Drexel University is a prestigious private research university located in University City, an innovation hub in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1891 by financier and philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel, the university has maintained a unique educational philosophy that emphasizes the integration of practical learning and professional education. Today, Drexel holds a distinctive position as one of the leading universities in the United States for its successful Co-operative Education (Co-op) programs.

The biggest differentiator of Drexel University is its Co-op system, which organically combines major theory with hands-on experience. Most undergraduate programs offer a choice between a 5-year (3 Co-ops) or a 4-year (1 Co-op) option.

• 5-Year Program (Most Popular Option): Alternates between school classes and 6 months of full-time work over 5 years. By graduation, students can accumulate a total of 18 months (1.5 years) of practical experience on their resumes.

• Global Network: Major global corporations such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Comcast are key Co-op partners of Drexel, along with large healthcare institutions in Philadelphia.

• Paid Positions and Employment Connections: Many Co-op positions are paid, helping to alleviate tuition costs, and over 90% of graduates secure employment or continue to graduate school within 6 months of graduation, showcasing impressive outcomes.

Tuition and Financial Aid

As a private university, Drexel's tuition is relatively high, but income generated through Co-ops and various scholarship programs can significantly reduce the actual cost.

Estimated Tuition for the 2025-2026 Academic Year (subject to change)

Base Tuition: Approximately $59,000 to $61,000 per year (varies by major and number of semesters)

Room & Board: Approximately $17,000 to $19,000 per year

Other Costs (books, insurance, fees, etc.): Approximately $4,000 to $5,000 per year

Total Estimated Cost (Sticker Price): Approximately $80,000 per year

Tip (Co-op and Scholarship Benefits)

1. Tuition Waiver During Co-op: During the semester when students participate in a 6-month Co-op (internship), tuition may be waived or only a nominal fee may be charged, meaning that students do not pay full tuition for all 5 years just because they are in a 5-year program.

2. Financial Aid and Scholarships: Drexel actively offers merit-based scholarships and Drexel Grant assistance to outstanding international and Korean students. Many admitted students receive tuition reduction benefits.

Drexel has approximately 24,000 students enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields and business.

Strong Programs: The College of Engineering and the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI) are among the top programs in the U.S. for employment rates. The LeBow College of Business, College of Medicine, and Westphal College of Media Arts & Design also have strong reputations.

Synergy with Ivy League (UPenn): Drexel is adjacent to the prestigious Ivy League University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) campus. This allows students to share the infrastructure of the safe and vibrant University City area and enjoy excellent access to downtown Philadelphia within 10 minutes via SEPTA public transportation.

For Korean international students looking to build a solid career and settle in the U.S., Drexel University can be a great choice.

STEM and Co-op for U.S. Employment: The biggest obstacles for Korean international students aiming for local employment in the U.S. are 'lack of experience' and 'visa (OPT)' issues. By majoring in engineering or IT (computer science, data science, etc.) at Drexel and completing 3 Co-ops, students can fully understand the organizational culture of American companies and build a strong network, significantly increasing their chances of local employment success.

Korean Community (KSA): The active Korean Students Association on campus helps new students adapt to the local environment, share course registration tips, and provide housing information. Additionally, the Philadelphia area has a well-established Korean infrastructure, including markets and restaurants, contributing to a high quality of life.

Admissions Strategy: Along with GPA, Drexel values 'practicality and challenge' in its academic culture. Demonstrating proactive and practical problem-solving skills in essays or extracurricular activities is key to gaining admission and receiving scholarships.

Drexel University offers the best environment for students who possess a sense of reality and execution, stating, "I want to apply what I have learned directly to the world and start my career quickly." Although there is an initial cost burden as a private institution, considering the practical salary received through Co-ops, abundant scholarship benefits, and the unique competitiveness of being a 'new graduate with 1.5 years of experience,' the investment value is very high.

Considering the advantages of living in a major city like Philadelphia and the potential for employment with global companies, I believe Drexel University is a good choice.