Drake vs. Carroll University

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA with Carroll University in Waukesha, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drake University is larger than Carroll University based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 3,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Carroll University is in Waukesha, WI (Small City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Carroll University 14:1.

Drake vs. Carroll University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Carroll 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 Carroll University than Drake ($27,031 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 12.8% lower than at Carroll University ($12,452 vs. $14,280).
• Drake University is 34% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carroll University (about $13,240 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $38,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34% higher at Drake than at Carroll University (about $13,240 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $38,890.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Carroll University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 38.5% larger than aid received by Carroll University students ($35,498 vs. $25,634).

Drake vs. Carroll University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is 70 points higher than at Carroll University (1160).
• Incoming Drake students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Carroll University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Carroll University 1040/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Carroll University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Carroll University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Carroll University (3.39).
• Carroll University has a higher acceptance rate (66.8%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 17.5% at Carroll University.

Drake vs. Carroll University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Carroll 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 Carroll University's (57%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $24,300 more per year than Carroll University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drake University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Carroll University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Drake graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carroll University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carroll University 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.