Drexel University PA Program: Requirements, Tuition & Stats

Who This Program May Be A Good Fit For

  • Middle-of-the-pack GPA — The average accepted overall GPA (3.74) is close to the national middle, so a solid-but-not-spectacular academic record is genuinely competitive here.

  • The minimum is not the target — The stated minimum GPA is 3, but the average accepted is 3.74 — a gap of 0.74. Meeting the floor gets you screened in, not admitted.

  • Apply early — Admissions are rolling, so seats come off the board as the cycle goes. An application submitted in the first few weeks is worth more than the same application submitted in month four.

  • Stricter prerequisite grades — A minimum of B- in prerequisites is tougher than the typical C. Recheck your transcript before you invest in the application.

Program Details

Drexel University is located in Pennsylvania. The details below come straight from the program and are re-checked on a rolling basis.

At a glance

  • Location: Pennsylvania

  • Institution type: Private

  • Program length: 27 months

  • Class size: 88 students

  • Start month: September

  • Application deadline: September

  • Rolling admissions: Yes

  • In-state tuition: $103,292

  • Average overall GPA: 3.74

  • Average science GPA: 3.66

  • Minimum overall GPA: 3

  • Minimum science GPA: 3

  • Minimum PCE hours: 500 hours

  • Letters of recommendation: 2

  • First-time PANCE pass rate: 91%

  • Accreditation status: Continued

Admission requirements

  • GRE: No

  • TOEFL (international applicants): Yes

  • Supplemental application: No

  • Shadowing: No

  • Letters of recommendation: 2 — Preferred references are from individuals who have been in a supervisory capacity over the applicant or academic instructors who have personal knowledge of the applicant

  • Patient care experience: 500 hours minimum

  • Interview format: Traditional

Prerequisites

  • Minimum prerequisite grade: B-

  • Prerequisite expiration: 10 years of matriculation, but applicants are very strongly encouraged to complete Human Anatomy and Physiology within 3-5 years of application

  • In-progress prerequisites accepted: Yes

  • AP or CLEP credit accepted: Yes

  • Pass/Fail coursework accepted: No

  • Online coursework accepted: Yes

Required coursework

  • Psychology: One course; general, introduction to, developmental, or abnormal accepted.

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology: Complete study of the anatomy and physiology of all the major human bodily systems. Typically requires either two semester-long or three quarter-long courses with laboratory components, or Human Anatomy with lab and Human Physiology (with or without lab).

  • Biology: Two courses with labs; acceptable options include 100 level introductory sequence (general biology 1 and 2, introduction to biology 1 and 2, principles of biology 1 and 2, biological principles 1 and 2), cell, molecular, evolutionary, organismal, or developmental biology.

  • Microbiology: One course, preferably with lab; general, introduction to, or medical accepted.

  • Genetics: One course; general, human, or medical accepted.

  • Chemistry: One course with lab; general, organic or biochemistry accepted.

  • Medical Terminology: Course dedicated to medical terminology.

Recommended: Abnormal psychology Biochemistry Critical thinking Death and dying Developmental psychology Embryology Ethics/Ethics in Medicine (Health Care) and Methodology Foreign languages Introduction to Pharmacology Logic Nutrition Organic Chemistry Pathophysiology Advanced Anatomy Public Speaking/Speech Research Design Sociology Statistics

Cost

  • In-state tuition: $103,292

  • Seat deposit: $500

Want to compare your stats to this program? Pre-PA Bestie is a free, always-updated PA program database where you can save schools and see how your numbers line up. Check out Pre-PA Bestie.

Listen: inside the Drexel University PA program

We have talked with people connected to this program on The Pre-PA Club podcast. Press play to hear it directly from them.

Episode show notes, takeaways & chapters

In this illuminating episode of The Pre-PA Club podcast, Savanna Perry engages in a thoughtful dialogue with Travis Laverne, a second-year PA student and class president at Drexel University. Travis's journey is characterized by a significant transition from a military career—spending 13 years in the Air Force—to the field of physician assistantship. He reflects on how his time in the military, where he was frequently exposed to PAs, influenced his decision to pursue a career in medicine and ignited his passion for healthcare.

Travis provides listeners with a detailed account of the practical steps he undertook to prepare for PA school. He discusses the challenges of completing the necessary prerequisites, particularly as he lacked a traditional science background. Through diligent research and by seeking mentorship from PAs, he was able to navigate the prerequisites and gain valuable patient care experience through various roles, including working as a clinical research coordinator. This experience not only enriched his application but also shaped his understanding of the medical field.

The episode further delves into Travis's experiences during PA school, particularly the demanding first quarter, where he faced a steep learning curve. He candidly shares the emotional and academic hurdles he encountered, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability. He also reflects on the importance of family support and effective communication, illustrating how he balanced rigorous study schedules with family obligations. As he transitions into clinical rotations, Travis expresses enthusiasm for his future career, highlighting his interest in surgery and emergency medicine. This episode is a rich resource for pre-PA students, providing practical advice and emotional support for those on similar paths.

What we cover

  • Travis Laverne transitioned to PA school after 13 years in the Air Force, demonstrating a unique path to this profession.
  • He faced significant challenges in balancing family life and PA school, but effective communication with his wife proved essential.
  • Travis utilized the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon program, which significantly alleviated financial burdens during PA school.
  • He emphasized the importance of understanding the demands of PA school and planning study time around family commitments.
  • Travis's role as class president helped him engage more deeply with his PA program and foster connections with his classmates.
  • He found that maintaining a structured family calendar improved communication and helped manage expectations during his studies.

Chapters

  • 0:00 – Introduction to Travis Laverne and His Journey
  • 8:55 – Transitioning to PA School: A Journey
  • 16:34 – Starting PA School: A New Journey
  • 23:32 – Navigating Family Life During PA School
  • 27:51 – Transitioning to Clinical Practice

Program Contact

Program information last verified June 16, 2026. Requirements change — always confirm directly with the program before applying.

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