Head-to-Head Comparison
Drexel University vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Drexel Wins
- 10
- Tied
- 15
- Massachusetts Technology Wins
- 27
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $20,111 vs Drexel University's $38,509, Massachusetts Institute of Technology delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Massachusetts Institute of Technology's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Drexel
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Massachusetts Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $143,372 ten years after enrollment, 69% more than Drexel University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $20,111, roughly $18,398 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $14,768, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #3
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Drexel graduates concentrate in Health Professions (18% of degrees); Massachusetts Technology in Computer Science & IT (35%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Massachusetts Institute of Technology over Drexel University. Median earnings of $143,372 ten years after enrollment vs $84,648.
Pick Massachusetts Institute of Technology over Drexel University. Net price $20,111 vs $38,509.
Pick Massachusetts Institute of Technology over Drexel University. THE World Rank #3 vs #190.
Pick Massachusetts Institute of Technology over Drexel University. 96% completion rate vs 78%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Drexel University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are close on paper, but Massachusetts Institute of Technology wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is the harder admit. It takes 5% of applicants, while Drexel University takes 79%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,345 to 1,560.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Massachusetts Institute of Technology sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Massachusetts Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $20,111, about $18,398 a year below Drexel University's $38,509. Graduates of Massachusetts Institute of Technology also borrow less: median debt of $14,768, against $25,325.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $73,592 before any change in aid. Choosing Massachusetts Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $143,372, compared with $84,648 at Drexel University. That is a 69% advantage. Set against borrowing, Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.1x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 69% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 78%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 19% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Massachusetts Institute of Technology sits higher, at #3 versus #190.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Massachusetts Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Drexel University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, Business & Marketing, while Massachusetts Institute of Technology leans toward Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $38,509 runs well above Massachusetts Institute of Technology's $20,111.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,325, against $14,768 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Drexel University's enrollment, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Drexel University's enrollment of 13,233 far exceeds Massachusetts Institute of Technology's 4,535.
No strong negative signals — Massachusetts Technology competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Test scores matter less at Drexel, where only about 35% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With over 13,200 students, Drexel University is a great fit for those seeking a hands-on educational experience, particularly in fields like Engineering, Health Professions, and Business & Marketing. The university's acceptance rate of 79% suggests a welcoming environment, which can be reassuring for students looking for a place where they can thrive academically. Many students appreciate the strong focus on experiential learning, including co-op programs that allow them to gain real-world experience while they study.
After graduation, students from Drexel can expect impressive earning potential, with graduates reporting a median income of $84,648 ten years after completing their degree. This financial outcome is particularly appealing, given how many graduates find themselves in well-paying fields. Affordability is a significant factor too, with a net price of $38,509 after aid, making it accessible for many families. Although the Pell Grant rate sits at 27%, it reflects the university’s commitment to supporting students from diverse financial backgrounds.
When considering the practical aspects, Drexel’s median debt of $25,325 is relatively manageable, especially when balanced against the earning potential. Students who tend to thrive here are often those ready to engage fully in their education, taking advantage of the co-op experiences and networking opportunities available. This proactive approach can really pay off, leading to successful careers and a solid return on investment for their education.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology attracts a highly motivated and academically driven student body. This is a place for those who excel in challenging fields, particularly in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physical sciences, and biology. Students here are often hands-on learners, engaging in rigorous projects and research that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Once students graduate, they typically see significant financial returns on their investment. With an average salary of $143,372 after ten years, graduates are well-positioned in the job market. This level of earning power speaks volumes about the value of the education they receive here. The affordability of attending is also noteworthy; with a net price of $20,111 after aid, many students leave with a manageable median debt of $14,768, making the financial landscape more navigable.
The practical aspects of attending MIT align well with the ambitions of its students. Those who thrive here are often those who embrace intense academic rigor and collaborative environments. With a graduation rate of 96%, it’s clear that the supportive community helps students succeed. The combination of a strong educational foundation and a network of driven peers prepares graduates for a range of career paths and success in their chosen fields.
Rankings They Appear On
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is featured on the Colleges With the Highest-Earning Graduates ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Drexel's top program is Nursing (BSN) (18% of enrollment), while Massachusetts Technology leads with Computer Science (35%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Drexel) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Massachusetts Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Drexel University is strongest in Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Visual & Performing Arts, while Massachusetts Institute of Technology concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Drexel University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 79% at Drexel University.
Which is more affordable, Drexel University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $20,111 after aid versus $38,509 at Drexel University.
Do Drexel University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $143,372 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,648 at Drexel University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Drexel University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 78%.
Should you choose Drexel University or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Massachusetts Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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