Drake vs. Marist University

Comparable Facts

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

Marist University is larger than Drake based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Marist University is in Poughkeepsie, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Marist University 15:1.

Drake vs. Marist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Marist 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 Marist University ($29,565 vs. $42,508).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 32.5% lower than at Marist University ($12,452 vs. $18,460).
• Drake University is 9.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marist University (about $4,380 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $47,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.2% higher at Drake than at Marist University (about $4,380 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $47,750.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drake University than at Marist University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 41.6% larger than aid received by Marist University students ($35,498 vs. $25,067).

Drake vs. Marist University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Marist University (1270) is 40 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming Marist University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Drake).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Marist University 1190/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Marist University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Marist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marist University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Marist University (3.56).
• Drake has a higher acceptance rate (63.9%) than Marist University (56.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 19.9% at Marist University.

Drake vs. Marist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Marist 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).

• Marist University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Drake University's (75%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than Marist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $59,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marist University and Drake graduates have the same median loan debt ($26,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Marist University and Drake graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($268 vs. $268).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marist University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 80%)

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.