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Drake University
Des Moines, IA
Drake University, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a private, coeducational institution renowned for its exceptional academic programs and dynamic campus life. Established in 1881, the university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs across six colleges, including the College of Business and Public Administration, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the School of Education, and the Law School. Drake is widely recognized for its strong commitment to experiential learning, fostering a vibrant intellectual community, and preparing students for successful careers in their chosen fields.
With a total student population of roughly 4,800, Drake maintains a small, tight-knit community where students receive personalized attention from faculty and staff. The university nurtures a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging students to engage in research, creative projects, internships, and service-learning activities that promote critical thinking and hands-on experience. Drake's dedication to academic excellence is reflected in its rigorous coursework, which is often supplemented by various extracurricular opportunities such as student organizations, cultural events, and Division I athletics that add depth and diversity to campus life.
In addition to its strong academic offerings, Drake University also boasts a vibrant campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, cutting-edge research laboratories, and contemporary living accommodations. Located in Iowa's vibrant capital city, Drake students benefit from the university's close proximity to a thriving business community, governmental institutions, and cultural attractions. Whether it be through internships, networking opportunities, or community engagement, Drake students have the advantage of being part of a prestigious institution that emphasizes the development of their intellectual and professional growth, preparing them for successful and fulfilling lives beyond graduation.
Located in Des Moines, IA and set in an urban environment, Drake University is a private university. This school uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 65%. The freshman retention rate at Drake University is 84% and the six-year graduation rate is 77%.
The transfer application deadline is July 1.
Read more about what Drake University has to offer based on the most recent data this institution has reported.
Quick Facts
2,702
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
65%
Acceptance Rate
$51,444
Tuition
10:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
77%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
Knowing as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission maximizes your chances of getting admitted. What are the admission requirements for Drake University?
According to the most recent information reported, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 4,964 in 2024. Drake University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores in cases when they are submitted by the candidate. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.
Test Scores
Out of the number of applicants who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 8% and ACT scores 31%. 15.69% of the freshmen submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 60.78% between 1,200 and 1,399, 19.61% between 1,000 and 1,199, and 3.92% between 800 and 999. The percent of incoming freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 27.32, 54.12 between 24-29, 17.01 in the range between 18-23, and 1.55 between 12-17.
The latest reported average GPA of the enrolled students was 3.67. That means that you need a GPA that's above average in order to get into Drake University.
For transfer students, note that the application deadline is July 1.
Retention Rate
The student retention rate is the percentage of students who re-enroll from one year to the next. That information can tell you if the majority of freshmen liked their first year enough to come back.
The freshman retention rate for Drake University was 84% in 2024, demonstrating the exceptional quality of the educational experience at this institution.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It reflects the proportion of students who obtain their degrees within the expected timeframe. The six-year graduation rate at this school is 77%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
It is never easy to figure out which school is the perfect fit for you. You can better understand the culture and life of the school by finding out more about the student body.
Main Student Body
The total number of students enrolled at Drake University in 2024 was 4,504.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 59.1% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 2,702, 81 of which were foreign students. The number of transfer students at this school was 108.
Student Population Gender Ratio
With a coeducational student body, the school had 1,299 male and 2,128 female full-time students in 2024. There were 289 full-time graduate male and 551 full-time graduate female students at this school.
Student Population Diversity
Higer Education is committed to focusing on the diversity of its student body and improving students' sense of inclusion and belonging. Diversity promotes critical thinking, challenges preconceived notions, and encourages intellectual growth, so it helps students develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at Drake University.
In 2024, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 107, while the number of African American students was 133. 138 students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 111 as multirace. The school also had 1 student who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 3 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 6 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Financial planning for school is one of the most important things to consider before you apply. Here are some important facts on Drake University costs that most students encounter at this school.
Tuition and Fees
Here are some facts that can be useful if you were curious about Drake University estimated tuition costs.
Tuition fees per academic year for full-time domestic students were $51,444 in 2024. Drake University is a private institution, so tuition is the same for all the accepted students. Fees per academic year required of full-time students amounted to $686 in 2024.
Books and Supplies
When you try to estimate the cost of attendance for a college or university, you need to take into account the cost of books and supplies you're going to need. The approximate cost of books and supplies for a full-time student of this school is $510.
Boarding
The cost of dorm rooms and meals in the school's cafeteria is for sure something to take into consideration. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for room and board?
In 2024, room and board cost at Drake University amounted to $12,452 a year. If you only needed a dormitory room, you had to pay $6,794 for the 2024 academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was $7,101.
| Tuition | $ 51,444 |
| Room and Board | $ 12,452 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 510 |
| Total Expense | $ 64,406 |
Financial Aid
There are different types of financial help: grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. Check out some recent data to get informed about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid available at Drake University.
The most recent records show that 451 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $37,420.
Need-based
If you need help with paying for your studies and you meet certain eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for need-based aid.
1,556 students were given some form of need-based financial aid. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Drake University is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need came to be 1,592. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution came to $4,442,782, and state $3,481,917. The students of Drake University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $38,948,926, and external in the amount of $734,288.
$26,946
Average Amount of Aid Received
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 379 students overall (including freshmen) at Drake University in 2024. 110 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. The total dollar amount of federal non-need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the studens at this school was $4,442,782 while the state aid is $435,870. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $29,185,068. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $595,292 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).
Open Applications
Find open programs by choosing your preferred academic interest from the list below, and select your desired term start. Get started with your application process and find more information using the Apply button.
The Common Application for Transfer (Common App for transfer)
-
Undergraduate Admission (Spring entry)
Undergraduate Admission (Spring entry)
ApplyStart Year: 2025
Start Term: Spring
Application Deadline: 2025-01-17
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Undergraduate Admission (Fall entry)
Undergraduate Admission (Fall entry)
ApplyStart Year: 2025
Start Term: Fall
Application Deadline: 2025-07-26
Majors
Faculty
10:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio can tell you a lot about the teaching resources a school provides for its students.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Drake University was 10:1: that means 10 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. According to the most recent information, there are 454 faculty members at this school. This number included 218 men and 236 women. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at Drake University.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Find out some information about students' life at Drake University.
Its campus is 120 acres in size.
Student Organizations
Exploring a variety of student organizations can contribute to a more vibrant and rewarding educational experience.
This school has 120 open-membership student organizations you can participate in. Sororities and fraternities are included in that number. The student organization that is most favored by students is Residence Hall Association, followed by Alpha Phi Omega and Dog Pound Pep Squad. Other popular student organizations at this school are Drake Magazine and Student Activities Board.
Students who like music can join the Drake University band or chorus. For students with a talent for acting, there is a drama club. For students who have a passion for media and communication, Drake University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
Drake University offers a number of services important for a pleasant and safe life on campus.
There are emergency phone and alarm devices available around the clock. The dormitory entrances at the school are electronically controlled. There is a security patrol that operates around the clock. Theer is a nighttime transportation/escort service.
There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Legal Services and Veteran's Affairs are available to the students of Drake University.
All in all, campus life at Drake University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Drake University.
Career Counselling
At Drake University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be a great asset for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
FAQ
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Drake University is located in Des Moines, IA.
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Drake University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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The overall full-time tuition per academic year for Drake University is 51,444 USD, based on the most recent data.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for Drake University is 65%.
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According to the latest information, the freshman retention rate for Drake University is 84%.
Contact Information
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
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Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.