Is Boston University worth the extra cost over Drexel for college?

In most cases, no, Boston University is not worth taking on a lot more debt than Drexel. Drexel can already deliver strong career outcomes, especially because its co-op system gives students long, paid work experiences before graduation, and that often translates into a clearer path to jobs right away. BU has broader national name recognition and a more traditional residential college experience, but that advantage usually does not justify a major price gap by itself.

Drexel’s biggest differentiator is the built-in co-op structure. That is not just an internship here and there; it is a central part of the academic model, and for many students it means graduating with substantial real-world experience, employer contacts, and a stronger resume than peers at similarly priced schools. If your priority is return on investment and early employability, that is a concrete advantage that is hard to ignore.

BU’s clearest edge is reputation breadth and campus experience. It tends to carry more national visibility across a wider range of fields, and being in Boston can be especially useful for students interested in areas like communications, public health, international relations, research, or certain business and nonprofit paths. It also offers a more cohesive, traditional college environment than Drexel, which some students value a lot and which can shape networking, student life, and alumni engagement.

What matters most is how big “a lot more” really means. If BU costs somewhat more but still leaves you with manageable debt, the added resources, alumni network, and overall experience may be worth it. If choosing BU would require heavy borrowing, Drexel is usually the smarter decision because the gap in outcomes is rarely large enough to justify a substantially bigger financial burden after graduation.