Drew University — private liberal arts university in Madison, New Jersey

Campus and setting

Often described as the "University in the Forest", Drew sits on approximately 186 acres of largely wooded landscape. The forested grounds, formal lawns and historic buildings create a park-like environment that supports outdoor learning, festivals and campus traditions. The university's location in suburban New Jersey provides relatively easy commuter access to metropolitan cultural and internship opportunities.

Academics, programs and student life

Drew offers undergraduate majors in the arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional programs, and several graduate degrees. The campus includes the Drew Theological School, which prepares students for ministry and religious scholarship, alongside a graduate school serving working professionals. Students typically experience small classes, opportunities for undergraduate research, study-abroad options and a variety of clubs, arts programs and community-engagement projects. Enrollment is modest — roughly 1,500 undergraduates in the mid-2010s — and tuition and fees change year to year; for example, tuition was reported as $45,214 for the 2014–2015 academic year.

History and institutional identity

Beginning as a theological seminary, the institution broadened its mission over the 20th century to serve a wider range of academic interests while retaining a denominational connection. Drew maintains formal ties to the United Methodist Church, which informs some aspects of campus life and the theological curriculum, though the university admits students of many faiths and backgrounds and emphasizes academic inquiry over doctrinal instruction.

Reputation, resources and notable features

The university is frequently praised for its scenic campus; college guides have highlighted its beauty and wooded character. Drew combines the strengths of a residential liberal arts college — small class sizes, campus community, and faculty mentoring — with graduate-level programs and professional training. Its wooded campus supports outdoor learning, while on-campus events, visiting-speaker series and community partnerships extend the university's cultural and civic reach.

Quick facts

• Founded: 1867 (origin as a theological seminary)
• Location: Madison, New Jersey, within commuting distance of major urban centers
• Campus: Approximately 186 acres of largely wooded land
• Religious affiliation: Historic ties to the United Methodist Church

For official information about admissions, programs and campus services see the university's web resources: Drew University, local town guides Madison, NJ, or general college profiles and reviews referenced by campus publications and consumer guides.