenn.
Students will have plenty of choices of restaurants, clubs, and shopping places, all accessible by the city’s public transit system. For those who like to stay in shape, how about queuing your playlist up and heading for the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum like Rocky?
Here are a few quick facts about Drexel:
4-year Graduation rate: not reported, 6-year: 71%
Drexel University Acceptance Rate: 80%
Freshman retention: 88%
Freshmen out of state: 59%
Most popular Drexel University majors: mechanical engineering, computer science, business administration, health professions
Student Community Diversity: 7% Black, 6.7% Latino, 11% International
Drexel is known for its innovative co-op program, which combines high-tech academics with paying job opportunities for undergrads. Students alternate between periods of full-time study and full-time employment for their 4-5 year program. This adds up to 6-18 months of job experience before graduation.
In order to achieve this, Drexel operates year-round on a quarter system instead of semesters. Freshman and senior years (of a 5-year program) are completely on campus, and the remaining three years alternate between study and work.
All first-year students are required to take courses in English composition and math and two one-credit courses: one that introduces university resources and one on civic engagement in the local community. The Drexel Engineering Curriculum integrates math, physics, chemistry, and engineering to help ensure students are well-rounded and able to write and design. Each freshman is assigned a “personal librarian” to help them best use the library’s extensive resources.
Drexel’s professors are praised for their accessibility. Unlike many other universities, teaching assistants only run labs and study sessions. Fifty-five percent of all classes have fewer than 20 students.
Drexel University Academic Calendar
Because so many live off campus and there is so much to do in the surrounding city of Philadelphia, the campus tends to be a bit deserted on the weekends. Friday-night movies on campus are cheap, and dorms often sponsor floor parties. Drexel has a moderate Greek life scene, with 14% of men and 13% of women pledging.
While getting students involved in activities can be difficult, what with the amount of schoolwork and co-op assignments, Drexel still boasts 18 Division I teams, which compete in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Dragons do not have a football team, but their men’s and women’s basketball, crew, and soccer teams are strong. Do not make the mistake of assuming Drexel’s students don’t have school spirit. They make a show of “sacrificing” blue plastic chickens in demonstrations against their rivals, the University of Delaware Blue Hens.
The majority of freshmen live in one of nine co-ed residence halls, while most upperclassmen reside in nearby apartments or fraternity houses. About 22% of the overall undergraduate population lives on campus. There are two main dining centers, which serve food that is described as “adequate.” Foodies will be happy to hear that they can often find various food trucks parked around campus to grab a quick lunch.
Students can also feel safer knowing that the dorms, library, and physical education center are restricted to students with IDs, and Drexel’s campus enforces strict policies to limit the amount of alcohol brought onto campus.
Drexel offers need-based financial aid, non-need-based merit scholarships, and a small number of athletic scholarships. The average percent of need met is 84%, with 33% being fully met. Although the tuition and fees are $75,000, the average financial aid package is $41,000. 100% of students receive some type of financial aid and/or scholarships.
Similar colleges to consider:
Penn State, Syracuse, University of Pittsburgh, George Washington University
Chicago - (708) 725-0782
Columbus - (614) 618-3335
