Drew University

Based on the preceding negative comments, I can say this about Drew. Yes, I agree with the folks who wrote about those negative aspects of the school, but there are some good qualities about Drew. The problem with Drew is the price of a Drew education. Yes, the school has its problems, and since the new President came to campus in 2005, the school's reputation has declined. This is largely due to mismanagement and an incompetent administration. Drew still offers solid academic programs, which may not be the most rigorous, but they are solid nonetheless. However, the cost of a Drew education does not match the quality nor the value of the education. If Drew is going to charge what it charges to attend the school, then they should add rigor to the programs. The truth about Drew, and I agree with the previous posts, is that it is a safety school for many students. Because of this, the faculty, departments and the administration are afraid to increase the rigor of the programs for a fear of declining enrollment. As for student life, well, Drew does not offer frats or sororities, and the networking potential of a small campus and a rather disinterested corps of alums does not help the school's reputation. This is evident in the number of employers nationally who have never heard of the school nor understand Drew's culture. Why are schools like Cornell, Lehigh and Boston College known in California? These schools have national recognition because of good administrators, sports, academic research and certain departments at which they excel. Drew does not have this kind of recognition. It is a small school, and offers descent but unimpressive academic programs. There is nothing wrong with this, however, there is something wrong with Drew charging an enormous tuition rate. If you want a school similar to Drew, look at less expensive liberal arts institutions outside of the Northeast. As an alumni of Drew, I do not have amazing things to say about the school, however, you could do much worse in my opinion. The big question is: is it worth the price that you pay? In Drew's case, it is not.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000