Drake vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

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

Drake University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Stephens College 8:1.

Drake vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Stephens 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 Stephens College than Drake ($23,194 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 6.8% lower than at Stephens College ($12,452 vs. $13,366).
• Drake University is 84.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $23,830 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.2% higher at Drake than at Stephens College (about $23,830 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Stephens College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 52.1% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($35,498 vs. $23,341).

Drake vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drake or Stephens 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 Stephens College and Drake.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is 30 points higher than at Stephens College (1200).
• Incoming Drake students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

Drake vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Stephens 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).

• Drake University's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $31,100 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drake University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Drake graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 63%)

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.