Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Suburban campus with easy access to city resources
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Charles R. Drew University reflects the intimate scale and focused mission of a specialized health sciences institution, with community-building initiatives designed to support students pursuing rigorous professional training while maintaining connection to the broader community. The small student body creates close relationships among peers who share commitment to health equity and service to underserved populations, with cohort-based programs fostering mutual support through challenging coursework. Student organizations connect learners around shared interests and professional development needs, including specialty-specific groups, cultural associations, and service organizations that extend learning beyond clinical and classroom settings. The university's location within South Los Angeles provides constant connection to the communities students are preparing to serve, with volunteer opportunities, health fairs, and community engagement activities integrating students into neighborhood life. Faculty accessibility distinguishes the Drew experience, with professors serving as mentors who guide students through academic challenges while modeling engaged scholarship and community service. Wellness resources address the stress inherent in health professions education, with counseling, peer support, and wellness programming supporting student health alongside academic success. Alumni networks keep graduates connected, with former students returning to mentor current learners and share career opportunities. The annual White Coat Ceremony marks an important milestone for medical students, symbolizing their entry into the profession while reinforcing the responsibilities they are assuming.

Location & Surroundings

Charles R. Drew University's campus in the Willowbrook neighborhood occupies a significant location in South Los Angeles, positioning students within the medically underserved community the institution was founded to serve. The suburban campus setting provides dedicated space for health sciences education while maintaining integration with surrounding neighborhoods that face persistent health challenges including higher rates of chronic disease, limited healthcare access, and environmental health concerns. Los Angeles County's vast healthcare infrastructure provides extensive clinical training opportunities, with Drew students rotating through community health centers, hospitals, and clinics that serve diverse populations throughout the region. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, located adjacent to campus, serves as a primary clinical training site where students gain experience in a safety-net hospital serving uninsured and underinsured patients. The broader Los Angeles metropolitan region provides access to world-class academic medical centers, public health agencies, and research institutions that expand educational opportunities. The climate remains mild year-round, with Southern California sunshine providing pleasant conditions for the demanding schedules health professions students maintain. Housing options vary from campus facilities to apartments throughout South Los Angeles and adjacent communities, with students navigating the challenges and rewards of living in a dynamic urban environment. Public transportation connections link campus to destinations throughout Los Angeles County, while proximity to major freeways facilitates travel to clinical sites and regional destinations.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Charles R. Drew University tuition reflects the substantial costs of health sciences education while the institution works to ensure financial considerations do not prevent mission-aligned students from pursuing healthcare careers. Medical education requires significant investment, with Drew students accessing federal loan programs, scholarships, and loan repayment programs that incentivize practice in underserved communities after graduation. Nursing and allied health programs involve lower total costs than medical education while still requiring financial planning that the financial aid office supports through personalized counseling. Scholarship programs specifically support students committed to practicing in underserved communities, with funding from foundations, government programs, and institutional sources that recognize Drew's unique mission. National Health Service Corps and similar programs offer loan repayment in exchange for service commitments, creating pathways that align financial sustainability with Drew's founding purpose. Career outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of mission-focused education, with Drew graduates serving as physicians, nurses, and healthcare administrators throughout South Los Angeles and underserved communities nationwide. The institution's reputation for producing culturally competent healthcare professionals creates strong demand among employers specifically seeking candidates prepared to serve diverse populations. Research career preparation supports students pursuing academic positions and investigator roles focused on health disparities and minority health. Alumni networks maintain connections that facilitate career advancement, with former students established in leadership positions throughout community health infrastructure. Match rates for medical graduates demonstrate competitive preparation for residency training.

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