Drexel University Scholarships (2026–2027)

Why are in-state and out-of-state costs the same?
Because Drexel is a private university. It charges the same published tuition and general fees regardless of residency.

Why does Drexel list costs by “term” instead of by year?
Drexel runs on a quarter system, so tuition and fees are typically presented per term and then totaled for the academic year.

Are housing and meal costs fixed?
No. Housing and meal plans vary by selection, so Drexel publishes a standard estimate used for financial aid calculations.

Do co-op programs change tuition and fees?
Yes. Co-op can affect which terms you’re billed for tuition and general university fees, so students should confirm costs for their specific co-op track.

What’s the fastest way to estimate what we’ll actually pay?
Use Drexel’s Net Price Calculator, then layer in expected merit scholarships and outside awards.

Do we have to apply separately for merit scholarships at Drexel?
Usually no. Drexel states that students are automatically considered for merit scholarships once the admission application is received. If your student is admitted, the merit decision (if offered) typically arrives with the admission package.

Why do some students see different merit ranges (EA/ED vs. Regular Decision)?
Drexel commonly publishes different “typical” merit ranges by application round — with EA/ED often showing a higher starting range than RD. In plain English: applying earlier can improve the chance of landing in the higher part of the merit band.

If Drexel is test-optional, should we still submit scores for merit?
If your student has strong scores (or you’re aiming for the higher end of the merit range), submitting scores can still help. But since Drexel is test-optional and doesn’t clearly publish superscore rules, the safest approach is: submit scores only if they strengthen the overall file.

Is the Drexel Merit Scholarship renewable for all four years?
Typically yes, as long as the student stays full-time and meets Drexel’s satisfactory academic progress requirements. Renewal details and credit/term rules can matter — especially for students on nontraditional schedules.

Does merit stack with other Drexel scholarships?
Sometimes. Drexel also has departmental and affiliation-based awards (for example, portfolio-based or transfer honor society awards). But some large program awards can have stacking limits — always verify whether a specific scholarship replaces other Drexel aid.

Is there a full-tuition or full-ride scholarship at Drexel?
No. Drexel does not currently advertise a universal full-tuition or full-ride scholarship for first-year students. Its largest awards are program-specific (such as transfer pathways) rather than open competitions.

Can first-year students apply for the Drexel Promise?
No. The Drexel Promise is limited to transfer students who have already completed an associate degree at a community college.

Does the Drexel Promise stack with merit scholarships?
Usually no. The Drexel Promise typically replaces other Drexel merit or need-based institutional aid. Students should review their aid package carefully to understand how awards interact.

Are there other “flagship” scholarships not listed here?
Drexel’s remaining large awards tend to be departmental, talent-based, or affiliation-based and are better categorized as Hidden Gem scholarships rather than campus-wide flagship competitions.

Should strong first-year students expect competitive scholarships beyond automatic merit?
Generally no. For most first-year applicants, Drexel’s automatic merit range is the primary institutional scholarship opportunity, with additional aid coming from departmental or external sources.

Do Hidden Gem scholarships stack with automatic merit?
Often yes — especially portfolio-based, alumni, and donor-funded awards. However, some larger program-based scholarships (like the Drexel Promise) may replace other institutional aid.

When should students apply for AcademicWorks scholarships?
As soon as the application opens. Many named scholarships are awarded on early review, and students who complete the general application tend to be matched to more opportunities.

Are first-year students eligible for most Hidden Gems?
Some are open to first-year students (especially portfolio and alumni awards), while others are limited to current students or transfers. Eligibility varies by scholarship.

How competitive are these awards?
Competition depends on the pool. Departmental and donor scholarships often have far fewer applicants than headline merit awards, which is why they’re considered “hidden gems.”

What’s the biggest mistake families make with Hidden Gems?
Skipping them entirely. These awards rarely show up automatically — but collectively, they can add up to meaningful savings.

Does being admitted to the Pennoni Honors College come with extra scholarship money?
Not automatically. Drexel does not publish a guaranteed honors-only scholarship. Any additional funding typically comes from general merit, departmental awards, or donor scholarships rather than honors admission itself.

Is the Honors College worth it if there’s no extra money?
For some students, yes. The value is academic and experiential — priority advising, research access, smaller seminars, and stronger faculty connections — which can matter for graduate school or competitive internships.

How do students apply to the Pennoni Honors College?
The process varies by year. Some students are invited based on their admission application, while others complete a short honors application or essay. Details are usually provided after or alongside admission.

Does honors participation affect co-op?
No negatively. Honors students still participate fully in Drexel’s co-op system, and many use honors research or faculty mentoring to strengthen co-op and post-graduation outcomes.

Can honors students access more scholarships later?
Sometimes. Honors status can strengthen applications for departmental or donor-funded awards listed in AcademicWorks, but it does not unlock automatic funding on its own.