Drexel University vs Rowan University

Drexel University and Rowan University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Pennsylvania, offer distinct educational experiences. Drexel, a private research university, boasts a lower acceptance rate (72%) compared to Rowan's (82%), indicating a more selective admissions process. While Drexel's student body is predominantly undergraduate (84%), Rowan has a larger graduate population (42%). In terms of popular majors, Drexel excels in engineering, business, and health professions, while Rowan shines in education, nursing, and business. Both universities boast impressive graduation rates, with Drexel at 86% and Rowan at 72%. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these universities' tuition, financial aid, location, and other crucial factors to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Drexel University logo

Drexel University

Rowan University logo

Rowan University

Overview

Location Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Glassboro, New Jersey
Campus setting City: Large Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Public
Calendar system Quarter Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 90.0% 83.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 82.6% 83.8%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $65
Undergraduate: $65

Graduate: $65
SAT range 1210 - 1410 1070 - 1280
ACT range 26 - 32 23 - 30
Students submitting SAT score 37.0% 45.0%
Students submitting ACT score 9.0% 3.0%
Total number of applicants 34,519 11,659
Total number of admissions given out 28,522 9,767
Admitted students who chose to enroll 2,854 2,191
Yield rate 10.0% 22.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $77,478
In state: $30,181

Out of state: $39,213
Average net price $26,076 $21,425
Tuition $54,766
In state: $10,302

Out of state: $19,334
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $10,320

Meal plan: $6,168
Room/dormitory: $8,820

Meal plan: $4,784
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $33,241
75.0%
Average amount $9,344
Students receiving federal student loan 61.0%
Average amount $5,326
53.0%
Average amount $5,360
Students taking out private loans 11.0%
Average amount $25,237
12.0%
Average amount $17,107

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 14,413
Men 51.2% Women 48.8%
15,119
Men 52.5% Women 47.5%
Graduate students 8,803
Men 36.1% Women 63.9%
3,933
Men 41.8% Women 58.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students 50.5% 5.4%
International students 9.2% 2.3%
Campus local/setting City: Large Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 3,667 6,418
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Maryland California New Jersey Pennsylvania New York Maryland Delaware

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Psychology
  • Engineering
Students to faculty ratio 10:1 17:1
Institutional accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 78.2% 68.6%
Dropout rate 21.1% 12.6%
Transferred out N/A 16.3%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $106,513
  • Year 2: $101,964
  • Year 3: $119,120
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $103,960
  • Year 2: $111,501
  • Year 3: $117,719
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,740
  • Year 2: $97,737
  • Year 3: $113,456
Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,372
  • Year 2: $99,516
  • Year 3: $111,283
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,146
  • Year 2: $102,258
  • Year 3: $105,288
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,747
  • Year 2: $82,440
  • Year 3: $103,890
Computer Science (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $122,646
  • Year 2: $88,448
  • Year 3: $103,671
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $85,245
  • Year 2: $95,473
  • Year 3: $99,676
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,985
  • Year 2: $93,520
  • Year 3: $96,267
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $88,020
  • Year 2: $92,632
  • Year 3: $95,367
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,964
  • Year 2: $65,486
  • Year 3: $82,432
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,478
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $77,437
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,059
  • Year 2: $67,899
  • Year 3: $74,727
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,732
  • Year 2: $72,742
  • Year 3: $74,616
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,540
  • Year 2: $58,673
  • Year 3: $72,253
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,819
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $70,490
Medicine (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,188
  • Year 2: $58,387
  • Year 3: $69,683
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,459
  • Year 2: $61,516
  • Year 3: $68,928
Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,140
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $68,138
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,859
  • Year 2: $60,358
  • Year 3: $65,227

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Drexel University and Rowan University?

    Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, is a private research university known for its cooperative education (co-op) program, strong emphasis on technology and innovation, and urban campus environment. Rowan University, located in Glassboro, New Jersey, is a public research university that offers a more traditional campus experience with a growing emphasis on research and professional programs. Drexel tends to be more expensive and selective than Rowan.

  • How do the co-op programs at Drexel University and Rowan University compare?

    Drexel University's co-op program is a hallmark of the institution, integrating six months of full-time work experience into the curriculum. Most students complete three co-op terms. Rowan University also offers co-op opportunities, but they are generally less integrated into the curriculum and may not be required for all programs. Drexel's co-op program is more extensive and established.

  • Which university is better for students interested in engineering?

    Both Drexel and Rowan have strong engineering programs. Drexel's College of Engineering is highly regarded and offers a wide range of specializations, benefiting from its strong industry connections in Philadelphia. Rowan's Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering is also well-respected, particularly for its hands-on approach and focus on undergraduate research. The 'better' choice depends on specific engineering interests and desired learning environment; Drexel offers more specialized programs and a more urban setting, while Rowan provides a more traditional campus experience with strong undergraduate research opportunities.

  • How do the tuition costs compare between Drexel University and Rowan University?

    Drexel University's tuition is significantly higher than Rowan University's. As a private institution, Drexel's tuition reflects its extensive resources and co-op program. Rowan University, as a public institution, offers lower tuition rates, especially for New Jersey residents. Consider the overall cost of attendance, including fees, housing, and other expenses, when making your decision.

  • What is the campus environment like at Drexel University and Rowan University?

    Drexel University has an urban campus located in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia. The campus is integrated into the city, offering students access to a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities. Rowan University has a more traditional, suburban campus in Glassboro, New Jersey. The campus is more self-contained, with a greater emphasis on campus life and community.

  • Which university is better for students interested in research?

    Both Drexel and Rowan are research universities, but they have different research focuses. Drexel has a strong emphasis on applied research and technology transfer, often collaborating with industry partners. Rowan is growing its research profile, particularly in areas like engineering, science, and medicine, with a focus on undergraduate research opportunities. The 'better' choice depends on your specific research interests and whether you prefer a more applied or fundamental research environment.

  • How do the admission requirements compare between Drexel University and Rowan University?

    Drexel University is generally more selective than Rowan University. Drexel typically requires higher standardized test scores and a stronger academic record. Rowan University's admission requirements are less stringent, making it more accessible to a wider range of students. Check the specific admission requirements for your intended program of study at each university.

  • What types of financial aid and scholarships are available at Drexel University and Rowan University?

    Both Drexel and Rowan offer a variety of financial aid options, including grants, loans, and scholarships. Drexel offers merit-based and need-based scholarships, as well as financial aid packages that can help offset the higher tuition costs. Rowan also offers merit-based and need-based aid, with additional opportunities for New Jersey residents. Explore the financial aid websites of both universities to determine which offers the best financial package for your individual circumstances.

  • How do the career services compare at Drexel University and Rowan University?

    Drexel University's Steinbright Career Development Center is highly regarded, largely due to the university's strong co-op program, which provides students with extensive career experience. Rowan University's Career Advancement Center offers career counseling, resume workshops, and job placement assistance. While both offer career services, Drexel's co-op program gives it a distinct advantage in terms of practical work experience and industry connections.

  • What are the popular majors at Drexel University and Rowan University?

    Drexel University is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, computer science, design, and health professions. Rowan University is popular for its programs in engineering, education, business, communications, and science. Consider your academic interests and career goals when choosing a university with a strong reputation in your desired field.

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