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Drew University

Madison, NJ

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

1,510
Total Students
$45K
Tuition (In-State)
$45K
Tuition (Out-State)
$26K
Avg Net Price
69%
Acceptance Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
6-year
84%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Drew University

From theological seminary to a liberal arts leader, Drew champions innovation and student success.

Drew University, affectionately known as the "Forest University," offers a vibrant and deeply engaging educational experience rooted in a rich history of intellectual curiosity and innovation. What began in 1867 as a Methodist theological seminary, dedicated to both professional training and broad cultural study, has evolved into a comprehensive university celebrated for its pioneering spirit in liberal arts, graduate studies, and theological education. This unique journey shapes an environment where students are encouraged to explore, connect, and thrive.

At Drew, academic strengths shine through interdisciplinary programs like neuroscience, American studies, museology, dance, and writing. The university has a long-standing commitment to student-centric learning, exemplified by its freshman seminar program which pairs first-year students with faculty advisors for intensive study. Historically, Drew set itself apart with the Computer Initiative, making it the first liberal arts college to provide personal computers and software to all incoming freshmen, underscoring its forward-thinking approach to education.

The student experience at Drew is designed to be immersive and globally aware. The university has significantly increased opportunities for study abroad and fosters a close-knit community. Recent initiatives, such as a substantial tuition cut in 2017, highlight Drew's dedication to making its distinctive, high-quality education accessible to a wider range of prospective students and families, ensuring its legacy of impact continues for generations to come.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1867 as one of the oldest Methodist theological seminaries.
  • Pioneered the Computer Initiative in 1984, becoming the first liberal arts college to provide personal computers to all incoming freshmen.
  • Home to William Campbell, a research fellow who shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015.
  • Dramatically cut its tuition list price by 20% in 2017 to enhance accessibility for prospective students.
  • Offers a unique interdisciplinary approach with majors in neuroscience and minors in diverse fields like American studies and museology.
  • Former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean served as president for 15 years, tripling the university's endowment and expanding global opportunities.

Timeline

1867
Mead Hall purchased by Daniel Drew; university founded as a Methodist theological seminary.
1920
Established a 'College of Missions' to offer a course of study for women.
1928
Brothers College (undergraduate liberal arts) established; seminary renamed Drew University.
1942
Brothers College became coeducational, incorporating the women's program.
1955
The Graduate School, a third degree-granting entity, was established.
1984
Launched the Computer Initiative, providing personal computers to all incoming freshmen.
1990
Thomas Kean, former NJ Governor, appointed tenth president.
1999
Graduate School renamed the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies.
2015
Research fellow William Campbell shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
2017
Announced a 20% reduction in undergraduate tuition for the 2018-19 academic year.

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within Drew University

🏫

Drew Theological Seminary

The original founding entity, providing professional training for candidates to the ministry.

🎭

College of Liberal Arts

Established as Brothers College in 1928, it offers undergraduate liberal arts education and became coeducational in 1942.

🎓

Caspersen School of Graduate Studies

Established as the Graduate School in 1955, it expanded graduate education, focusing on religious studies and other humanities fields.

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