In this comparison, we will take a closer look at two renowned institutions: Harvard University and Drexel University. We will examine various aspects such as costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. Through this comprehensive comparison, prospective students can make an informed decision about which institution best aligns with their priorities, preferences, and goals.
Harvard University Overview
Harvard University, founded in 1636, is a private Ivy League research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is recognized worldwide for its prestigious reputation, rigorous academic programs, and renowned faculty. Harvard offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across a wide range of disciplines, including liberal arts, sciences, business, law, and medicine.
Harvard Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, Harvard’s tuition is $54,002, with additional fees of $4,193. Room and board costs are estimated at $18,389. However, Harvard offers generous financial aid packages, with approximately 55% of students receiving need-based scholarships. The average financial aid package for students receiving aid is $53,000.
Harvard Admissions
Admission to Harvard is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 4.6% for the Class of 2025. Prospective undergraduate students must submit the Common Application, Coalition Application, or the Universal College Application along with SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students in the Class of 2025 range from 1460-1580, while the middle 50% ACT scores range from 33-35.
Harvard Degrees Offered
Harvard offers undergraduate degrees in over 50 fields of study, as well as numerous graduate and professional degrees. Some of the most popular undergraduate majors include economics, government, computer science, biology, and history. On the graduate level, Harvard is well-known for its programs in law, business, medicine, education, and public health.
Harvard Academics
Harvard is renowned for its academic excellence and rigorous curriculum. With a student-faculty ratio of 7:1 and an average class size of just 12 students, undergraduates enjoy a personalized education and close interaction with faculty members. Graduate programs are also highly regarded, with many ranking among the top in the nation.
Harvard Diversity
Harvard is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion across its campus. In the Class of 2025, 60.1% of students identify as people of color, and 18.2% are international students representing over 80 countries. The university also has numerous resources and initiatives aimed at supporting underrepresented populations, including the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and various student groups.
Harvard Students
With around 6,700 undergraduate students and 15,250 graduate and professional students, Harvard has a diverse and dynamic student body. Students can participate in over 450 student-run organizations, including clubs, sports teams, and performing arts groups. The university also boasts a vibrant social scene, with numerous events and activities throughout the year.
Harvard Campus
Harvard’s picturesque campus spans 209 acres along the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just minutes from downtown Boston. Students enjoy access to world-class facilities, including libraries, museums, research centers, and athletic facilities. The campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, with a variety of housing options for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Harvard Alumni
Harvard has a vast and influential alumni network, with over 371,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable graduates include eight U.S. presidents, numerous foreign heads of state, and countless leaders in business, academia, the arts, and other fields. The Harvard Alumni Association provides support and resources to alumni, fostering lifelong connections and engagement with the university.
Harvard Rankings
Harvard consistently ranks among the top universities in the world in various rankings. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Harvard tied for 2nd among national universities, and it ranked 3rd in the world in the 2021 QS World University Rankings.
Harvard Outcomes
Graduates of Harvard enjoy high levels of success and recognition in their respective fields. According to data from the university, 91% of undergraduate students who graduated between 2018-2020 were employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Harvard graduates is $70,300.
Drexel University Overview
Drexel University, founded in 1891, is a private research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known for its cooperative education program, Drexel offers students the opportunity to gain real-world work experience through paid, full-time positions in their field of study. The university offers over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 15 colleges and schools.
Drexel Costs & Tuition
The 2021-2022 academic year’s tuition at Drexel is $54,516 for full-time undergraduate students and varies by program for graduate students. In addition to tuition, fees, and room and board costs, students should also factor in the cost of living in Philadelphia. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with over 80% of full-time undergraduate students receiving some form of financial assistance.
Drexel Admissions
Drexel University has a 75% acceptance rate for the Class of 2025, making it a moderately competitive institution. Prospective undergraduate students must submit the Common Application, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays. SAT or ACT scores are optional for admission. The middle 50% SAT scores for admitted students range from 1170-1390, while the middle 50% ACT scores range from 25-31.
Drexel Degrees Offered
Drexel offers over 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 15 colleges and schools. Some of the most popular undergraduate majors include business, engineering, health professions, and computer and information sciences. The university also offers graduate programs in areas such as education, nursing, law, and medicine.
Drexel Academics
Drexel is known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, particularly through its renowned cooperative education program. This program allows students to gain valuable work experience through paid, full-time positions in their field of study, which can last up to 18 months. Additionally, class sizes are relatively small, with a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, allowing for personalized attention and close interaction with professors.
Drexel Diversity
Drexel is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. In the fall of 2020, 47% of undergraduate students identified as people of color, and 13% were international students representing over 120 countries. The university has various resources and initiatives aimed at supporting underrepresented populations, such as the Office of Equality and Diversity and numerous student organizations.
Drexel Students
With approximately 15,000 undergraduate students and 9,000 graduate students, Drexel has a vibrant and engaged student body. Students can participate in over 350 student organizations, intramural and club sports, and various cultural and social events throughout the year. Drexel’s urban campus also offers numerous opportunities for off-campus activities and experiences in the heart of Philadelphia.
Drexel Campus
Drexel’s main campus is located on 77 acres in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia, close to cultural attractions, restaurants, and other amenities. The campus features a mix of architectural styles, with modern facilities and resources such as state-of-the-art research centers, libraries, and recreational facilities. Housing options are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Drexel Alumni
Drexel has over 150,000 living alumni worldwide, many of whom are leaders in their respective fields. The university’s strong focus on experiential learning and cooperative education often leads to successful careers for its graduates. The Drexel Alumni Association offers support, resources, and networking opportunities for alumni, helping them stay connected to the university and each other.
Drexel Rankings
Drexel is consistently ranked among the top national universities in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Drexel was ranked No. 133 among national universities. The university’s cooperative education program, emphasis on experiential learning, and strong programs in engineering, business, and health professions have contributed to its reputation for excellence.
Drexel Outcomes
Drexel graduates benefit from the university’s cooperative education program and strong emphasis on real-world experience. According to the university’s data, 94% of undergraduate students from the Class of 2020 were either employed, pursuing further education, or engaged in other meaningful activities within one year of graduation. The average starting salary for Drexel graduates is $58,000.
Harvard vs Drexel Cost Comparison
Both Harvard and Drexel have similar tuition costs, with Harvard’s tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year at $54,002 and Drexel’s tuition at $54,516. However, financial aid packages at Harvard tend to be more generous, with over half of students receiving need-based scholarships. At Drexel, over 80% of full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance, but the average aid package may be lower than at Harvard.
Additionally, the cost of living in Cambridge, where Harvard is located, is significantly higher than in Philadelphia, where Drexel is located. Prospective students should consider the overall cost of attending each university, including tuition, fees, room and board, and living expenses, as well as their potential financial aid packages.
Harvard vs Drexel Admissions Difficulty
Admission to Harvard is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 4.6% for the Class of 2025. In contrast, Drexel has a more moderate acceptance rate of 75%. The middle 50% SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are also significantly higher at Harvard, indicating a more selective admissions process.
While both universities require similar application materials, such as the Common Application, high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays, Harvard generally has more stringent admissions requirements and a more competitive applicant pool.
Harvard vs Drexel Academic Difficulty
Academically, both Harvard and Drexel are well-regarded institutions with rigorous curricula. However, Harvard is known for its highly demanding programs and world-renowned faculty, which contributes to its reputation as one of the world’s top universities. Drexel is also academically challenging, particularly in its engineering, business, and health professions programs, but it may not have the same level of prestige as Harvard.
One key difference between the two universities is Drexel’s emphasis on experiential learning through its cooperative education program. This program allows students to gain valuable work experience in their field of study, which can enhance their academic experience and prepare them for successful careers after graduation.
Harvard vs Drexel Outcome Comparison
Both Harvard and Drexel graduates enjoy successful outcomes in their respective fields, but Harvard graduates tend to have slightly higher employment rates and starting salaries. According to data from each university, 91% of Harvard undergraduate students who graduated between 2018-2020 were employed or engaged in other meaningful activities within six months of graduation, compared to 94% of Drexel undergraduate students from the Class of 2020 within one year of graduation.
The average starting salary for Harvard graduates is $70,300, while the average starting salary for Drexel graduates is $58,000. However, both universities have strong alumni networks and offer resources and support to help graduates succeed in their careers.
