Drexel vs. Olin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA with Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drexel University is larger than Olin College based on total student enrollment (21,153 students vs. 405 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drexel University is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is in Needham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Drexel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drexel University 9:1; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 9:1.

Drexel vs. Olin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drexel or Olin College? 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 Drexel University than Olin College ($42,801 vs. $43,184).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drexel University are 13% lower than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($18,096 vs. $20,810).
• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is 6.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drexel (about $3,986 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $62,412.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.4% higher at Olin College than at Drexel University (about $3,986 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $62,412.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drexel University as at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students is 23.5% larger than aid received by Drexel University students ($43,290 vs. $35,051).

Drexel vs. Olin College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drexel or Olin College? 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 Olin College and Drexel.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (1530) is 190 points higher than at Drexel (1340).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drexel University 1240/1440; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 1493/1558.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drexel University 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drexel - Test optional; Olin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drexel Jan 15, 2027; Olin College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Olin College students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Drexel (3.67).
• Drexel has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than Olin College (25.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.1% at Drexel vs. 43.7% at Olin College.

Drexel vs. Olin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drexel and Olin College? 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).

• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Drexel University's (68%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates have a $11,533 lower median loan debt than Drexel graduates ($14,710 vs. $26,243).
• Among borrowers, Olin College graduates have an estimated $119 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drexel graduates ($152 vs. $271).

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.