Drake vs. Webster University

Comparable Facts

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

Webster University is larger than Drake based on total student enrollment (8,260 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Webster University is in Saint Louis, MO (Large Suburban setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Webster University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Webster University 16:1.

Drake vs. Webster University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or Webster University? 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 Webster University than Drake ($29,503 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Webster University are 1.1% lower than at Drake University ($12,318 vs. $12,452).
• Drake University is 64.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Webster University (about $20,380 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $31,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.2% higher at Drake than at Webster University (about $20,380 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $31,750.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Drake University as at Webster University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 65.7% larger than aid received by Webster University students ($35,498 vs. $21,426).

Drake vs. Webster University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is 20 points higher than at Webster University (1210).
• Incoming Drake students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at Webster University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Webster University 1110/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Webster University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; Webster University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Webster University (3.64).
• Webster University has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 13.6% at Webster University.

Drake vs. Webster University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and Webster University? 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 Webster University's (61%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $21,700 more per year than Webster University graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Webster University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Webster University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Webster University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 60%)

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.