Drake University

55.8

College Consensus
•AVERAGE: 69

Publisher Consensus
•AVERAGE: 58.7

75.6

Student Consensus
•AVERAGE: 76.9

Publisher Ratings

62.5

Wall Street Journal

Wallethub

30.8

U.S. News - National Universities

27.7

Washington Monthly National

17.9

Forbes

Student Reviews

94.2

U.S. News - Reviews

77.3

Unigo

76.6

Grad Reports

74.8

Niche

My Plan

Scores last updated on January 6, 2024

67%

Percent Admitted

69%

4-year Graduation Rate

4,685

Enrollment

10.0:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

$29,576

Average Undergraduate Students Aid

$47,912

In-State Tuition and Fees

$47,912

Out-of-State Tuition and Fees

= Average

Sector

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above

Carnegie Classification

Doctoral/Professional Universities

Religious Affiliation

Not applicable

Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Drake University, located in Des Moines, IA is a private, 4-year university set on 150 acres within the city limits. Founded in 1881 by former faculty of Oskaloosa College including Francis Marion Drake, the “Old Main” building is the oldest structure on campus dating back to 1883. It is currently used for administrative offices. Drake Law School is among the oldest legal educational institutions in the country, contributing to the rich and colorful history of the University. Additional history involves the bombing of Ingham Hall during nationwide student protests in 1970; it was repaired, but the blast damaged several other nearby buildings. Notable alumni include many politicians including the current Governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad.

Academic Programs

Drake University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission and offers Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees, Post-Masters Certificates and Doctorates in its 6 colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences; College of Business and Public Administration; School of Education; School of Journalism and Mass Communication; Drake Law School and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. There are online coursework available, but it is limited in scope. While Drake has additional accreditations for the Pharmacy, Law and Art & Design programs, the largest program is in Business and Accounting. Drake’s Mission is to “provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. The Drake experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students, faculty, and staff and by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation.” Drake also offers a robust internship program designed to get students into real-world environments as part of their academic pursuit.

Student Life

Drake University’s 5,000 member student body has many activities to be involved with on campus. Over 160 clubs are available, as well as Intramural and Club sports. There are 8 dormitories on campus and students are required to reside on campus during their first 2 years. The Blue and White Bulldogs field teams in 9 sports and participate in NCAA Division IAA competition. Campus traditions include street painting on Carpenter Ave where student organizations decorate portions of the road in vibrant color and “Hubbelling” – using trays taken from Hubbell Dining Hall as sleds in the winter months. On a grander scale, the Drake Relays have been held annually for over 100 years, drawing track and field athletes from around the world. This environment serves to fulfill Drake University’s vision to “enhance its position as a premier comprehensive university in the Midwest and as a national leader in higher education for learning, faculty roles, and public service.”

College of Business and Public Administration