Drexel University, founded in 1891 by financier and philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel, is a private research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known for its innovative approach to education, Drexel is home to one of the largest and most renowned cooperative education (co-op) programs in the United States. This program allows students to gain up to 18 months of paid, full-time work experience before graduation, ensuring they are career-ready. The university offers over 80 undergraduate majors and 120 graduate programs across disciplines such as engineering, business, design, health sciences, computing, and media arts. With its urban campus spanning 96 acres in University City, Drexel combines academic rigor with experiential learning and strong industry connections to prepare students for global challenges.
#721–730
QS World University Ranking
#260
Other Ranking globally
#121
Other Ranking in North America
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Member of the Association of American Universities (AAU)
Recognized as an R1 Research Institution (Carnegie Classification)
Drexel University provides comprehensive career services through its Steinbright Career Development Center (SCDC), which is integral to its co-op program and overall career preparation strategy. The SCDC supports students from their first year through graduation and beyond by offering personalized career counseling, resume workshops, interview preparation sessions, and access to job postings on platforms like Handshake. The center also hosts multiple career fairs annually, connecting students with leading employers across industries. Drexel’s co-op program is a cornerstone of its career services. Students alternate between academic study and full-time employment related to their field of study. This experiential learning model ensures that graduates not only earn a degree but also gain substantial professional experience before entering the workforce. The university partners with over 1,500 companies globally to provide co-op opportunities in industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, and engineering.
88%
Placement Rate
USD 71,527
Average Starting Salary
1500
Number of Employer Partners