Drexel University admits 77.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive admission offers. This acceptance rate falls within the Open Access category (above 75%), making Drexel significantly more accessible than highly selective institutions. The peer median admission rate of 69.4% indicates that Drexel admits students at a rate 8.1 percentage points higher than similar institutions, reflecting a more inclusive approach to enrollment. This level of accessibility means that academically prepared students have strong prospects for admission, though meeting academic standards remains important. Students should view Drexel as a realistic option if their academic credentials align with the institution's profile, while understanding that admission is not automatic despite the relatively high acceptance rate. The combination of accessible admission with strong outcomes makes Drexel attractive for students seeking practical education pathways. For comprehensive college list building, students should include institutions with varying selectivity levels, using Drexel's 77.5% rate as a benchmark for schools with similar accessibility. This admission rate supports Drexel's mission of providing career-focused education to a broad range of students while maintaining academic quality standards.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Drexel University typically demonstrate strong academic preparation through standardized testing and high school performance. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1230 at the 25th percentile to 1430 at the 75th percentile, with a midpoint of 1337. This means most admitted students score between 1230 and 1430, though students outside this range are admitted in smaller numbers. SAT Math scores range from 620 to 730, while SAT Verbal scores span 610 to 700, indicating balanced strength across both testing areas. ACT scores range from 27 at the 25th percentile to 33 at the 75th percentile, with a midpoint of 29. These test score ranges position Drexel among institutions with high academic expectations, ranking in the 98th percentile nationally for SAT performance and 97th percentile for ACT performance. However, the peer median SAT of 1378 places Drexel 41 points below comparable institutions, suggesting the university may weigh factors beyond test scores in admission decisions. Students scoring below 1230 SAT or 27 ACT should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded from consideration. If your scores fall within the middle 50% ranges, you are academically competitive for admission and should feel confident applying. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building comprehensive college lists that include reach, target, and safety options.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Drexel University enrolls a diverse student body that includes students from varied economic backgrounds and academic experiences. The institution enrolls 25.2% Pell-eligible students, indicating approximately one in four students comes from lower-income families. First-generation college students comprise 29.2% of the student body, nearly three in ten enrolled students. Transfer students represent 18.3% of the incoming class, showing Drexel's commitment to providing pathways for students beginning their college careers elsewhere. This composition suggests that Drexel actively enrolls students from different economic circumstances, though the Pell share is below the national average for four-year institutions. The substantial first-generation population indicates the university serves many students who are the first in their families to attend college. Students from lower-income families should know that 25.2% of enrolled students share similar economic backgrounds, while first-generation students can find community among the 29.2% who share their experience. Transfer applicants should note the meaningful 18.3% transfer enrollment, suggesting established support systems for students transitioning from other institutions. This diverse composition reflects Drexel's urban Philadelphia location and its mission to provide practical, career-focused education to students from varied backgrounds and experiences.
Given Drexel's 77.5% acceptance rate, most academically prepared applicants have realistic admission prospects. However, students seeking additional options or different program focuses should consider these alternatives with comparable career outcomes.
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Students who enroll at Drexel University demonstrate strong persistence and completion outcomes across different demographic groups. 89.6% of freshmen return for sophomore year, which is 7.1 percentage points above the peer median of 81.3%, indicating effective first-year support and student satisfaction. The six-year graduation rate reaches 77.1%, substantially higher than the peer median of 63.5%, reflecting strong institutional support for degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at 60.0%, creating a 17.1 percentage point gap compared to the overall graduation rate. This gap is larger than ideal but not uncommon at institutions with similar profiles, indicating that while lower-income students face additional challenges, the majority still complete their degrees. The retention and completion rates demonstrate that students who gain admission to Drexel can expect substantial institutional support for academic success. Lower-income students should weigh the 17.1 point Pell completion gap when considering this institution, though the 60% Pell completion rate still represents majority success. Prospective students should view these retention and completion rates as strong indicators of the supportive academic environment they will experience. The combination of high retention and above-peer completion rates suggests that Drexel provides effective student support services and maintains realistic academic expectations for enrolled students.
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