North Central College vs. Drake

Comparable Facts

Compare North Central College in Naperville, IL with Drake University in Des Moines, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drake University is larger than North Central College based on total student enrollment (4,345 students vs. 3,003 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• North Central College is located in Naperville, IL (Midsize City setting); Drake University is in Des Moines, IA (Midsize City setting).
• North Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drake University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: North Central College 12:1; Drake University 11:1.

North Central College vs. Drake Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, North Central College or Drake? 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 North Central College than Drake ($23,276 vs. $29,565).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drake University are 15.2% lower than at North Central College ($12,452 vs. $14,688).
• Drake University is 14% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Central College (about $6,404 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14% higher at Drake than at North Central College (about $6,404 more per year; $52,130.00 vs. $45,726.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at North Central College as at Drake University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drake University students is 4.2% larger than aid received by North Central College students ($35,498 vs. $34,056).

North Central College vs. Drake Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, North Central College or Drake? 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 Drake and North Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drake University (1230) is 50 points higher than at North Central College (1180).
• Incoming North Central College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at Drake (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 1055/1310; Drake University 1110/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: North Central College 24/29; Drake University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: North Central College - Test optional; Drake - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central College Apr 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Drake students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at North Central College (3.6).
• North Central College has a higher acceptance rate (77.3%) than Drake (63.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at North Central College vs. 9.8% at Drake.

North Central College vs. Drake Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for North Central College and Drake? 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 North Central College's (64%).
• Graduates from Drake University earn a median of about $19,600 more per year than North Central College graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,500 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Central College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Drake graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, North Central College 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 North Central College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 74%)

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.