Drake vs. Nebraska

Comparable Facts

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

University of Nebraska Lincoln is larger than Drake based on total student enrollment (24,393 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); University of Nebraska Lincoln is in Lincoln, NE (Large City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Nebraska Lincoln is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; University of Nebraska Lincoln 17:1.

Drake vs. Nebraska Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Nebraska? 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 Nebraska Lincoln than Drake ($18,322 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 11.8% lower than at University of Nebraska Lincoln ($12,452 vs. $14,120).
• Drake University is 399.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nebraska (about $41,696 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $10,434.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.4% higher at Drake than at University of Nebraska Lincoln (about $23,546 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $28,584.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drake University than at University of Nebraska Lincoln (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 236.8% larger than aid received by University of Nebraska Lincoln students ($35,498 vs. $10,541).

Drake vs. Nebraska Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is 20 points higher than at Nebraska (1210).
• Incoming Drake students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Nebraska).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; University of Nebraska Lincoln 1098/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; University of Nebraska Lincoln 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Nebraska - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Nebraska May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Nebraska (3.63).
• Nebraska has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 29.8% at Nebraska.

Drake vs. Nebraska Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Nebraska? 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 Nebraska Lincoln's (67%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $18,900 more per year than Nebraska graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Nebraska Lincoln graduates have a $4,300 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($21,700 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Nebraska graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($224 vs. $268).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Nebraska students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 73%)

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.