Drew University vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Drew University in Madison, NJ with Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Commonwealth University is larger than Drew University based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 2,232 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drew University is located in Madison, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Drew University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drew University 11:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

Drew University vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drew University or VCU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Virginia Commonwealth University than Drew University ($26,836 vs. $28,425).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drew University are 3.4% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($17,640 vs. $18,254).
• Drew University is 178% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $30,155 more per year; $47,100.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.4% higher at Drew University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (about $6,991 more per year; $47,100.00 vs. $40,109.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drew University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (97% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drew University students is 159.5% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($36,807 vs. $14,186).

Drew University vs. VCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drew University or VCU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between VCU and Drew University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drew University (1220) is 80 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming Drew University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at VCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drew University 1103/1338; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drew University 24/30; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drew University - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drew University Feb 1, 2027; VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Drew University (3.1).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Drew University (67.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.7% at Drew University vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Drew University vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drew University and VCU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Drew University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from Drew University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than VCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,500 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Drew University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drew University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Drew University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 56%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.