Drake vs. ISU

Comparable Facts

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

Iowa State University is larger than Drake based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Iowa State University is in Ames, IA (Small City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Iowa State University 18:1.

Drake vs. ISU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or ISU? 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 Iowa State University than Drake ($17,779 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Iowa State University are 13.2% lower than at Drake University ($10,808 vs. $12,452).
• Drake University is 383.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $41,343 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.5% higher at Drake than at Iowa State University (about $23,249 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drake University than at Iowa State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 229% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($35,498 vs. $10,791).

Drake vs. ISU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Iowa State University (1240) is 10 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming Drake students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at ISU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Iowa State University 1120/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Iowa State University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; ISU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have the same average high school GPA (3.7) as students at ISU (3.7).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 28.8% at ISU.

Drake vs. ISU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and ISU? 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 Iowa State University's (68%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $14,800 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $53,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Iowa State University graduates have a $2,132 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($23,868 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($246 vs. $268).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ISU 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.