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Drexel University vs University of Pennsylvania

Drexel University is a private university in Philadelphia, PA, and University of Pennsylvania is a private university in Philadelphia, PA. University of Pennsylvania is the more selective of the two, admitting about 5% of applicants against 79% at Drexel University. University of Pennsylvania is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,699 a year against $38,509 at Drexel University. About 97% of students graduate at University of Pennsylvania, compared with 78% at Drexel University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Pennsylvania alumni earn a median of about $111,371, against $84,648 for Drexel University.

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
13,233
10,650
Acceptance rate
79%
5%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.48–3.98
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1240–1440
1510–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
34–36
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$38,509
$28,699
Full cost / yr
$76,835
$89,028
In-state tuition
$62,412
$68,686
Out-of-state tuition
$62,412
$68,686
Application fee
$50
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$28,055
$0*
$30k - $48k
$29,435
$316
$48k - $75k
$34,970
$10,439
$75k - $110k
$37,842
$25,476
Over $110k
$48,089
$55,972
Outcomes
Graduation rate
78%
97%
Freshman retention
90%
99%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$69,063
$90,555
Median earnings (10 yr)
$84,648
$111,371
Median debt at graduation
$25,325
$15,715
Student body
Pell grant recipients
27%
17%
First-generation students
29%
19%
International students
9%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 5

* Reported aid for this income range averaged above the billed cost.

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Drexel University or University of Pennsylvania harder to get into?
University of Pennsylvania is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 79% at Drexel University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Drexel University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,699 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $38,509 at Drexel University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania?
Before aid, Drexel University costs about $76,835 a year and University of Pennsylvania about $89,028. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Drexel University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $-3,012 there, against about $28,055 at Drexel University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Drexel University or University of Pennsylvania?
Drexel University is the larger of the two, with about 13,233 undergraduates against 10,650 at University of Pennsylvania.
Does Drexel University or University of Pennsylvania have a better graduation rate?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher graduation rate, at about 97% against 78% at Drexel University.
Do graduates of Drexel University or University of Pennsylvania earn more?
University of Pennsylvania alumni earn more on average: a median of about $111,371 ten years after enrolling, against about $84,648 for Drexel University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania require SAT or ACT scores?
Drexel University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Pennsylvania requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1240–1440 at Drexel University and 1510–1570 at University of Pennsylvania. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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