Drake vs. Elon

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than Drake based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Drake vs. Elon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Elon? 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 Elon ($29,565 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 16.9% lower than at Elon University ($12,452 vs. $14,985).
• Drake University is 11% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elon (about $5,172 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11% higher at Drake than at Elon University (about $5,172 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drake University than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 98.7% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($35,498 vs. $17,867).

Drake vs. Elon Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is 20 points higher than at Elon (1210).
• Incoming Drake students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Elon).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Elon University 1130/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Elon University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Elon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Elon (3.65).
• Elon has a higher acceptance rate (66.3%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 13.4% at Elon.

Drake vs. Elon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Elon? 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).

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Drake University's (75%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than Elon graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $56,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($240 vs. $268).
• More Elon 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.