Drake University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Des Moines, Iowa with 2,543 undergraduates. It admits 64% of applicants, costs an average of $29,415 a year after grants and graduates 71% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Drake University acceptance rate and admissions
Drake University admitted 64% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 580 to 680, math 530 to 670). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Drake University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Rolling admission | Applications reviewed as they arrive |
Application fee through the Common App: free for U.S. applicants ($50 for international applicants). Confirm dates on Drake University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Drake University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $52,130 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $12,876 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $65,475 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $29,415 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $29,415 a year after grants and scholarships, $36,060 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Drake University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Drake University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 71% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $78,855 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $21,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 27% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Drake University majors and what graduates earn
Drake University awarded bachelor's degrees in 51 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from business analytics and operations research ($97,132).
All 51 majors at Drake University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Drake University
21 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 21 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | Professional doctorate | 99 | $70,385 | $92,317 |
| Education leadership | Master's | 89 | $60,036 | $24,070 |
| Pharmacy | Professional doctorate | 75 | $86,293 | $93,170 |
| Business administration | Master's | 69 | $90,956 | $34,035 |
| Physical and occupational therapy | Professional doctorate | 50 | $71,116 | $184,460 |
| Education leadership | Doctoral | 48 | n/a | n/a |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Master's | 30 | $59,788 | n/a |
| Public administration | Master's | 28 | $70,621 | $29,387 |
| School counseling and student services | Master's | 26 | $51,784 | $47,160 |
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 26 | $52,198 | $42,043 |
| Communication | Master's | 18 | $58,440 | $32,471 |
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other | Master's | 18 | $95,134 | n/a |
| Data analytics | Master's | 18 | n/a | n/a |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics | Master's | 13 | n/a | n/a |
| Accounting | Master's | 13 | n/a | n/a |
| Allied health (PA, radiography, therapy and more) | Master's | 7 | n/a | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Research and experimental psychology | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Clinical and counseling psychology | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Legal studies | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
| Special education | Master's | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 2,543 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 61% women, 39% men
- 11 students for every faculty member
- Setting: midsize city
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Drake University?
Drake University admitted 64% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Drake University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $52,130. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $29,415 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Drake University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 580 to 680 in reading and writing and 530 to 670 in math, and 24 to 29 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Drake University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Drake University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Drake University?
71% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Drake University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $78,855 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Iowa · Drake University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.