Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Des Moines, Iowa |
| Online | drake.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Drake University, established in 1881, is a private, coeducational institution situated in Des Moines, Iowa, offering a blend of professional and liberal arts programs. The university spans across a 150-acre campus featuring a mix of modern and historical architecture, including the notable Old Main building. As a mid-sized institution, Drake University provides on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartments, for its undergraduate and graduate students. The academic profile of Drake is diverse, with strong programs in business, journalism, law, pharmacy, and the sciences. While the university's application process is moderately selective, focusing on a holistic review of applicants. Drake University does not have a major emphasis on athletics, yet it competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Missouri Valley Conference.
In the most recent statistical year 8,621 prospective students applied, and 5,796 were granted admission. Of those admitted 733 enrolled in the school. 3,584 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 1,101 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $47,564 plus fees of $348. Drake is ranked 149 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Drake is rated within the top 26% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Drake University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#149 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#118 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Colleges in Iowa
#2 in Best Private Colleges in Iowa
#135 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Value Colleges in Iowa
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1110/1340 |
| ACT | 25/30 |
| GPA | 3.7 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| Other Fees | $348 |
| Room and Board | $11,570 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,150 |
| Total One Year Cost | $63,732 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 39% |
| Communication | 12% |
| Social Sciences | 10% |
| Education | 8% |
| Biology | 6% |
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Students considering Drake are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Drake University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153269 IPEDS survey data for Drake University.
Current students may use the Drake University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024