Drake vs. Umary

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA with University of Mary in Bismarck, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drake University is larger than Umary based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 3,861 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); University of Mary is in Bismarck, ND (Rural Fringe setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Mary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; University of Mary 14:1.

Drake vs. Umary Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Umary? 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 University of Mary than Drake ($20,156 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Mary are 25.5% lower than at Drake University ($9,276 vs. $12,452).
• Drake University is 133.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Umary (about $29,774 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $22,356.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 133.2% higher at Drake than at University of Mary (about $29,774 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $22,356.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drake University than at University of Mary (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 161% larger than aid received by University of Mary students ($35,498 vs. $13,601).

Drake vs. Umary Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is the same as at Umary (1230).
• Incoming Drake students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at Umary).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; University of Mary 1110/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; University of Mary 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Umary - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Umary Sep 30, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Umary (3.37).
• Umary has a higher acceptance rate (75.3%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 41.4% at Umary.

Drake vs. Umary Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Umary? 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 University of Mary's (52%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $16,600 more per year than Umary graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $51,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Mary graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Umary graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($232 vs. $268).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Umary 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.