Students at Drexel University earn substantially more than similar students at other institutions, with one of the strongest earnings advantages among private universities nationwide.
Graduates achieve exceptional financial outcomes that place the university in the top tier for both expected and actual long-term earnings.
Drexel University delivers some of the strongest financial outcomes among private universities nationwide, with graduates earning a median of $84,648 ten years after enrollment. What makes Drexel exceptional is how consistently it exceeds earnings expectations—graduates earn about $18,348 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the university's focus on experiential learning through its renowned co-op program and strong industry partnerships.
Nearly 25% of students receive Pell Grants, and about 29% are first-generation college students, yet the university maintains highly selective admission standards. This combination places Drexel in the "Selective Achievers" category—institutions that deliver outstanding outcomes while serving a meaningful share of students from modest backgrounds. Low-income graduates earn a remarkable $94,200 at the ten-year mark, ranking in the top 2% nationally for earnings among students from low-income families.
As a large private research university in Philadelphia, Drexel combines academic rigor with practical career preparation. The university's location provides access to major employers across healthcare, technology, finance, and engineering, while its co-operative education model ensures students graduate with substantial work experience. For families who can manage higher net prices, Drexel offers one of the clearest paths to strong long-term financial security available at any private institution.
Drexel University's program portfolio reflects its focus on career-oriented fields that translate directly into strong employment outcomes. Adult Health Nursing dominates both enrollment and aggregate return, with 485 graduates earning a median of $73,199, making it the university's economic engine. This program benefits from Philadelphia's extensive healthcare system and the growing demand for advanced practice nurses nationwide.
Technology and business programs provide the highest individual earning potential. Computer Science, with 140 graduates, delivers the strongest individual outcomes at $75,330, reflecting Drexel's reputation in technology education and the co-op program's connections to major tech employers. Accounting Technology, the second-largest program with 259 graduates, offers more moderate but reliable earnings of $59,858, providing a stable pathway into professional business careers with steady advancement opportunities.
The range of outcomes across programs is substantial, from Computer Science and Nursing at the high end to Arts and Media Management at $29,685, emphasizing the importance of program selection at Drexel. However, even lower-earning fields benefit from the university's co-op model and industry connections, which help students build professional networks and gain practical experience that enhances long-term career prospects. The university's location in Philadelphia provides access to diverse employers across healthcare, technology, finance, and creative industries, supporting strong outcomes across its program mix.
Drexel University graduates achieve exceptional long-term earnings that consistently outperform national expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $84,648, placing the university in the top 6% nationally for graduate earnings. Even more impressive is how much graduates exceed expectations—earning about $18,348 more than similar students at comparable institutions, one of the strongest "earnings beyond expectations" advantages among private universities. This substantial earnings premium reflects Drexel's emphasis on experiential learning and industry connections that translate directly into career advancement.
The university's co-operative education program drives much of this success across multiple fields. Adult Health Nursing, the largest program with 485 graduates, produces median earnings of $73,199 and represents Drexel's highest aggregate return major, combining strong enrollment with solid pay in a high-demand field. Computer Science graduates, though fewer in number at 140 students, achieve the highest individual earnings at $75,330, reflecting the program's strength in preparing students for lucrative technology careers. Business programs, particularly Accounting Technology with 259 graduates earning $59,858, provide reliable pathways into stable professional careers with steady advancement potential.
Drexel's Philadelphia location enhances earning power, as graduates enter a major metropolitan job market with diverse opportunities across healthcare systems, technology companies, financial services, and engineering firms. The university's extensive co-op network means students often receive job offers from their co-op employers, creating a direct pipeline from education to high-paying careers.
Drexel University requires a significant financial commitment, with net prices that reflect its status as a private research institution. Low-income families pay about $27,737 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $35,842, and higher-income families pay approximately $47,490. These prices place Drexel in the bottom 6% nationally for affordability, meaning families pay substantially more than at most comparable institutions.
The higher upfront costs translate into meaningful borrowing for most students. Typical graduates leave with about $25,325 in federal student loan debt, while families often supplement with Parent PLUS loans averaging $35,075. However, what makes these debt levels sustainable is the exceptional earning power Drexel graduates achieve. With median earnings of $84,648 ten years out, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard repayment schedules, and the university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations.
The investment calculation at Drexel is straightforward: higher costs during college translate into substantially higher earnings afterward. The university's co-op program also provides students with paid work experience during their studies, helping offset some educational expenses while building the professional networks that drive post-graduation success. For families who can manage the initial financial commitment, Drexel's outcomes justify the premium pricing.
Drexel University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
