Drake vs. University of Portland

Comparable Facts

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

Drake University is larger than University of Portland based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 3,285 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); University of Portland is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Portland is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; University of Portland 9:1.

Drake vs. University of Portland Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or University of Portland? 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 University of Portland ($29,565 vs. $30,985).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 27.9% lower than at University of Portland ($12,452 vs. $17,260).
• University of Portland is 11.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drake (about $5,970 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $52,130.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.5% higher at University of Portland than at Drake University (about $5,970 more per year; $58,100.00 vs. $52,130.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at University of Portland (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Portland students is 19.8% larger than aid received by Drake University students ($42,538 vs. $35,498).

Drake vs. University of Portland Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Drake or University of Portland? 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 University of Portland and Drake.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Portland (1270) is 40 points higher than at Drake (1230).
• Incoming University of Portland 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; University of Portland 1160/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; University of Portland 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; University of Portland - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Portland Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at University of Portland (3.66).
• University of Portland has a higher acceptance rate (89.2%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 9.6% at University of Portland.

Drake vs. University of Portland Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and University of Portland? 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).

• University of Portland's six-year graduation rate (76%) is higher than Drake University's (75%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than University of Portland graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $59,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Portland graduates have a $1,687 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($24,313 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Portland graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($251 vs. $268).
• More University of Portland graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drake students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 84%)

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.