Drake vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Drake University in Des Moines, IA with Wichita State University in Wichita, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wichita State University is larger than Drake based on total student enrollment (16,689 students vs. 4,345 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting); Wichita State University is in Wichita, KS (Large City setting).
• Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wichita State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Drake University 11:1; Wichita State University 19:1.

Drake vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Drake or WSU? 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 Wichita State University than Drake ($14,228 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wichita State University are 0.3% lower than at Drake University ($12,420 vs. $12,452).
• Drake University is 438.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $42,446 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $9,684.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 162.4% higher at Drake than at Wichita State University (about $32,261 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $19,869.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drake University than at Wichita State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 336.9% larger than aid received by Wichita State University students ($35,498 vs. $8,125).

Drake vs. WSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is 160 points higher than at WSU (1070).
• Incoming Drake students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at WSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 1110/1350; Wichita State University 905/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Drake University 24/29; Wichita State University 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Drake - Test optional; WSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at WSU (3.48).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at Drake vs. 20.1% at WSU.

Drake vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Drake and WSU? 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 Wichita State University's (43%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $24,700 more per year than WSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $43,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wichita State University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, WSU graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drake graduates ($211 vs. $268).
• More Drake graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 55%)

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.