Overview
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science was founded in 1966 in the aftermath of the Watts Rebellion, established to address severe health disparities and lack of medical access in South Los Angeles. Named after the pioneering Black surgeon and blood plasma researcher Dr. Charles Richard Drew, the institution grew from a postgraduate medical training program into a full university with a College of Medicine that partners closely with UCLA through the UCLA-Drew Medical Education Program (now the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA/Drew program). CDU is best known for its mission-driven approach to producing physicians who serve underserved, low-income, and minority populations, and it holds federal designation as a Historically Black Graduate Institution and a Predominantly Black Institution.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Total students | 700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 5:1 |
| Acceptance rate | N/A |
| Graduation rate | 90% |
| Average starting salary | $65,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $45,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $45,000 |
| Room & board | $18,000 |
| Average financial aid | $35,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.60 |
| Regular deadline | December 1 |
Top Programs
- Medicine (MD)
- Physician Assistant Studies
- Public Health
- Biomedical Sciences
- Health Disparities Research
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.