Drake vs. Pace University

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA with Pace University in New York, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Pace University is larger than Drake based on total student enrollment (13,634 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Pace University is in New York, NY (Large City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pace University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Pace University 14:1.

Drake vs. Pace University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Pace University? 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 Pace University ($29,565 vs. $34,791).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 44.8% lower than at Pace University ($12,452 vs. $22,553).
• Pace University is 2.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drake (about $1,160 more per year; $53,290.00 vs. $52,130.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.2% higher at Pace University than at Drake University (about $1,160 more per year; $53,290.00 vs. $52,130.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drake University than at Pace University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 1% larger than aid received by Pace University students ($35,498 vs. $35,136).

Drake vs. Pace University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drake or Pace University? 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 Pace University and Drake.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Pace University (1260) is 30 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming Drake students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at Pace University (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Pace University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Pace University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Pace University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pace University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Pace University (3.4).
• Pace University has a higher acceptance rate (75.9%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 8.1% at Pace University.

Drake vs. Pace University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Pace University? 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).

• Drake University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Pace University's (53%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Pace University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $63,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pace University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Pace University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pace University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 65%)

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.