Drake vs. Hope College

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA with Hope College in Holland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drake University is larger than Hope College based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 3,395 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Hope College is in Holland, MI (Small City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hope College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Hope College 9:1.

Drake vs. Hope College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Hope College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Drake University than Hope College ($29,565 vs. $30,700).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 3.8% lower than at Hope College ($12,452 vs. $12,950).
• Drake University is 24.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hope College (about $10,160 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $41,970.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.2% higher at Drake than at Hope College (about $10,160 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $41,970.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drake University than at Hope College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 42.3% larger than aid received by Hope College students ($35,498 vs. $24,945).

Drake vs. Hope College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drake or Hope College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Hope College and Drake.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is 10 points higher than at Hope College (1220).
• Incoming Hope College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Drake).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Hope College 1100/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Hope College 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Hope College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Hope College students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Drake (3.7).
• Hope College has a higher acceptance rate (79.2%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 20.1% at Hope College.

Drake vs. Hope College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Hope College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Hope College's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than Drake University's (75%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $21,000 more per year than Hope College graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $47,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drake University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Hope College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Drake graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hope College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Hope College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 82%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.