Drexel University vs American University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Drexel University and American University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Drexel University vs American University at a glance
Drexel University admits 79.4% of applicants and American University 62% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $37,529 at Drexel University and $41,302 at American University. Six-year graduation rates are 77.9% and 74.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Drexel University admits 79.4% of applicants and American University 62%, so American University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $37,529 a year at Drexel University and $41,302 at American University; Drexel University costs $3,773 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $28,843 at Drexel University and $28,397 at American University.
- 77.9% of students graduate within six years at Drexel University, against 74.8% at American University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $92,338 for Drexel University and $85,458 for American University; Drexel University is $6,880 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $25,166 at Drexel University and $22,250 at American University.
- Drexel University enrolls 13,233 students (large city) and American University 7,266 (large city).
Side by side
Drexel University and American University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Drexel University | American University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 79.4% | 62% |
| Applicants | 34,519 | 19,650 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1240–1440 | 1280–1460 |
| ACT middle 50% | 27–32 | 29–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $37,529 | $41,302 |
| Tuition, in state | $64,212 | $62,242 |
| Tuition, out of state | $64,212 | $62,242 |
| Cost of attendance | $78,335 | $79,369 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $28,843 | $28,397 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $28,147 | $19,487 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $31,498 | $27,150 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $38,569 | $31,984 |
| Over $110,000 | $46,936 | $53,571 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 77.9% | 74.8% |
| First-year retention | 89.5% | 88.2% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $92,338 | $85,458 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $25,166 | $22,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $286 | $253 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 13,233 | 7,266 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | Philadelphia, PA | Washington, DC |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Drexel University reports 85 bachelor's programs and American University 46; 32 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Drexel University vs American University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Drexel University or American University?
American University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Drexel University admits 79.4% of applicants and American University admits 62%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Drexel University 1240–1440; American University 1280–1460.
Which is cheaper, Drexel University or American University?
Drexel University has the lower average net price after grants: $37,529 a year at Drexel University against $41,302 at American University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $28,843 and $28,397. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Drexel University or American University graduates earn more?
Drexel University graduates earn more at the median: $92,338 ten years after entry for Drexel University and $85,458 for American University. Median federal debt at graduation is $25,166 and $22,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Drexel University or American University?
Drexel University does: 77.9% of Drexel University students graduate within six years, against 74.8% at American University.
How big are Drexel University and American University?
Drexel University has 13,233 students in Philadelphia, PA and American University has 7,266 students in Washington, DC.