Drake University

Des Moines, Iowa · Private nonprofit, 4-year

At a glance

Average net price

$29,127

In-state, after aid

6-year graduation rate

74.0%

Admission rate

64%

Undergrad size

2,543

In-state tuition

$52,130

Out-of-state tuition

$52,130

Cost of attendance

$64,835

Median earnings (10y)

$71,901

Admissions

SAT average
1,292
ACT midpoint
28
Retention
84.1%
Locale
City

Programs breakdown

20 program areas reported · Academic mix is led by humanities & arts (27%), social sciences (23%), business (22%).

  • STEM19%
  • Health8%
  • Business22%
  • Humanities & arts27%
  • Social sciences23%
  • Trades & services1%

Share of all degrees and certificates awarded in each broad CIP-2 program area (U.S. Department of Education, latest reporting year). Estimated students/yr = share × undergrad size.

Specific majors offered

40 specific majors with reported completions. Earnings shown are median annual earnings 1 year after graduation; debt is median student-loan debt at graduation.

MajorCredentialGradsMedian earningsMedian debt
Law.First professional213$61,460
Business Administration, Management and Operations.Master's172
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.First professional147
Educational Administration and Supervision.Master's134$59,587
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.Bachelor's110$42,274$23,250
Marketing.Bachelor's109$45,816$19,250
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods.Bachelor's92$64,552$23,979
Psychology, General.Bachelor's89$25,977$20,248
Data Analytics.Bachelor's88
Curriculum and Instruction.Master's87$57,020
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.First professional87
Non-Professional Legal Studies.Bachelor's84
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.Master's82$48,379
Public Administration.Master's77$52,464
Communication and Media Studies.Master's76
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.Bachelor's75
Educational Administration and Supervision.Doctoral73
Journalism.Bachelor's69$34,814
Computer and Information Sciences, General.Bachelor's68$62,903$21,281
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.Master's67$49,067
Finance and Financial Management Services.Bachelor's64$56,700$25,000
Accounting and Related Services.Bachelor's60$59,063$20,500
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.Bachelor's51$41,116$27,000
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.Bachelor's50$19,500
Legal Professions and Studies, Other.Master's48
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology.Bachelor's45$26,414$20,375
Political Science and Government.Bachelor's44$31,893$21,138
Data Analytics.Master's39
Music.Bachelor's35
International Relations and National Security Studies.Bachelor's32
Mathematics.Bachelor's31
International Business.Bachelor's31
History.Bachelor's31
Sociology.Bachelor's29
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies.Bachelor's26
Design and Applied Arts.Bachelor's25
Business Administration, Management and Operations.Bachelor's25$20,485
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.Bachelor's24$25,357
Biology, General.Bachelor's21$25,343
Chemistry.Bachelor's20

Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard Field of Study. Earnings cover graduates who received federal financial aid and are working / not enrolled. Cells marked "—" are not reported or were suppressed for privacy.

About Drake University

Drake University is a mid-sized institution located in Des Moines, Iowa, primarily awarding the bachelor's degree. It enrolls roughly 2,543 undergraduate students in a city setting. The most popular fields of study include Business, Education, Health professions.

Cost & tuition

The average net price at Drake University — what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships — is $29,127 per year, which is above the national average compared to other U.S. institutions. Published tuition is $52,130 per year before aid. Total cost of attendance, including housing, books, and living expenses, comes to about $64,835 annually.

Graduation & earnings outcomes

The 6-year graduation rate is 74.0%, a strong completion outcome. 84.1% of first-time students return for a second year, a useful proxy for student satisfaction and academic fit. Ten years after enrolling, the median graduate earns $71,901 per year according to U.S. Department of Education earnings tracking.

Programs & majors

Drake University confers degrees and certificates across 20 broad program areas, with the largest concentrations of completions in Business, Education, Health professions. Grouped into wider academic categories, the mix is led by humanities & arts (27% of credentials), social sciences (23% of credentials), business (22% of credentials), which gives a quick read on the school's overall academic profile. Use the programs breakdown below to see every reported area, an estimated number of students per program per year, and links to compare other U.S. colleges in the same field.

Admissions

Drake University accepts 64% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Admitted students have an average SAT score around 1,292. The ACT midpoint for admitted students is roughly 28.

Location & campus

Set in Des Moines, Iowa (city), Drake University draws students from across Iowa and beyond. Prospective students often weigh proximity, cost of living, and local industry demand when choosing between schools in this area.

Frequently asked questions about Drake University

Q.How much does Drake University cost?

The average net price at Drake University is $29,127 per year after grants and scholarships, with total cost of attendance around $64,835.

Q.What is the graduation rate at Drake University?

Drake University has a 6-year graduation rate of 74.0% according to the latest U.S. Department of Education data.

Q.How hard is it to get into Drake University?

Drake University admits 64% of applicants, which is considered moderately selective.

Q.How much do Drake University graduates earn?

Ten years after enrolling, the median Drake University graduate earns $71,901 per year.

Q.What is tuition at Drake University?

Published tuition is $52,130 in-state. Most students pay less than the sticker price after financial aid.

Q.Where is Drake University located?

Drake University is located in Des Moines, Iowa (ZIP 50311).

Data on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and IPEDS, the federal sources colleges are required to report to. Net price, graduation rate, and earnings figures reflect the latest available federal release. Always verify current tuition and program availability directly with Drake University at their official website.