Drake vs. Lawrence

Comparable Facts

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

Drake University is larger than Lawrence based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 1,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Lawrence University is in Appleton, WI (Small City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Lawrence University 7:1.

Drake vs. Lawrence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Lawrence? 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 Lawrence University than Drake ($27,161 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lawrence University are 2.3% lower than at Drake University ($12,165 vs. $12,452).
• Lawrence University is 9.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drake (about $4,852 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $52,130.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.3% higher at Lawrence than at Drake University (about $4,852 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $52,130.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Lawrence University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lawrence University students is 20.3% larger than aid received by Drake University students ($42,688 vs. $35,498).

Drake vs. Lawrence Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lawrence University (1310) is 80 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming Lawrence students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 26 at Drake).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Lawrence University 1200/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Lawrence University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Lawrence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lawrence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Lawrence (3.52).
• Lawrence has a higher acceptance rate (63.9%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 16.8% at Lawrence.

Drake vs. Lawrence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Lawrence? 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).

• Lawrence University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Drake University's (75%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $22,900 more per year than Lawrence graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drake University graduates have a $1,350 lower median loan debt than Lawrence graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,350).
• Among borrowers, Drake graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lawrence graduates ($268 vs. $282).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lawrence students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 76%)

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.