This undated photo shows Mechanic Arts Department students working in the electrical laboratory in the early days of the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry.
Number of students in Drexel’s first graduating class.
Number of departments in operation at Drexel’s founding. They included art, science, mechanic arts, domestic economy, technical skills, business, physical training, teacher training, a department of lectures and evening classes, the library, reading room and the museum.
Total tuition in today’s dollars (or about $150 for two years of instruction) for students in mathematics, mechanical drawing, physics, chemistry, shop work in wood and iron, machine construction from working drawings, theory and practice of the steam engine, and pattern making.
Tuition that founder Anthony J. Drexel originally wanted to charge for classes. First president James A. MacAlister persuaded him to charge tuition so that only serious students would attend.
Number of students enrolled at the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry in its first year.