Drake vs. Rockhurst

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA with Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drake University is larger than Rockhurst based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 3,577 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Drake vs. Rockhurst Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Rockhurst? 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 Rockhurst University than Drake ($25,787 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rockhurst University are 4.3% lower than at Drake University ($11,920 vs. $12,452).
• Drake University is 15.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rockhurst (about $7,164 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $44,966.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.9% higher at Drake than at Rockhurst University (about $7,164 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $44,966.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Rockhurst University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 2.7% larger than aid received by Rockhurst University students ($35,498 vs. $34,562).

Drake vs. Rockhurst Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is 50 points higher than at Rockhurst (1180).
• Incoming Drake students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Rockhurst).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Rockhurst University 1116/1246.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Rockhurst University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Rockhurst - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rockhurst Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Rockhurst (3.62).
• Rockhurst has a higher acceptance rate (69.6%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 19.2% at Rockhurst.

Drake vs. Rockhurst Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Rockhurst? 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 Rockhurst University's (74%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than Rockhurst graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $53,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rockhurst University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Rockhurst graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($211 vs. $268).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rockhurst 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.