Drake vs. Minnesota

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA with University of Minnesota Twin Cities in Minneapolis, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities is larger than Drake based on total student enrollment (56,666 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); University of Minnesota Twin Cities is in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; University of Minnesota Twin Cities 17:1.

Drake vs. Minnesota Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Minnesota? 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 University of Minnesota Twin Cities than Drake ($17,209 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 10.1% lower than at University of Minnesota Twin Cities ($12,452 vs. $13,856).
• Drake University is 202.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Minnesota (about $34,916 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $17,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.9% higher at Drake than at University of Minnesota Twin Cities (about $13,768 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $38,362.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drake University than at University of Minnesota Twin Cities (100% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 182.8% larger than aid received by University of Minnesota Twin Cities students ($35,498 vs. $12,552).

Drake vs. Minnesota Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Minnesota Twin Cities (1400) is 170 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming Minnesota 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; University of Minnesota Twin Cities 1300/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; University of Minnesota Twin Cities 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Minnesota - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Minnesota Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Minnesota students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Drake (3.7).
• Minnesota has a higher acceptance rate (79.7%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 22.3% at Minnesota.

Drake vs. Minnesota Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Minnesota? 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 University of Minnesota Twin Cities's (70%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $10,300 more per year than Minnesota graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $58,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates have a $5,815 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($20,185 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Minnesota graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($208 vs. $268).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Minnesota students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 74%)

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.