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Drexel University vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

42 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

14
Drexel Wins
12
Tied / N/A
16
Pennsylvania Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Mid-Atlantic
13,233
Enrollment
42,284
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

79%
Acceptance Rate
61%
1345
SAT Average
1337
29
ACT Midpoint
N/A
1240-1440
SAT Range
1240-1420

Cost & Financial Aid

$62,412
In-State Tuition
$20,644
$62,412
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,790
$38,509
Average Net Price
$32,875
$28,055
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$19,845
$29,435
Net Price ($30-48K)
$20,049
$34,970
Net Price ($48-75K)
$25,667
$48,089
Net Price ($110K+)
$37,831
27%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
49%
Federal Loan Rate
40%

Academics

78%
Graduation Rate
86%
90%
Retention Rate
93%
58%
Full-Time Faculty
86%
$12,380
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$13,120
29%
First-Gen Students
29%

Student Body

57%
Female
50%
40%
White
63%
9%
Hispanic
9%
10%
Black
5%
24%
Asian
8%
0.75
Diversity Index
0.58

Outcomes

$69,063
Earnings (6yr)
$55,620
$79,235
Earnings (8yr)
$60,370
$84,648
Earnings (10yr)
$63,435
$25,325
Median Debt
$25,000
0.3x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.39x
83%
Earning Above HS
73%

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.71
-0.02
Friending Bias
0.00
7.8%
Volunteering Rate
6.0%

Research (Times HE)

#190
World Rank
N/A
45
Teaching Score
N/A
35.9
Research Score
N/A
58.2
Citations Score
N/A

The Overviews

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit

79% accept 78% grad $84,648 earnings $38,509 net

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.

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public

61% accept 86% grad $63,435 earnings $32,875 net

With an enrollment of nearly 42,300 students, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a great fit for those looking for a vibrant campus life paired with solid academics. The acceptance rate stands at 61%, which means students can find a welcoming environment to explore their interests. Popular fields of study include Business and Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science and IT, Communications, and Social Sciences. This diversity in programs allows students to tailor their education to their career goals.

After graduation, students can expect strong earning potential, with a median income of $63,435 a decade post-degree. This figure suggests that the education received here has real value in the job market, helping graduates secure positions that often lead to upward mobility. While 14% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating support for those from lower-income backgrounds, the overall affordability of the university is something to consider when planning for the future.

When it comes to the financial aspects, the net price stands at $32,875 after aid, with a median debt load of $25,000 for graduates. This balance between cost and potential earnings suggests that many students can manage their financial commitments effectively. Those who thrive here tend to be motivated and adaptable, ready to engage with both the academic and social opportunities available on campus.

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