Introducing the Drexel University Elkins Park Campus

The merger of Salus University and Drexel University represents the future of interprofessional health sciences education, clinical practice, and research. This brought together Salus' strengths in top health science professions such as optometry, audiology, blindness and low vision studies, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, orthotics and prosthetics and physician assistant together with Drexel's strengths as an R1 research institution that combines world-class academics with real-world experience.

This merger will enable Salus and Drexel to provide a wide variety of exciting opportunities for students, faculty, and partners in new fields and research areas. It expands the reach of Salus’ leading edge health science education and both institutions' shared commitment to community-centered patient care.

The merger is not financially motivated by Salus or Drexel but will strengthen graduate program offerings and broaden interdisciplinary research opportunities for the new combined university. These benefits will provide both institutions with greater long-term financial stability in an ever-increasing competitive environment, and this integrated collaboration will allow for continued innovation in graduate health sciences education and clinical practice for all stakeholders.

Salus and Drexel completed the corporate merger on June 30, 2024, when it was approved by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accrediting body.

The second step for approval was the U.S. Department of Education, which required that Salus keep certain student functions separate until they have approved the merger. As of July 1, 2025, all Salus student programs/course offerings, registration, billing, and financial aid systems have been integrated into Drexel's systems.

An Integration Council was established in September 2023 with broad membership from across both Salus University and Drexel University to work on a plan for the following areas of integration: academics and faculty, human resources, space/real estate/facilities, enrollment, marketing, and student success, finance/accounting/investments/alumni/fundraising, clinical facilities.

Several threads woven throughout these vertical areas included: information technology, communications and branding, culture/student-centered, legal, revenue enhancements, and expense reductions.

Upon the merger, Salus combined all its assets, including its campus properties, with Drexel's assets. As a result, Drexel owns all facilities associated with Salus University as of the date of the merger.

Salus' campuses will continue to be located in their present locations for the foreseeable future. The main campus is now Drexel University – Elkins Park Campus.

Upon formal approval by the Department of Education, Drexel University will now confer all degrees.

Upon formal approval from the US Department of Education, Salus graduate programs officially became part of Drexel University's graduate portfolio of programs.  At Drexel, we believe in building opportunities to experience interdisciplinary curriculum within our graduate portfolio. As a result, we are actively building accelerated pathways from the undergraduate programs and more information will be forthcoming. In the meantime, Drexel students will be evaluated for admission into all programs based on the admission criteria.

Articulation agreements for a particular placement will remain in that placement absent extenuating circumstances.

If you have recently applied to Salus University, nothing else is needed. Your application will be reviewed, and admission will be determined based on the specific criteria outlined for your program of interest. Your admissions counselor will guide you throughout the process. 

For new students starting in fall 2025, Drexel scholarships will be available. For students who start at Salus in fall 2024 and are enrolled in a two-year program, in their second year when they become a Drexel student, they will be eligible to apply for applicable Drexel continuing student scholarships.

Upon approval from the US Department of Education, Financial Aid for the 2025-2026 academic year will be administered by Drexel's financial aid office. If you have not already, file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using Drexel's school code, 003256. (U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.)

Now that the merger has been formally approved by the United States Department of Education, specialized accreditors, and relevant third parties, all students are Drexel students as of fall 2025. 

Most programs in the Osborne College of Audiology and College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation have merged into Drexel's College of Nursing and Health Professions. Programs currently in Global, Interprofessional and Specialized Programming, Biomedicine Programs, as well as the Salus Physician Assistant Program, have moved to Drexel's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies in the College of Medicine. The Pennsylvania College of Optometry became Drexel's newest college. View a full list of programs.

Activate your computer accounts. This will enable you to access all of Drexel's electronic student services, including DrexelOne and Drexel email.

For non-lockstep programs, contact your program advisor to develop a plan of study prior to registering for courses.

Yes, you will need to fulfill Drexel University's immunization requirements (full-time and international students only, does not apply to fully online students). Learn more about these immunization requirements.

Note: additional requirements may be necessary by your college or school – communication on this will be sent separately.

Yes, you may enroll in or waive the Drexel Health Insurance Plan (full-time and international students only).

Your instructors will provide access to materials and equipment for each class.

You can obtain a Drexel University ID, also known as your DragonCard at the South Building (S104) of the Elkins Park Campus. (Available for all students, required for on-campus students.)

Yes, contact Drexel's Disability Resources, regarding any documented disabilities and necessary accommodations.

Most programs in the current Osborne College of Audiology and College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation will integrate into Drexel's College of Nursing and Health Professions. Programs currently in Global, Interprofessional and Specialized Programming, Biomedicine Programs, as well as the Salus Physician Assistant Studies Program, will move to Drexel's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies in the College of Medicine. The Pennsylvania College of Optometry will become Drexel's newest college.

The list of candidates has been narrowed to three finalists. Each has gone through a series of interviews, including an on-campus town hall. It is expected that the new dean will be announced in July 2025 and start new duties at the beginning of August 2025.

The May 2025 commencement — the 130th in the history of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and Salus — marked the final graduation ceremony, with degrees conferred by Salus University, as the degree-granting institution. Following the completion of the merger, an October 2025 commencement ceremony will be held for students in the former Salus programs. During the ceremony, the Salus mace and chain of office will officially be retired, marking the end of an era. Upon completion of the merger, Drexel University will appear on graduates' diplomas. 

Yes, Salus University alumni, along with those from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), will now be considered part of the Drexel alumni community.  It is important to note that Salus and PCO alumni will always retain their status as alumni of their respective institutions, even as they join the broader Drexel alumni network.

Yes, you can still make specific contributions to the health sciences programs that were previously under the PCO and Salus banners.  All gifts will be administered by Drexel University, ensuring that the full value of your contribution directly supports the specific area of PCO and Salus that you choose.

Alumni may request copies of their transcripts through the National Student Clearinghouse. Online transcript requests are available in either paper or electronic format. Paper transcripts may also be requested via postal mail. Transcript requests directly to Salus University must be done in writing, using the Transcript Request Form, which is available on our website. Visit Online Transcript Requests for more information. Questions can be directed to the Office of the Registrar at 215.780.1317 or salus_registrar@drexel.edu.