About Drake University
The financial picture looks manageable for a private education. Students pay an average net price of $30,042 after aid, well below the $62,902 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $71,901 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $23,000 quite reasonable. The monthly loan payment of $244 represents a solid return on investment given those earning levels.
Drake's campus houses 1,758 students in a tight-knit community where women outnumber men 60% to 40%. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures plenty of individual attention. As a Division I school in the Missouri Valley Conference, Drake competes seriously in athletics while maintaining its academic focus. The 77% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's commitment to seeing students through to completion.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 68.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 76.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 77.3%
- Retention Rate
- 83.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $71,901
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $113,335 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $78,971 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $71,255 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $69,338 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $65,238 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $64,990 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $62,409 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,623 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $59,485 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $59,485 |
Campus Life
Des Moines winters require heavy coats and boots, with snow covering the campus from December through March. Students bundle up for the famous Drake Relays each April, when the campus transforms into the epicenter of collegiate track and field. Women make up 60% of the student body, creating a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. Only 30% of students come from Iowa, bringing geographic diversity to the Midwest setting. Weekends revolve around Bulldog athletic events, especially basketball games that draw passionate crowds. The nearby East Village and downtown Des Moines offer restaurants, concerts, and nightlife within walking distance, while campus traditions like the Blue Oval celebration build lasting memories.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,758 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1881
Campus Safety (2023)
17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–30°F
- July Avg
- 66°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.9%
- Women
- 60.1%
- White
- 70.6%
- Black
- 6.9%
- Hispanic
- 7.8%
- Asian
- 4.9%
- In-State Students
- 30.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 21.0%
Location
- Address
- Des Moines, Iowa 50311-4505
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $71,901
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $67,733
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $54,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 83.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Drake University?
Drake University accepts 67% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1110-1340 on the SAT or around 28 on the ACT, reflecting the university's focus on attracting strong students for its well-known journalism and business programs.
How much does Drake University cost after financial aid?
Drake University costs $30,042 on average after financial aid, despite a sticker price of $62,902. About 29% of students receive institutional grants averaging $30,505, helping offset the private university's tuition costs.
What is Drake University known for academically?
Drake University is famous for its journalism school and business programs, which benefit from strong connections to Des Moines' corporate community. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, the university provides personalized attention that has produced notable alumni like NBC anchor Lester Holt.
What are the career outcomes for Drake University graduates?
Drake University graduates earn a median salary of $71,901 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 97.5% employment rate. Graduates typically leave with $23,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $244, manageable given the strong earning potential.
Where is Drake University located and what is campus life like?
Drake University sits in Des Moines, Iowa, providing 2,669 students access to a mid-sized city's internship and job opportunities. The campus houses 1,758 students and fields 14 Division I athletic teams as the Bulldogs, competing in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Does Drake University attract students from across the country?
Drake University draws 70% of its students from out-of-state, unusual for a Midwestern private university. The student body is 60% female and 71% white, with the university's strong programs in journalism and business attracting students nationwide to Des Moines.
