Drexel vs George Washington for economics: which is better for undergrad career preparation?

For undergraduate career preparation in economics, Drexel usually has the clearer built-in advantage because its co-op model is designed to get students real work experience before graduation. In Philadelphia, econ students can access roles in finance, consulting, business analytics, government, and healthcare-related organizations, and Drexel’s structure makes that experience part of the academic path rather than something you have to piece together on your own. If you want a college experience where internships are highly structured and graduating with a substantial resume is the priority, Drexel stands out.

Drexel fits students who want a very practical, career-first setup and are comfortable with a more pre-professional culture. The co-op system can make a real difference for economics majors because econ by itself is often strongest when paired with applied experience, data skills, or business exposure. Drexel also tends to reward students who are organized early, since the value comes from using co-op strategically and connecting economics to fields like finance, policy analysis, or market research.

George Washington makes more sense for students who want economics connected closely to policy, international affairs, and federal institutions. Its Washington, DC location creates unusually direct access to places like federal agencies, think tanks, nonprofits, global organizations, and policy research employers. For an econ student interested in public policy, economic research, international development, regulation, or government-adjacent work, GW can open doors that are hard to replicate elsewhere.

GW is strongest for students who will actively use the city and build their own network. The opportunities are excellent, but they are often less built into the curriculum than Drexel’s co-op path. That means a self-directed student who wants to chase internships during the semester, attend policy events, and pursue economics in a more political or global context may get more out of GW than out of a more structured environment.

If your main question is immediate undergraduate employability, Drexel has the edge because of how deliberately it turns experience into part of the degree. If your vision of economics leans toward policy, government, or international institutions, George Washington may give you a more targeted launchpad even if the path requires more initiative.