Drexel vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA 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 Drexel based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 21,153 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drexel University is located in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Drexel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drexel University 9:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

Drexel vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drexel 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 Drexel ($26,836 vs. $42,801).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drexel University are 0.9% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($18,096 vs. $18,254).
• Drexel University is 268.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $45,467 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.6% higher at Drexel than at Virginia Commonwealth University (about $22,303 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $40,109.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drexel University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drexel University students is 147.1% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($35,051 vs. $14,186).

Drexel vs. VCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drexel 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 Drexel.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drexel University (1340) is 200 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming Drexel students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at VCU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drexel University 1240/1440; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drexel University 27/32; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drexel - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drexel Jan 15, 2027; VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Drexel (3.67).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Drexel (79.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.1% at Drexel vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Drexel vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drexel 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).

• Drexel University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Virginia Commonwealth University's (53%).
• Graduates from Drexel University earn a median of about $29,900 more per year than VCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,400 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $2,993 lower median loan debt than Drexel graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,243).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drexel graduates ($240 vs. $271).
• More Drexel graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.