Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 76.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 77.3%
- Retention Rate
- 83.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $71,901
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 83.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $113,335 | |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $78,971 | $23,979 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $71,255 | $23,522 |
| 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 | $19,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,623 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $59,485 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $59,485 | $20,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $57,705 | $25,000 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $57,318 | $83,526 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $56,234 | |
| International Business. | Bachelor | $55,964 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $53,608 | $20,075 |
Outcomes Overview
Drake graduates earn a median of $71,901 ten years after graduation, putting them ahead of many regional competitors. The typical monthly loan payment of $244 represents just 4.1% of median income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. With 83.6% successfully repaying their loans, Drake's financial outcomes reflect strong career preparation. The university's connections to Des Moines corporations help graduates land positions in insurance, finance, and media. Notable alumni like NBC's Lester Holt demonstrate the power of Drake's journalism program. While the $62,902 total cost seems steep, the combination of solid earnings and manageable debt creates a strong return on investment for most students.