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.
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.
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 | November 15 |
| Regular Decision | February 15 |
| 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 2025-2026 form will be available in late October.
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 2025–2026 FAFSA can be completed 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 2023 tax information to submit this application. To learn more, visit the 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 | February 15 |
| Winter Entry Program | October 8 |
| Transfer | 1 month prior to the start of term (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 2025–2026 academic year.
| Tuition | $61,842 |
| Fees | $2,420 |
| Housing and Food | $18,831 |
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 2023–2024 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 2023 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 $35,631, and the average offered to fall transfer students was $29,793. 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 applicable housing and food.
- Enrolled in co-op – you will not be billed for tuition, but you will be billed for University fees and applicable housing and food.
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 2024–2025 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.
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.
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