Drake University
About Drake University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Drake University is a private university in Des Moines, Iowa. It offers strong programs in marketing, finance, journalism, and pharmacy, with a central location in the state capital and a reputation for producing leaders in business and public service.
Founded
1881
Location
Des Moines, Iowa
Students
4,303
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
63.9%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
74%
Near national average
Tuition
$52,130
Per year
Avg Net Price
$29,127
After financial aid
SAT Average
1292
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$71,901
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
63.9 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Dec 1
Regular
Mar 1
Drake University accepts 63.9% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1292/ 1600
ACT Scores
28/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
74% complete their degree within six years
Retention
84.1%
4-Year Grad
70%
6-Year Grad
77%
Teaching Quality
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
72.3%
$/Student
$13.8K
Class Size
Small
70% graduate in 4 years, and 84.1% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$52,130
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$12,452
Books & Supplies
$510
Total Cost of Attendance
$64,835
After Financial Aid
$29,127
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$25,824
Receive Grants
21.7%
Take Loans
44.5%
The total cost of attendance runs about $64,835/yr, including $12,452 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $29,127.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Drake University fund their education.
While in School
21.7%
Get Grants
Free money
44.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$89,603
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$244/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $23,000 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Drake University.
Gender
60.8%
Female
39%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,543
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,760
Graduates
15.3%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
3.3%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 15.3% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
2,543
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Drake University fields 9 varsity teams with 480 student athletes, about 19% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Missouri Valley
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
9
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
480
19% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
51% / 49%
245
Men
235
Women
6
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Drake Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$71,901
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
$44K
63 grads
1yr Earnings
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
$80K
51 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$52K
49 grads
1yr Earnings
Data Analytics
—
48 grads
Psychology, General
$48K
41 grads
4yr Earnings
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
—
41 grads
Earnings grow steadily here: $58K at six years, $61K at eight, and $72K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Drake University
What is the acceptance rate at Drake University?▾
How much does Drake University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Drake University?▾
How much do Drake University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.