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Drake University

Drake

Des Moines, Iowa 50311-4505

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Campus Vibe

Business-focusedUrbanSports culture

Strong graduate outcomes — known for business

Drake University is a private institution in Des Moines with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1288, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 2.7K undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

77% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $71,901 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $30,042.

Established
1881
Motto
Veritas
Mascot
SpikeGriff II
Type
Private university
Conference
NCAA Division I
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

114 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Apr 13 · Campus Tour
64%Acceptance
1288SAT Avg
2,669Students
10:1Student:Faculty
77%Grad Rate
$71,901Earnings 10yr
$30,042Net Price

News & Alerts

program2026-03-15

Drake University Launches New Data Science Minor

tuition2026-02-28

Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27

Admissions

Acceptance Rate64.1%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1288

Reading & WritingMid: 655
610690
MathMid: 645
580700

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 28
2430

Admissions Intel

Acceptance Rate

64.1%

Trend

SAT Avg

1288

Yield Rate

35.0%

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition$49,944
Room & Board$11,858
Books & Supplies$1,100
Total Cost of Attendance$62,407
Average Net Price$30,042
Median Debt at Graduation$23,000
Monthly Payment (10yr)$244

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$27,372
$30–48K$25,335
$48–75K$26,358
$75–110K$32,215
$110K+$32,993

Financial Intel

Avg Net Price

$30,042

Tuition Trend

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

5300.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

3.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$19,500

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

20

Peer Average

13

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Programs (73)

Student Life

Student Body

Undergrads
2,669
Gender Split
60% / 40%
Women / Men
First Generation
15%
Pell Grant Recipients
21%

Race & Ethnicity

White 71%
Black 7%
Hispanic 8%
Asian 5%
Two+ 5%
Int'l 4%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate77.3%
Freshman Retention83.9%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$58,233
8 Years$68,149
10 Years$71,901

10-Year Earnings by Gender

Women
$66,300
Men
$72,200

Rankings

U.S. News
#179
Forbes
#211
Wall Street Journal
#29
Washington Monthly
#186

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Ducklings and

Rankings

History & Fun Facts

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

96Average

Estimated from IA state average + city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Kansas Citypop. 500K
180 mi(312 min)
Minneapolispop. 430K
234 mi(406 min)
St. Louispop. 290K
275 mi(477 min)

Getting There

Visit Planning

Deadline Calendar

Drake University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications