Applying for Financial Aid

We want you to be eligible for as much financial aid as possible, and here are a few steps for getting there. It is critical that you complete all necessary applications, regardless of what you think your eligibility may be.

Investing in a Drexel University Education

When applying to the University, you'll want to make sure you take all of the necessary steps to ensure that you're considered for as much financial aid as possible. This quick breakdown explains how to maximize your eligibility for Drexel need-based grant funding, as well as federal and state grants and loans.

Completing the Financial Aid Applications

For prospective first-year students who have been impacted by the delay of FAFSA data being available, Drexel has announced the Drexel Commitment: 2024. Any estimated federal grant aid included in a student's financial aid package based on the CSS Profile will be guaranteed by Drexel; domestic first-year applicants should submit both the CSS Profile and FAFSA by March 1 to be eligible for the Drexel Commitment: 2024.

Four Steps to Apply for Aid

Drexel requires the CSS Profile in order for first-year and international transfer applicants to be considered for Drexel need-based grant funding. This electronic application is provided by the College Board and gives Drexel an overview of your family's finances. You can review detailed information about this process on Drexel Central's How to File the CSS Profile page.

Admission Type CSS Profile Deadline
Early Action/Early Decision March 1
Regular Decision March 1
Winter Entry Program October 8
International Transfer Students

1 month prior to the start of first term

Please note: Transfer students starting in the spring need to submit the CSS Profile prior to February 15, the date the CSS Profile closes.

If you are from a Sanctioned Country (North Korea) you cannot complete the CSS Profile. Instead, you should submit the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) according to the CSS Profile deadlines. Please note that the 2024-2025 form will be available in late October.

Note for Domestic Transfer Students Entering Winter or Spring of 2024

The CSS Profile will be required for domestic Transfer Students starting in the Winter or Spring 2024 quarters in order to be considered for Drexel need-based aid. It should be submitted 1 month prior to the start of your first term.

Visit Drexel Central's How to File the CSS Profile page for more information.

For First-year applicants, the FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal and state grants, work-study, and federal loans; domestic transfer students who submit the FAFSA will also be considered for Drexel need-based aid (effective Fall 2024).

The 2024–2025 FAFSA is available at the Federal Student Aid website. Drexel recommends completing your FAFSA as soon as possible. You will need Drexel's school code (003256) and your 2022 tax information to submit this application. To learn more, visit our How to File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) page.

Admission Type FAFSA (Priority Deadline)
Early Action, Early Decision and Regular Decision First-Year Admission Plans March 1
Winter Entry Program October 8
Transfer No deadline (recommend filing as soon as you apply for admission)

Once your admission application has been received, you are automatically considered for Drexel merit scholarships; but there are also Drexel and private scholarship opportunities that you may be eligible for that may require additional steps.

The Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program provides eligible foster youth with a tuition waiver for up to five academic years or until they reach age 26.

Learning About Drexel's Cost of Attendance

At Drexel, we want to make sure the cost of a Drexel education is clear and that every family fully understands and takes advantage of all the financial resources available.

So how much does an investment in a Drexel education cost? Take a look at the breakdown of the average first-year costs at Drexel.

Your First-Year Costs

During your first year at Drexel, you will attend classes for three quarters: fall, winter, and spring. The enrollment plan for transfer students may be different depending on their transfer credit evaluation. Below are the estimated costs of tuition, fees, and average housing and food based on three quarters for the 2024–2025 academic year.

Tuition  $60,042
Fees  $2,420
Housing and Food  $18,096

These numbers reflect the estimated cost of attendance prior to any financial aid being applied. View a complete breakdown of the estimated cost of attendance for 2024–2025.

In the 2022–2023 academic year, Drexel offered financial support to 99% of its incoming first-year students, as well as to 97% of its transfer students entering in fall 2022 who were seeking to complete their first bachelor's degree and had not already earned a graduate/professional degree; the average scholarship and grant aid offered to first-year students was $34,053, and the average offered to fall transfer students was $31,199. These amounts include federal, state, and institutional aid.

Please note for ACE applicants: View the ACE Cost of Attendance page for information specific to the ACE program.

Cost & Affordability

Your subsequent yearly costs will be determined by your enrollment for each term. If you are:

  • Enrolled in classes – you will be billed for tuition, University fees, and possible room and board.
  • Enrolled in co-op – you will not be billed for tuition, but you will be billed for University fees and possible room and board.

Your enrollment depends on which co-op option you choose as part of your academic curriculum. Watch our Understanding Co-op video below for more information.

It's important to remember that there may be other costs to consider during your education. Some of these include books, which vary by program, a computer for personal use, transportation, and miscellaneous personal costs. These other costs are taken into consideration when Drexel reviews your financial aid eligibility.

We invite prospective full-time first year students and their parents to use the following calculator as they plan for college. The information you provide will generate an estimated award eligibility with the following limitations and caveats:

  • The net price calculator is only intended for use by first-time undergraduate domestic students and their families. International students should not use this calculator.
  • Estimates are based on 2023–2024 cost of attendance figures and student aid eligibility requirements. Future costs and financial aid estimates are subject to change.
  • Estimates are not an indication of a student's admissibility.

You may notice a list of outstanding financial aid requirements in the Financial Aid tab of Discover Drexel. You should only begin completing these requirements after you have confirmed your enrollment with Drexel, unless Drexel Central advises you to complete one or more sooner.

Drexel University strives to offer the most comprehensive financial aid package possible based upon all of the information we receive about your family. However, we recognize that sometimes, even with a complete admission application, CSS Profile and FAFSA, we may not know the whole story. If, after reviewing your financial aid package, you still would like Drexel to consider your additional circumstances, you can submit an appeal for reconsideration.

Ready to Apply.

Students applying for first-year admission are offered the choice of applying via three admission plans: Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision. Learn more about each option and the steps you'll need to take to complete the application process.

Animated icons representing scholarships and grants

Learn about the different types of gift aid – scholarship and grants – that Drexel offers full-time undergraduate students.
Co-op

Since 1919, Drexel's world-renowned cooperative education (co-op) program has prepared our students for the future. Drexel Co-op provides professional employment experience, giving students the opportunity to explore and build a career before they enter the workforce.

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