Drexel University Rankings 2026

Drexel University has demonstrated varied rankings across major ranking bodies in 2025. U.S. News & World Report placed it 86th among national universities, improving from 98th in 2024. 

However, QS World University Rankings show a decline, moving from 601-610 in 2024 to 721-730 in 2025. 

Meanwhile, THE Rankings dropped from 301-350 in 2024 to 351-400 in 2025. Subject-wise, Drexel’s Materials Science program secured 201-250 in QS, and Engineering ranked 201-250 in THE. 

Drexel University World Rankings 2024-25

Drexel University has seen notable shifts in its rankings recently. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Drexel at 98th among national universities. 

Below are Drexel University's rankings over the past three years:

The graphical representation below provides a visual comparison of these rankings over time.

Drexel University’s rankings show an inconsistent trend across different ranking bodies. In the QS World University Rankings, the university improved from 651-700 in 2023 to 601-610 in 2024, but then declined to 721-730 in 2025. 

This fluctuation suggests changing evaluations in academic reputation, faculty-to-student ratio, or employer perception.

The Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings remained stable between 301-350 in 2023 and 2024, before dropping to 351-400 in 2025. This indicates a slight dip in performance, possibly due to variations in research impact and international outlook.

The U.S. News & World Report ranking shows a steady rise, moving from 98 in 2024 to 86 in 2025.

These rankings reflect the university's evolving position in global and national contexts.​ Now, let’s take a closer look at how Drexel performs in the subject-wise rankings according to different ranking bodies. 

Subject-Wise Rankings of Drexel University

Drexel University's 2025 subject rankings showcase its strengths across various disciplines. Notably, its Materials Science program secured the 39th position globally, reflecting the university's commitment to excellence in this field.

Moving forward, let's delve into the specific rankings provided by prominent organizations.

QS Rankings 2025

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, Drexel University achieved a 201-250 ranking for material science and 501-530 for electrical and electronic engineering. 

The following table highlights these rankings:​

Next, we will examine Drexel University's performance in the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2025.

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2025

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025, Drexel University stands at 201-250th position in engineering, 151-175th position in social sciences. 

Along with that, the university secured the following positions:​

Let's now explore Drexel University's standings in the U.S. News Rankings 2025.

U.S. News Rankings 2025

The U.S. News & World Report 2025 ranked Drexel University in various disciplines. The university stands at 74th position in nursing and at 51th in undergraduate engineering programs. Here are the full rankings:​

Having reviewed these subject-specific rankings, we will now proceed to the next section to explore Drexel University's miscellaneous rankings for 2025.

Miscellaneous Rankings 2025

Drexel University has secured strong rankings across multiple categories in 2025, showcasing its reputation for innovation, affordability, and academic quality. These rankings reflect the institution’s ongoing efforts to enhance student outcomes and research impact.

Below are the latest miscellaneous rankings of Drexel University:

The university's position as 54th by The Wall Street Journal underscores its national recognition. The 29th place in "Most Innovative Schools" reflects its dedication to forward-thinking educational practices. 

Ranking 78th in "Best Value Schools" indicates a balance between cost and quality education. 

The 92nd position in "Top Performers on Social Mobility" showcases efforts in supporting students from diverse backgrounds. 

Additionally, Forbes' ranking of 24th among STEM universities emphasizes Drexel's commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. 

Now let’s take a look at Drexel University's excellence and achievements.

Drexel University: Excellence and Achievements

Drexel University has achieved notable milestones in academic excellence, cultural contributions, and community support. Notably, it ranks among the top 25 STEM colleges in the U.S., reflecting its strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. ​

Let's explore these areas in detail.

Academic Excellence

Drexel University has been recognized for its rigorous academic programs and research initiatives. It has been recognized as one of the top 25 STEM colleges in the US and classified among R1: Doctoral Universities. 

Here are some academic achievements of Drexel University. 

Next, let's explore Drexel University's cultural achievements.

Cultural Achievements

Drexel University actively contributes to cultural enrichment through various initiatives and collaborations like the Academy of Natural Sciences Affiliation.

Here’s the a few cultural achievements and initiatives Drexel takes: 

Now, let's examine Drexel University's community support initiatives.

Community Support

Drexel University is deeply involved in community engagement, addressing local needs through innovative programs like the Cooperative Education Program and Intergenerational Home-Sharing Program. 

Here are the community support initiatives Drexel takes: 

Next, we will explore Drexel University's ranking in relation to its acceptance rate.

Drexel University: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate

Drexel University maintains a general acceptance rate of 78%. This rate reflects the university's selective yet accessible admission standards.​

Below is a comparison of Drexel University's QS subject rankings for 2025 alongside the overall acceptance rate:

Ranking Bodies Methodologies

Drexel University’s rankings are determined by various agencies, each using distinct evaluation criteria. QS World Rankings emphasize academic reputation and employability, THE focuses on research and teaching, while U.S. News prioritizes student success and financial stability.

The following sections break down the methodologies used by each ranking body.

QS Ranking Methodology

QS World University Rankings assess universities based on research, employability, global engagement, learning experience, and sustainability. Academic reputation holds the most weight at 30%, followed by citations per faculty at 20%. Employer reputation and employment outcomes contribute 20%, making employability a significant factor.

Here’s the complete list: 

Now, let’s examine how THE Rankings evaluate universities.

THE Ranking Methodology

The Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings focus on teaching, research, international outlook, and industry engagement. Research reputation is the highest-weighted factor at 18%, while teaching reputation accounts for 15%. Research quality, including citation impact and research excellence, contributes 30% to the final score. 

Here’s the full ranking methodology:

Let’s now look at the methodology used by U.S. News Rankings.

U.S. News Ranking Methodology

U.S. News & World Report rankings focus on graduation rates, financial stability, and faculty quality. Graduation and retention rates contribute 36.5%, reflecting student success. Financial resources, including faculty salaries and institutional investment, account for 19%. 

Here’s the complete list of factors U.S. News Rankings take into account: 

Next, let’s see how upGrad can support you in your education journey. 

How Will upGrad Help You?

upGrad provides students and professionals with expert mentorship, industry-focused courses, and flexible learning options to enhance academic and career prospects. With structured bridge courses, you can build foundational knowledge and transition into advanced fields like AI, machine learning, and data science.

Additionally, upGrad’s study abroad program offers the following benefits:

• Expert Mentorship: Learn from industry professionals and academic experts who provide personalized guidance to help you succeed.
• Industry-Relevant Courses: Gain practical skills through courses designed to meet current industry needs and trends.
• Flexible Learning Options: Choose from online, hybrid, and self-paced courses to balance education with other commitments.
• Career Support: Get career coaching, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities with top recruiters.
• Recognized Certifications: Earn certifications valued by leading employers to enhance your job prospects.

Here are the study abroad opportunities upGrad provide with Drexel University: 

• Master of Business Administration
• MS in Civil Engineering
• MS in Robotics and Autonomous Systems
• MS in Machine Learning Engineering

Wrapping up: Drexel University 2025 Ranking Analysis

Drexel University’s rankings present a moderate-to-strong academic standing, especially in national rankings. U.S. News & World Report ranks it 86th, an improvement from 98th in 2024, making it a solid mid-tier option in the U.S. 

However, QS World University Rankings place it between 721-730, indicating weaker global recognition.

Program-wise, Materials Science (201-250 in QS) and Engineering (201-250 in THE) remain competitive. However, Drexel lags in global rankings due to employer perception and research influence. 

Additional rankings, such as 54th by The Wall Street Journal and 29th for Innovation (U.S. News), highlight its strengths in applied education and research.

For students considering Drexel, it remains a viable choice, particularly for STEM fields, but those seeking top-ranked global institutions may explore alternatives.