Drake vs. Viterbo

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA with Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drake University is larger than Viterbo based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 2,094 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Viterbo University is in La Crosse, WI (Small City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Viterbo University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Viterbo University 10:1.

Drake vs. Viterbo Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Viterbo? 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 Viterbo University than Drake ($21,933 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Viterbo University are 9.1% lower than at Drake University ($11,320 vs. $12,452).
• Drake University is 52.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Viterbo (about $17,880 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $34,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.2% higher at Drake than at Viterbo University (about $17,880 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $34,250.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Viterbo University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 50.6% larger than aid received by Viterbo University students ($35,498 vs. $23,573).

Drake vs. Viterbo Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is 20 points higher than at Viterbo (1210).
• Incoming Drake students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Viterbo).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Viterbo University 1040/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Viterbo University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Viterbo - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Viterbo (3.5).
• Viterbo has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 15.9% at Viterbo.

Drake vs. Viterbo Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Viterbo? 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 Viterbo University's (49%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $24,200 more per year than Viterbo graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drake University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Viterbo graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Drake graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Viterbo graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Viterbo students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 68%)

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.