Drake vs. Cedarville University

Comparable Facts

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

Cedarville University is larger than Drake based on total student enrollment (6,318 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Drake vs. Cedarville University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Cedarville 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 Cedarville University than Drake ($27,150 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cedarville University are 23.1% lower than at Drake University ($9,574 vs. $12,452).
• Drake University is 40.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cedarville University (about $14,980 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $37,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.3% higher at Drake than at Cedarville University (about $14,980 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $37,150.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Cedarville University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 60.1% larger than aid received by Cedarville University students ($35,498 vs. $22,177).

Drake vs. Cedarville University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cedarville University (1250) is 20 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming Drake students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Cedarville University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Cedarville University 1130/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Cedarville University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Cedarville University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Cedarville University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Drake (3.7).
• Cedarville University has a higher acceptance rate (65.3%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 34% at Cedarville University.

Drake vs. Cedarville University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Cedarville 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 Cedarville University's (68%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $22,600 more per year than Cedarville University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cedarville University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Cedarville University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($232 vs. $268).
• More Cedarville University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drake students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

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.