Situated amidst the verdant landscapes of Madison, New Jersey, Drew University stands as a historical beacon of higher education since its inception in 1867. Renowned for its intimate campus environment, the university extends across a picturesque 186-acre setting, offering a close-knit community with an undergraduate enrollment hovering around 1,500 students. This private university, affectionately dubbed the 'University in the Forest,' due to its forested surroundings, provides a serene academic sanctuary just a stone's throw from the bustling metropolitan life of New York City. Drew's size ensures an advantageous student-to-faculty ratio, fostering personalized learning experiences and meaningful engagement between students and educators.
Drew University distinguishes itself with unique offerings such as its Semester on Wall Street and the Drew Forum speaker series. The Semester on Wall Street program exemplifies experiential learning by plunging students directly into the financial world, providing invaluable insights and professional exposure. Additionally, Drew's location makes for apt synergy with the United Nations, as showcased by their Drew Summer Institute on the United Nations, where students gain in-depth knowledge about global diplomacy. The university is notable for its impressive theatre arts program, buoyed by the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey-an esteemed professional theatre company in residence at Drew. This gives theatre students unprecedented access to professional performances and hands-on experiences in production.
Academically, Drew University flourishes with a strong track record in the liberal arts, with robust programs in political science, psychology, and biology. Its undergraduate research opportunities are exemplary, enabling students to work closely with faculty on significant scholarly pursuits. For instance, the Drew Summer Science Institute (DSSI) offers students a platform to engage in high-level research alongside their professors. Outside of academics, Drew's impact extends to community service and sustainability efforts. The university has been recognized for its civic engagement with the Civic Engagement Distinction noting graduates who have dedicated significant time to community service. Drew's commitment to environmental consciousness is evident through its numerous green initiatives, leading it to be featured in The Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges.
Despite its many strengths, Drew University does face challenges, notably its financial constraints which have led to tuition increases and concerns about affordability for some prospective students. While Drew has sought to address this through fundraising and implementing cost-saving measures, the financial aspect remains a pressure point and may influence enrollment and program offerings. Another issue is alumni engagement, which has room for improvement in terms of fostering long-term relationships and support networks for graduates. Working towards increasing the university's endowment and actively seeking ways to enhance alumni participation would be strategic moves to secure Drew's future and sustain its educational mission.
