Drake vs. Duquesne University

Comparable Facts

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

Duquesne University is larger than Drake based on total student enrollment (8,234 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Duquesne University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Duquesne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Duquesne University 12:1.

Drake vs. Duquesne University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Duquesne 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 Drake University than Duquesne University ($29,565 vs. $37,917).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 24% lower than at Duquesne University ($12,452 vs. $16,374).
• Drake University is 6.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Duquesne University (about $3,144 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $48,986.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.4% higher at Drake than at Duquesne University (about $3,144 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $48,986.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Duquesne University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 18.9% larger than aid received by Duquesne University students ($35,498 vs. $29,850).

Drake vs. Duquesne University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Duquesne University (1260) is 30 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming Duquesne University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Drake).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Duquesne University 1180/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Duquesne University 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Duquesne University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Duquesne University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Duquesne University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Drake (3.7).
• Duquesne University has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 13.4% at Duquesne University.

Drake vs. Duquesne University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Duquesne 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 Duquesne University's (73%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Duquesne University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $65,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drake University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Duquesne University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Drake graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Duquesne University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Duquesne University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 82%)

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.