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#2 Best Colleges in Iowa

Drake University

Des Moines, Iowa

 2 Reviews

Overview

Enrollment

4,685
Drake University overview
Location Des Moines, Iowa
Online drake.edu
School Type Private 4 Year
Setting Midsize City
Drake University overview
Size Mid-size
Status Non-profit
On Campus Housing Yes
Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate
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Drake University, established in 1881, is a private, coeducational institution situated in Des Moines, Iowa, offering a blend of professional and liberal arts programs. The university spans across a 150-acre campus featuring a mix of modern and historical architecture, including the notable Old Main building. As a mid-sized institution, Drake University provides on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments, for its undergraduate and graduate students. The academic profile of Drake is diverse, with strong programs in business, journalism, law, pharmacy, and the sciences. While the university's application process is moderately selective, focusing on a holistic review of applicants. Drake University does not have a major emphasis on athletics, yet it competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Missouri Valley Conference.

In the most recent statistical year 8,621 prospective students applied, and 5,796 were granted admission.  Of those admitted 733 enrolled in the school.  3,584 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 1,101 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $47,564 plus fees of $348. Drake is ranked 149 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.

Ratings

8/10

Overall

8/10

Academics

8/10

Resources

8/10

Outcomes

9/10

Value

Drake is rated within the top 26% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated

Rankings

Rankings for Drake University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.

View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.

Getting In

Admission Standards

Difficult
Drake University overview
SAT 1110/1340
ACT 25/30
GPA 3.7

Applications Accepted

67.2% 
Drake University overview
Applications Due -
Applicant Competition Low
Application Fee $0

Explore admissions requirements

Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$47,564
Costs for Drake University
Fee Cost
Books and Supplies$1,100
Other Fees$348
Room and Board $11,570
Budget for Other Expenses$3,150
Total One Year Cost$63,732

Tuition and financial aid details

Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$68,500 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

75% within 6 years

Explore Post Graduation Outcomes

Popular Areas of Study

Popular subjects studied by Drake University students
Subject Percent of Class
Business 39%
Communication 12%
Social Sciences 10%
Education 8%
Biology 6%

View All 55 Majors

Other Colleges to Consider 

Students considering Drake are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153269 IPEDS survey data for Drake University.

Current students may use the Drake University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.