Philadelphia, PA · Private University
Is Drexel University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$84,648
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$60,663
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$60,663
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$242,652
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.40x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.9 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
77.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,325
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$38,428
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Drexel University graduates earn $39,648 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Drexel University ranked by graduate earnings
158 graduates
121 graduates
59 graduates
120 graduates
108 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Drexel University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Drexel University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $104,182) and the lowest (Graphic Communications: $31,790) is $72,392/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $104,182 | 1.7x |
| Computer Engineering | $99,180 | 1.6x |
| Information Science/Studies | $93,411 | 1.5x |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $93,002 | 1.5x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $91,677 | 1.5x |
| Chemical Engineering | $90,679 | 1.5x |
| Construction Management | $88,760 | 1.5x |
| Chemistry | $88,515 | 1.5x |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | $88,294 | 1.5x |
| Engineering Technology, General | $87,840 | 1.4x |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $86,702 | 1.4x |
| Materials Engineering | $86,535 | 1.4x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $86,476 | 1.4x |
| International Business | $86,072 | 1.4x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $85,140 | 1.4x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $84,218 | 1.4x |
| Economics | $83,676 | 1.4x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $82,021 | 1.4x |
| Mathematics | $81,966 | 1.4x |
| Architectural Engineering | $79,862 | 1.3x |
| Civil Engineering | $78,509 | 1.3x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $77,268 | 1.3x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $76,765 | 1.3x |
| Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering | $76,436 | 1.3x |
| Architecture | $70,265 | 1.2x |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $70,001 | 1.1x |
| Marketing | $68,543 | 1.1x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $68,338 | 1.1x |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $67,226 | 1.1x |
| International/Global Studies | $65,148 | 1.1x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $62,097 | 1.0x |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies(1yr data) | $59,077 | 1.0x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $57,416 | 0.9x |
| Biology, General | $56,036 | 0.9x |
| English Language and Literature/Letters, Other | $54,305 | 0.9x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $53,919 | 0.9x |
| Psychology, General | $51,752 | 0.8x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $51,645 | 0.8x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General(1yr data) | $51,248 | 0.8x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $46,996 | 0.8x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $45,326 | 0.8x |
| Criminology(1yr data) | $40,229 | 0.7x |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management | $39,325 | 0.7x |
| Public Health(1yr data) | $39,072 | 0.6x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $38,897 | 0.6x |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication(1yr data) | $37,125 | 0.6x |
| Graphic CommunicationsLowest(1yr data) | $31,790 | 0.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | 1.40x | $84,648 | Average ROI |
| Loyola University Maryland | 1.49x | $82,652 | Average ROI |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | 1.34x | $76,571 | Average ROI |
| Hofstra University | 1.25x | $69,039 | Average ROI |
| Saint Louis University | 1.33x | $70,783 | Average ROI |
| Quinnipiac University | 1.58x | $83,759 | Good ROI |
The Bottom Line
Drexel University delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $84,648 10 years after starting — $39,648 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.9 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.