Head-to-Head Comparison
Drexel University vs University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Drexel Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 13
- Minnesota-Twin Cities Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $16,778 vs Drexel University's $38,509, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Drexel
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $84,648 ten years after enrollment, 23% more than University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Lower cost: Average net price of $16,778, roughly $21,731 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 85% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Drexel graduates concentrate in Health Professions (18% of degrees); Minnesota-Twin Cities in Biology & Biomedical (12%). 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 Drexel University over University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Median earnings of $84,648 ten years after enrollment vs $69,020.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over Drexel University. Net price $16,778 vs $38,509.
Pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities over Drexel University. 85% completion rate vs 78%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Drexel University and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities are close on paper, but University of Minnesota-Twin Cities wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Drexel University is the harder admit. It takes 79% of applicants, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities takes 80%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,345 to 1,362.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Drexel University 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, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $16,778, about $21,731 a year below Drexel University's $38,509. Graduates of University of Minnesota-Twin Cities also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $25,325.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $86,924 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Drexel University graduates report median earnings of $84,648, compared with $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. That is a 23% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 23% 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
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates a larger share of its students, 85% versus 78%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 7% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to keep costs and debt down; pick Drexel University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities saves about $21,731 a year, yet Drexel University graduates earn $15,628 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Drexel University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, Engineering, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT. 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's $16,778.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,325, against $19,500 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
- Business and consulting-track students: Drexel University has less business program depth, and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: Drexel University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities's enrollment of 31,855 far exceeds Drexel University's 13,233.
Full Data Breakdown
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 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.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN · Public
With an enrollment of over 31,000 students, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities stands out as a vibrant public university where a diverse array of students can thrive. If you're interested in business, biology, computer science, engineering, or psychology, you're likely to find a strong community here. The 80% acceptance rate shows that the university is accessible to many, making it an attractive option for students from various backgrounds seeking to gain a solid education in these fields.
After graduation, students can expect a median earning of around $69,020 within ten years, which is a promising number that speaks to the value of a degree from this university. While the data on mobility rates isn't available, the strong graduation rate of 85% suggests that most students are completing their programs and moving into the workforce with a competitive edge. This financial outlook is further enhanced by the affordability of the education, allowing graduates to step into their careers without overwhelming debt.
Speaking of costs, the net price after financial aid stands at approximately $16,778, which is quite manageable compared to many other institutions. With a median debt of $19,500, students here tend to leave with a reasonable financial burden. The university attracts those who are motivated and ready to invest in their futures, and it seems well-suited for individuals who are driven and eager to engage in a collaborative learning environment.
Rankings They Appear On
Drexel University and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities appear together in 2 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Online MBA Programs, Drexel University ranks #6 — Drexel University outranks University of Minnesota-Twin Cities by 12 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Drexel's top program is Nursing (BSN) (18% of enrollment), while Minnesota-Twin Cities leads with Biology (12%).
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 Minnesota-Twin Cities).
The two schools feed different job markets. Drexel University is strongest in Health Professions, Visual & Performing Arts, while University of Minnesota-Twin Cities concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Computer Science & IT. 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 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
Drexel University is harder to get into, admitting 79% of applicants compared with 80% at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which is more affordable, Drexel University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is more affordable, with an average net price of $16,778 after aid versus $38,509 at Drexel University.
Do Drexel University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn more?
Drexel University graduates earn more: median earnings of $84,648 ten years after enrollment, versus $69,020 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
Which has a better graduation rate, Drexel University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 78%.
Should you choose Drexel University or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Minnesota-Twin Cities if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Drexel University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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