Drexel University Vs University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Compare Fees, Placement, Reviews
Compare Drexel University Vs University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Drexel University Vs University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
Compare Drexel University Vs University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign based on their rankings, fees, programs, acceptance rate, admission requirements, placements, and more. Analyze Drexel University Vs University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on various parameters to choose the right university for International students.
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Drexel University V/s University of Illinois Urbana ChampaignStudent Ratings
Rating of colleges
3.8/5
3.5 Internships
3.5 Part time work
3.9 Post study jobs
4.3 Quality of faculty
4.6 Student Life
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4.4/5
4.2 Internships
4.7 Part time work
4.3 Post study jobs
5 Quality of faculty
4.8 Student Life
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Drexel University V/s University of Illinois Urbana ChampaignCourse Comparison
5 Popular courses in colleges
Drexel University V/s University of Illinois Urbana Champaign MS
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Drexel University V/s University of Illinois Urbana Champaign B.E. / B.Tech
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Drexel University V/s University of Illinois Urbana Champaign MBA/PGDM
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Drexel University V/s University of Illinois Urbana Champaign M.A.
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Drexel University V/s University of Illinois Urbana Champaign BBA
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Other courses
- MEM (1 course)
- B.Sc. (9 courses)
- M.Arch (3 courses)
- B.Arch (1 course)
- BHM (1 course)
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- B.Sc. (34 courses)
- M.Arch (11 courses)
- B.Arch (5 courses)
- BHM (1 course)
- MPH (3 courses)
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Drexel University V/s University of Illinois Urbana ChampaignCollege Comparison
About College
Established Year
1891
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
74 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+5 More
Established Year
1867
Number of Campus
1
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
6370 Acres
Accepted Exams
TOEFL+2 More
Established Year
-/-
Number of Campus
-/-
Number of Scholarships
-/-
Campus Size
-/-
Accepted Exams
-/-
Drexel University V/s University of Illinois Urbana ChampaignCampus Comparison
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Applying to Drexel
Life at Drexel university
What if You Knew? Co-op at Drexel
Next Steps for New Drexel Dragons
Apply Early To Drexel
Why You Should Study in the U.S.
Drexel University Front View
Drexel University Front View
Drexel University College Of Medicine
Drexel University URBN Center
Drexel University Academy Of Natural Sciences
Drexel University Aerial View
Drexel University Aerial View
Drexel University Library
Drexel University Library
Drexel University Classroom
University of Illinois Bike Tour
The Journey Is Yours | The Power Of I
The Campus Tour | Urbana-Champaign
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Country Facts
Study in USA
Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
Study in USA
Diverse range of world-renowned institutions, offering cutting-edge program
Access to top-notch faculty, resources, and extensive alumni networks
Vibrant multicultural environment, fostering tolerance and global exposure
Stringent safety measures with campus police and emergency protocols
High living standards, comprehensive healthcare, and excellent infra
Access to diverse recreational activities and and natural attractions
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Student’s views on campus
Views on Drexel University campus
A
Anonymous
MS in Data Science - Batch of 2025
2.8
A place of different cultures from around the world.
Tips: The shift that I felt was the change in how you live your life and how you are used to doing certain things, coming from a country like India. The culture is a lot different but only if you indulge in it, you can also be in your own bubble and stay far from anything different, where you surround yourself with people from your own background and nothing much will change in your life. I am pretty satisfied with my university, course and country.
Likes (Student Life): The student life is amazing here in Philadelphia, according to my experience, since there are two huge campuses in such close vicinity, you get to meet interesting people from various backgrounds, cultures, races and religions. The area is beautiful and exciting to live in, as there is always something going on and there is always something to do for everyone, no matter how exclusive your taste is or how different your choices are.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): The chance of an international student from India settling permanently in the US is very low these days and it will be lower as we go forward because of the immigration policies, the sheer number of people coming from India and the cap on the visas issue every year.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1025
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 80975
S
Sonia Jain 
MS in Systems Engineering - Batch of 2024
3.8
Good campus with friendly people.
Tips: Drexel as a university has a mix of academic rigour and a more practical experience which ultimately benefits in the workplace scenario. By studying here, I have learnt the need to stay organised and manage my time well as even a slight misbalance can lead to a lot of stress. There are lots of Indian food options available but it might be costly to eat out most of the days so cooking can be the best alternative. The faculty is very helpful, friendly and supportive and you can reach out to them in case of any problem. Everything else has been good so far.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2975
Prepping time for classes31 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 88300
V
Vedika Pandey 
Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Engineering - Batch of 2025
3.8
Learning a lot with supportive and understanding faculty.
Tips: Studying at Drexel is truly very unique experience among the usual college experience in the United States. But the co-op programme is something you should really look into as this will make you realise the true potential of networking in an experiential learning setting and how far it can go. There are lots of job opportunities so start looking for them during your last semester. Do participate in clubs, seminars, activities and events. Overall, I had a good experience.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 3875
Prepping time for classes31 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 92150
A
Amit Singhal 
MS in Software Engineering (STEM) - Batch of 2025
4
Very multidimensional place.
Tips: I have learned a lot and gained a lot of opportunities for my own development. My professors are very knowledgeable. Philadelphia is a lovely city with lots of food options available. Public transportation is very convenient affordable and easy to use so you can explore the city on a budget. I am quite satisfied with my course, college and the country.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 3575
Prepping time for classes31 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 94475
P
Priyank 
MS in Mathematics - Batch of 2024
3.7
The university provided a very unique and interesting experience.
Tips: Studying at Drexel University has given me an ideal academic and social experience. The major highlight here for me was the co-op programme which allows you to have a more practical experience of whatever you are learning in the classrooms. My advice is that you start your co-op search early and get help from the academic services.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 3025
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85225
A
Anonymous
MS in Robotics and Autonomy - Batch of 2024
4.5
Decent college that provides good education.
Tips: Students should learn to be self-sufficient fundamentally and emotionally. It is important that you take some time before the commencement of your classes to simply explore campus and be a part of as many cultural and peer groups as you can handle, at least initially.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 825
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 80200
A
Anonymous
MS in Data Science - Batch of 2025
5
Be open mindedness to success.
Tips: Before joining Drexel be sure to know what you want to do in your career because it is important that the kind of work you would like to do has to light with your academic progression. It would be slightly more difficult to learn a subject differently in academics and transition into a field that has no relation to what you studied or researched.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1700
Prepping time for classes13 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 121475
A
Anonymous
MS Information Systems (STEM) - Batch of 2025
4.7
The coursework is fast paced and the education system is quite good.
Tips: Students should be aware that the university coursework is fast paced and it runs in a quarter system which in the initial days is difficult to coup. Later on, adapting to the culture of USA education system is also quite difficult in the starting if you are not open minded. Also, the education and the delivery of the course is quite good and so far everything is going on well and good.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1200
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 100025
A
Anonymous
MS in Nanomaterials - Batch of 2025
3.6
Drexel, a life of hustle that pays off.
Tips: Students must make up their mind to adapt to a hustle life since the quarter system is fast and demanding. Culturally, there were no problems for me personally. Scholarships depend on your academic integrity and accomplishments. You can apply for external scholarships if you have the backing of a professor and meet the requirements for the scholarship/fellowship.
Likes (Student Life): Drexel has decent amenities like a park and a recreational center for sports that students can use to catch up on their personal life. Drexel clubs also organise many activities. It totally depends on how the student will use these amenities. There are clubs for all sorts of things from academic to entertainment to sports.
Dislikes (Part time work): I see a lot of students struggling to get part time jobs either in college or with partner companies on campus. Some students are managing part time jobs like working in a cafe/restaurant or TA/RA without any issues to their academic journey. Average part time pay is around 10-20 dollars per hour but it depends on the company.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 650
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 60000
S
Sravanth Kumar kondapalli 
MS in Engineering Management - Batch of 2025
3.7
You can get any help from the college just need to know where to ask.
Tips: Students before joining this college should need to know about the good place to live and good places to eat.
The college also gives scholarships for the students and conducts some free food donation every week where students can go and grab some food.
There are also some student groups which will focus on student problems and try to sort them out.
Likes (Public transportation): There different sources of transportation here and which can easily take to most of the places which we want and also they are very cheap and reasonable
They will be there 24-7 and easily accessible the payment mode is also easy to understand and there will be guidelines everywhere .
Dislikes (Internships): Internship opportunities are low because for our course we need prior experience and the market right now is bad here. Maybe later in 2026 there might be some easy opportunities to grab into.
And moreover there are plenty of opportunities for civil engineering according to my knowledge here.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 900
Prepping time for classes24 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
MS in Information - Human-Computer Interaction & User Experience (STEM) - Batch of 2025
3.7
Hectic but worth the struggle.
Tips: Quarter system is followed, and for Masters degree you need to complete 45 credits in 2 and a half months. Whereas, other universities graduate students need to complete 30 credit in 5 months, hence it is very hectic and stressful to manage initially.
Likes (Student Life): There are a lot of student networking events, cultural and diversity events where students can participate. There are several clubs and associations where student can take part, and can join in arts, robotics, and musical clubs. There are graduate student associations which can be joined too.
Dislikes (Part time work): It is difficult to get on campus jobs as there are a lot of people who try for it. 15% of students get part time jobs, rest don't get it. 15-18$ is the pay and it is better to apply part-time before joining the course that is when you are in India and to apply as many part-time as possible.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 900
Prepping time for classes35 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
MS in Machine Learning Engineering - Batch of 2024
3.3
Easy transition to the new environment.
Tips: Overall satisfaction (for MS in MLE): 4/5
I have a partial scholarship. Drexel has many international students, and this helped me transition easier to the new environment. I met some of my friends by being a part of Drexel's clubs like SWE and WiCS.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The faculty members are usually approachable, and willing to help students. Drexel follows a quarter system, and the College of Engineering is quite research-oriented. The classes have a good mix of theoretical and project-based activities. Most of my professors are American, but I've had professors from other countries occasionally.
Dislikes (Safety): Drexel University campus is located near the Powelton area and West Philly, which is not the safest area in Philly. There have been cases of armed robbery near Drexel's campus, and I do not feel completely safe to walk by myself at night in the Powelton and Mantua neighborhoods.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2000
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
MS in Data Science - Batch of 2025
3.3
Everything is good except for its tuition fees which is a lot compared to other universities.
Tips: I came to Drexel University directly, and there is a shift in culture which obviously different from my country India. I got dean assistantship and there is no other scholarship in CCI for Computer Science, Data Science, Information Science. You can apply for external scholarships.
Likes (Public transportation): There are university buses, public transport which is very handy to travel place to place. It is not totally connected to the city, but it is only 10-15 mins away which we can go by public or Drexel transportation. There are buses, trails, trains, cab.
Dislikes (Part time work): On-Campus jobs at Drexel university are very limited like only a max of 10 out of 100 people and off-campus is not so safe as Philadelphia is the top city in crime. If you get a part time, it is very easy to manage with academics. Average pay-out for on-campus placements will be around 13$.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 975
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
K
Kushal Sai Galipally 
MS in Machine Learning Engineering - Batch of 2025
4
At Drexel University you need to put effort on your own.
Tips: Students coming here should thoroughly review the course and because it is the quarter system it is going to be very fast-paced so need to cope up with it. I emailed the admission team to request a scholarship and received around 12000$.
I would say after my first quarter the course taught was interesting you should put your efforts into learning and ask questions to professors.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1100
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 90000
A
Anonymous
BS in Business Administration - Batch of 2023
3.8
City is unsafe but the course is excellent.
Tips: Scholarships offered: there are multiple scholarships the school offers. Please read up on some that you will be eligible for. Co-op programme: The best part about Drexel is the coop programme that allows you to work for up to 1 year for a role related to your study.
Part time work opportunities: Many on-campus opportunities that allow students to gain different experiences.
Likes (Public transportation): Great connectivity as well as a free bus service: there are subways station all over campus that make commute easier but not just that, there are school buses that take you around Philly throughout the day to make commute easier for students. It is also free for all Drexel students.
Dislikes (Safety): Multiple safety incidents on campus including shootings, carjackings, and robberies. Most part of the campus is safe but moving ahead of campus it can get a little scary, especially at night. Near unsafe neighborhoods of Philly: university city is the Drexel and UPenn campus together. Though there are many public safety offices around both campus through the night. Moving West from our campus, the unsafe neighbourhoods of Philly are present. Be aware and careful when moving around there, especially at night.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 475
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 70550
A
Aayushi Marathe 
MS in Economics (STEM) - Batch of 2025
4
Very diverse, interesting and great academics which helped me in my professional life.
Tips: Drexel has been in line with my academic and professional aspirations as I was able to experience the best academic experience I could get beyond my expectations. Faculty has been truly supportive. Keep an open mind during your tenure here and experience everything that is offered.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 6925
Prepping time for classes39 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 109125
H
Hitankshi Jain 
Master of Science in Business Analytics (STEM) - Batch of 2025
3.8
Welcoming and an encouraging environment.
Tips: Drexel has a very welcoming and open environment. You will be encouraged to find your calling by exploring different pursuits in the form of your major and minor. You should dedicate your time to personal projects as a way to truly allow yourself to grow.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 7875
Prepping time for classes38 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 119925
R
Rama K 
MS in Information - Human-Computer Interaction & User Experience (STEM) - Batch of 2025
3.9
Lots of opportunities for growth and learning.
Tips: Students should be aware of the cultural shock and try to adjust accordingly. There is a good ambience, a great vibe, highly qualified faculty, good job opportunities and an excellent location. Always strive to be the best as Drexel University is one of the top-known universities in the state of Pennsylvania, United States.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1275
Prepping time for classes26 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
Views on University of Illinois Urbana Champaign campus
A
Anonymous
Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership - Batch of 2026
Offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
4.3
A big university in a small town with modern facilities.
Tips: The university is truly awesome, you don't have to worry about that. If you are looking for a calm but fun town to spend your 5 years of the Ph.D, then you are looking at the right place. It's very fresh in here. If you are expecting US city life, then you probably need to go to Chicago, which is around 3 hours away from here. There are many on-campus jobs available and even plenty of off-campus jobs as well. If you are a graduate student, it's even better because you can work with professors on their research projects. The hourly pay is also not bad as the expenses in this town are very low. Overall, I am very satisfied with the environment, people, university culture, eating out options, etc.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): In general, there are fewer immigration options in the US. Provided the current scenario, the opportunities are getting even fewer. If I get a chance to permanently immigrate to the US, I would definitely not think twice about it. But the chances are better if you are from a STEM field or Academia.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1400
Prepping time for classes15 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 70000

Keval Morabia 
Professional Master of Computer Science (MCS) - Batch of 2020
Offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
4.5
One of the best CS grad schools where I was able to make net positive money during my Masters!
Tips: Do not let cold weather be a reason for not joining UIUC, you get used to it. Apart from the thesis, there is no difference between MS and MS programme and both are considered the same for job applications but the thesis programme helps you improve your profile by getting to work with a professor on a research project. Computer Science programme has decent TA/RA opportunities and if you get one, you get 100% fee waiver and $2500 monthly stipend which is well above the monthly expenses. Post covid, intake to the professional MS programme has significantly increased from ~60 to ~300 resulting in a lot more competition to get a TA/RA.
Likes (Quality of faculty): UIUC has some of the best faculty in Computer Science, many times professors teach content that has been published in books by themselves. UIUC has many diverse professors, a very wide choice of course selection and a lot of flexibility in choosing courses.
Dislikes (Indian Food): Since Urban-Champaign is a college town, there are not that many Indian restaurants and for people who eat Jain food, there are hardly any food options outside. But there are many events in the department buildings where you can occasionally get free Pizzas.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes25 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD

Akash Singh 
Master of Science in Systems and Entrepreneurial Engineering - Batch of 2022
Offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
5
Best campustown in USA which gives you most bang for your buck compared to anywhere in states
Tips: Very accommodating culture. It will be the best experience of your life. Teachers are very knowledgeable. MS programme can be tailored to your liking where you can take courses from any department without much restrictions. This happened to be the best experience of my life.
Likes (Safety): Campustown is organized in a manner where all the students converge to Green Street where we have everything needed creating an awesome environment to meet new people and have fun. Cricket lovers can join Cricket Club of Illinois for a rewarding cricket experience and tons of tournaments in summer.
Dislikes (Public transportation): Faculty is very approachable and compassionate. After first semester most Masters student can find a RA or TA position. Try to meet with the faculty and show what drives you to do research and teaching and you will get a way around. The faculty is well-educated and mostly from universities ranked above UIUC.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 900
Prepping time for classes10 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 62650
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2024
Offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
4.1
Most people and faculty are friendly.
Tips: Champaign is the best town to live in for those coming to the US for the first time. Pros such as low rent, a friendly campus, etc. can be of help. I availed a Research Assistantship which resulted in a tuition fee waiver. Very satisfied with my courses and the University.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1000
Prepping time for classes21 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD
A
Anonymous
Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering - Batch of 2023
Offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
3.9
My Review on doing a Masters in UIUC
Tips: Since the university is in Illinois, the weather during the winters is brutal, which most Indians will find difficult to adapt to. Hence I advise you to buy proper winter clothes when winter approaches. The grocery stores on or near campus are also expensive, so you need to learn how to buy food in bulk without wasting anything. UIUC has a large diaspora of not only Indians but other nationalities as well, so socializing is necessary but not tedious. Despite this, feelings of loneliness can set in since everyone will be busy studying for their courses, which one should be prepared for.
Likes (Public transportation): The campus has a functional transportation service which is free for students of UIUC, with plenty of buses there to reach most parts of Champaign-Urban. Despite buses taking more time to reach the destination you wish to go to, the part that is already included in your tuition fees is convenient since one pays $60 as public transportation fees.
Dislikes (Value for money): Since I did my Masters in Aerospace Engineering, finding internships for myself was tedious due to ITAR. And unlike Indian institutes, we have to find internships by ourselves because most companies that come to the career fair look for US citizens only, though I would advise going to the career fair anyway to network.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1200
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 85000
A
Ayush Sharma 
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2026
Offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
4.3
You will be required to work hard.
Tips: UIUC is a work hard-play hard type of university. If you're into that, then definitely do apply! Also keep in mind that UIUC does not give out many scholarships to international students.
The research opportunities are great here, along with more than 1000+ clubs and organizations.
Likes (Public transportation): The bus transportation system is one of the best in the country. The bus system is free for all students, and the bus network extends beyond the campus, to the surrounding Champaign-Urbana area. There are a number of buses, which means there's never a shortage or long waiting time on them. Buses are also more so generally they are quite on time.
Dislikes (Indian Food): There aren't many authentic versions of Indian dishes in the dining halls. Although, you could get Indian food in restaurants outside the campus. Some days, in particular dining halls such as ISR, Indian food is provided in the form of samosas or paneer, however I wouldn't rely on the authenticity.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 6516
Prepping time for classes20 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 150000
R
Rishabh Asthana 
Master of Science in Computer Science - Batch of 2017
Offered by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
4.2
Life changing and worthwhile experience.
Tips: Before you join this university it is important to prepare beforehand regarding the course curriculum and academic requirements. If possible get a tour of the campus before you permanently move in and join whatever informative sessions are held. Part- time opportunities are not so great.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 6700
Prepping time for classes39 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 113750
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