Your chances of getting into Drake University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Drake is 64.1%. Its admission rate is the 6th lowest in Iowa.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Drake and can you get accepted?
Drake is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 4,964 out of the 7,741 who applied were admitted.
Drake University typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.7. 13% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into Drake?
64% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Drake University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.7 or better
- Earn A- grades in high school
- Score 1290 on the SAT
- Score 27 on the ACT
Drake GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Drake University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into Drake are to have around a 3.7 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.
If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as Drake accepts 64% of students who apply.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at Drake is 3.7 on the 4.0 scale. 32% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #4 in Iowa for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since Drake is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.7 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
Drake SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Drake University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 8% of students submitted SAT scores and 31% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 610 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 580 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1190 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 690 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 700 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1390 |
| Average SAT Score | 1290
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Drake University?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at Drake is 1290 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1190-1390. Students who get into Drake University score in the top 26 percent of all SAT test takers.. Drake ranks #2 in the state of Iowa and #202 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1290 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Drake regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1190 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1190, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1090, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
Drake University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1290 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2023 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1290, you have around a 64% chance of being admitted. A 1390 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 77% chance of getting in.
Drake ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 23 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 22 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 24 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 31 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 28 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 30 |
| Average ACT Score | 27
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Drake?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to Drake is 27, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 24 and 30. The school ranks #2 in Iowa for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 27. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 24 and score in the score in the top 27 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 21.
31 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Drake University.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Drake University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2023 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into Drake for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 27 score has around 64% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 77% with a 30 ACT score.
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 4,026 | 3,553 | 7,741 |
| Accepted | 2,872 | 2,092 | 4,964 |
| Acceptance Rate | 71% | 59% | 64% |
| Enrolled | 396 | 243 | 639 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 14% | 12% | 13% |
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Drake University is $0. The school is free to apply to.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Drake University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Not considered for admission, even if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Recommendations | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because Drake is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.7 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 1290 on the SAT and 27 on the ACT will further lock in your application.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Drake University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153269 IPEDS survey data for Drake University.
Last updated February 24, 2025