Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA · founded 1891 · 24,000 students · private research university · Colonial Athletic Association

Known for: Its pioneering cooperative education (co-op) program, which integrates extensive paid professional work experience with classroom study, and its strong focus on experiential learning and technology.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #98
QS World: #481
Times Higher Education: #351
Forbes: #187

Top programmes

Engineering
Business
Computer Science
Nursing
Design & Media Arts
Biomedical Engineering

Notable alumni

John R. Tyson — Former CFO of Tyson Foods
Bennett Greenspan — Founder and President of FamilyTreeDNA
Earle I. Mack — Former U.S. Ambassador to Finland
Rajiv Jain — Chairman and CIO of GQG Partners
Michael Anderson — NASA astronaut
Chuck Barris — TV producer and host (The Gong Show)
N. Joseph Woodland — Co-inventor of the barcode

Traditions

Dragon Day
Midnight Breakfast
Homecoming Week
Spring Jam

If Drexel University were…

As a food: Philly roast pork sandwich with sharp provolone — Underrated, working-class, and deeply practical—no frills, just substance that gets the job done. The co-op model is the sharp provolone: it elevates everything and you wonder why other schools don't do it this way.
As an athlete: Giannis Antetokounmpo — Came up grinding in an unglamorous system, developed through relentless work experience rather than pure pedigree, and now commands serious respect in professional circles. The results speak louder than the rankings.
As a person alive today: Safra Catz (Oracle CEO) — Ruthlessly efficient, climbed through actual work rather than legacy advantages, and now runs a massive operation. Drexel students graduate with the same no-nonsense, results-first mentality that defines her leadership s
As a historical figure: Andrew Carnegie — Self-made industrialist who believed in practical education for the working class and built institutions to train people for real jobs. Drexel's founder literally worked with Carnegie's philosophy of learning by doing.
As a movie or TV show: The Wire — Set in a gritty, underestimated East Coast city where institutions are flawed but people hustle hard and the system produces real-world operators. Drexel students know Philly's texture and graduate street-smart, not just
As a US president: Lyndon B. Johnson — Came from a working-class background, learned power through hands-on experience rather than elite pedigree, and got things done through sheer operational competence. The co-op presidency—pragmatic, effective, underestima
As a city: Rotterdam — Working port city rebuilt with modern pragmatism, more focused on industry and innovation than historic prestige. Efficient, unpretentious, and produces people who know how to build things that actually function.
As an element: Iron — The backbone of industrial civilization—not flashy, but absolutely essential and tested under pressure. Drexel forges students through real-world experience into the structural elements that hold up entire industries.
As a car: 2018 Ford F-150 SuperCrew — Drexel is America's work truck—built for co-op rotations, hauling real-world experience, and getting Philadelphia's career-focused students into the job site early. It's practical, ubiquitous in industry, and designed fo

Campus life

An urban campus in University City, Philadelphia, with a fast-paced, career-oriented vibe. Social life revolves around campus organizations, Greek life, and city attractions. The co-op schedule creates a staggered student population, fostering independence and professional networks.