Head-to-Head Comparison
Drexel University vs University of Pennsylvania
- Drexel Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 14
- Pennsylvania Wins
- 27
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Pennsylvania offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $28,699 vs Drexel University's $38,509, University of Pennsylvania delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Pennsylvania'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.
Pennsylvania
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment, 32% more than Drexel University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,699, roughly $9,810 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 97% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,715, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 5% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #109
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Drexel graduates concentrate in Health Professions (18% of degrees); Pennsylvania in Social Sciences (11%). 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 University of Pennsylvania over Drexel University. Median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment vs $84,648.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over Drexel University. Net price $28,699 vs $38,509.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over Drexel University. THE World Rank #109 vs #190.
Pick University of Pennsylvania over Drexel University. 97% 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 Pennsylvania are close on paper, but University of Pennsylvania 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
University of Pennsylvania 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 1,553.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,699, about $9,810 a year below Drexel University's $38,509. Graduates of University of Pennsylvania also borrow less: median debt of $15,715, against $25,325.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $39,240 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Pennsylvania leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, University of Pennsylvania graduates report median earnings of $111,371, compared with $84,648 at Drexel University. That is a 32% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Pennsylvania has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.14x to 0.3x.
So what: An earnings gap of 32% 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 Pennsylvania graduates a larger share of its students, 97% 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, University of Pennsylvania sits higher, at #109 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 University of Pennsylvania 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 Engineering, Business & Marketing, while University of Pennsylvania leans toward Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Pennsylvania's $28,699.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,325, against $15,715 at University of Pennsylvania.
- Engineering-focused students: Drexel University has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Pennsylvania holds onto its admits more tightly: 68% of admitted students enroll, versus 7% at Drexel — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Pennsylvania offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Drexel does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. 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.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 5%, the University of Pennsylvania attracts students who are not only academically strong but also deeply passionate about their fields. This school is especially well-suited for those interested in areas like Biology and Biomedical studies, Social Sciences, Health Professions, Computer Science and IT, and Business and Marketing. The vibrant atmosphere of Philadelphia adds an urban edge to the college experience, making it a great fit for students looking to engage in both rigorous academics and lively city life.
Looking at the outcomes, graduates from Penn see significant returns on their investment. With a 10-year earnings average of $111,371, it's clear that a degree from here can open doors to lucrative career paths. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to supporting diverse backgrounds, the high graduation rate of 97% suggests that students who enroll are likely to complete their studies successfully.
Financially, the net price after aid sits at $28,699, which is manageable given the strong earning potential post-graduation. With a median debt of $15,715, students here can graduate with a reasonable financial burden. Those who thrive at Penn are often highly motivated, driven, and ready to take advantage of the rich resources and opportunities available within the institution and the surrounding city.
Rankings They Appear On
University of Pennsylvania is featured on the Best Colleges in Pennsylvania ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Drexel's top program is Nursing (BSN) (18% of enrollment), while Pennsylvania leads with Sociology (11%).
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 Pennsylvania).
The two schools feed different job markets. Drexel University is strongest in Engineering, Business & Marketing, Visual & Performing Arts, while University of Pennsylvania concentrates in Social Sciences, 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 Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania is harder to get into, admitting 5% of applicants compared with 79% at Drexel University.
Which is more affordable, Drexel University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,699 after aid versus $38,509 at Drexel University.
Do Drexel University or University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more?
University of Pennsylvania graduates earn more: median earnings of $111,371 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,648 at Drexel University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Drexel University or University of Pennsylvania?
University of Pennsylvania has the higher graduation rate, 97% versus 78%.
Should you choose Drexel University or University of Pennsylvania?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Pennsylvania 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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