U of R vs. Drexel

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Rochester in Rochester, NY with Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drexel University is larger than U of R based on total student enrollment (21,153 students vs. 11,946 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Rochester is located in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting); Drexel University is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• University of Rochester is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drexel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Rochester 9:1; Drexel University 9:1.

U of R vs. Drexel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, U of R or Drexel? 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 University of Rochester than Drexel ($40,462 vs. $42,801).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drexel University are 8.6% lower than at University of Rochester ($18,096 vs. $19,792).
• University of Rochester is 7.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drexel (about $4,668 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $62,412.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.5% higher at U of R than at Drexel University (about $4,668 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $62,412.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drexel University than at University of Rochester (100% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 29.8% larger than aid received by Drexel University students ($45,500 vs. $35,051).

U of R vs. Drexel Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, U of R or Drexel? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Drexel and U of R.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 140 points higher than at Drexel (1340).
• Incoming U of R students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (32 vs. 29 at Drexel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Rochester 1410/1540; Drexel University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: University of Rochester 31/34; Drexel University 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: U of R - Test optional; Drexel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: U of R Jan 5, 2027; Drexel Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman U of R students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Drexel (3.67).
• Drexel has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than U of R (40.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.4% at U of R vs. 8.1% at Drexel.

U of R vs. Drexel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for U of R and Drexel? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• University of Rochester's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Drexel University's (68%).
• Graduates from Drexel University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than U of R graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,400 vs. $71,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rochester graduates have a $1,743 lower median loan debt than Drexel graduates ($24,500 vs. $26,243).
• Among borrowers, U of R graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drexel graduates ($253 vs. $271).
• More U of R graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drexel students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 77%)

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.