Drexel University

Main article: History of Drexel University 19th century Statue of Anthony J. Drexel by Moses J. Ezekiel , which was completed in 1904 and moved to the Drexel campus in 1966 The Main Building, dedicated in 1891 Academy of Natural Sciences (in structure built in 1876) as it appeared in 1891 in its present location but a prior edifice [ 13 ] ) The interior of Drexel University's Main Building as seen in 2023 Monumental conical pendulum clock by Eugène Farcot and sculpture by Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse , which was donated to the university in 1912 Drexel University was founded in 1891 as the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry by Anthony J. Drexel , a Philadelphia financier and philanthropist. The original mission of the institution was to provide educational opportunities in the "practical arts and sciences" for women and men of all backgrounds. Drexel can now trace its roots to 1812 as in 2011 Drexel took over the management of what is now named Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University [ 14 ] [ 15 ] which Academy was formed in the winter of 1812. [ 2 ] In April 1817, the legislature of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania incorporated the organization under the name "Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia". [ 16 ]

In 1936, the institution was renamed as the Drexel Institute of Technology. It eventually gained university status and was finally named Drexel University in 1970. [ 10 ] Despite changes during its first century, the university has remained a privately controlled, non-sectarian, coeducational center of higher learning committed to practical education and hands-on experience in an occupational setting. The central aspect of Drexel University's focus on career preparation, in the form of its cooperative education program, was introduced in 1919. Participating students alternate periods of classroom-based study with periods of full-time, practical work experience related to one's academic major and career interests. Between 1995 and 2009, Drexel University underwent a period of significant change to its programs, enrollment, and facilities under the leadership of Dr. Constantine Papadakis , the university's president during that time. Papadakis oversaw Drexel's largest expansion in its history, with a 471 percent increase in its endowment and a 102 percent increase in student enrollment. He oversaw improved performance in collegiate rankings, the implementation of a more selective approach to admissions, and a more rigorous academic program at all levels. In 2007, Drexel was the host of the 2008 Democratic presidential candidate debate in Philadelphia, televised by MSNBC . [ 17 ]

In 2002, Drexel University acquired and assumed management of the former Medical College of Pennsylvania (MCP) Hahnemann University, creating the Drexel University College of Medicine . In 2006, the university established the Thomas R. Kline School of Law , and in 2011 the School of Law achieved full accreditation by the American Bar Association . [ 18 ] Constantine Papadakis died of pneumonia in April 2009 while still employed as the university's president. His successor, John Anderson Fry , was previously the president of Franklin & Marshall College and executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania . [ 19 ] [ 20 ] Under Fry's leadership, Drexel has continued its expansion, including the July 2011 acquisition of The Academy of Natural Sciences . [ 21 ] In 2024, Drexel acquired Salus University , which has multiple programs in health related fields. [ 22 ] The merger was completed on July 3, 2025. [ 23 ] Fry announced his resignation in July 2024 to become President of Temple University upon the death of acting President JoAnne Epps . [ 24 ] Denis O'Brien was appointed as interim president until Fry's successor, Antonio Merlo , assumed the presidency on July 1, 2025. [ 25 ] [ 26 ]

Undergraduate admissions In 2024, Drexel University accepted 77.5% of undergraduate applicants, the 47th highest acceptance rate of Pennsylvania schools, [ 27 ] with applicant competition considered very low. Those enrolled had an average 3.67 high school GPA . The university does not require submission of standardized test scores, but they will be considered when submitted. Those enrolled who submitted test scores had an average 1330 SAT score (38% submitting scores) or an average 30 ACT score (6% submitting scores). [ 28 ]