About

About Drake University

private doctoral universitysmall class sizesbusiness and arts focustest optional admissions

Drake University is a private university in Des Moines, IA, known for its private doctoral university, small class sizes, and business and arts focus. With an acceptance rate of 67%, DU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 733 students each year. DU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1110–1340, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. DU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $30,466 per year; the sticker price of $62,125 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Drake University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

67%
Overall Accept Rate
1225
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1110 – 1340 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Drake University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Drake's application asks why you want to attend, so name a specific college within Drake, such as the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences or the School of Journalism, and connect it to concrete experiences or goals you have. Generic answers about Des Moines or small class sizes will not stand out the way a program-specific case will.
Application Strategy
Drake's location inside Des Moines gives students real access to internships at companies like Principal Financial and Wellmark, so mention in your application how you plan to use the city as a professional classroom, not just a backdrop.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Drake University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$62k/yr$25.8k
30k-48k~$62k/yr$23.3k
48k-75k~$62k/yr$25.2k
75k-110k~$62k/yr$27.4k
110k+~$62k/yr$33.1k

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Compare your profile to Drake University's admitted class

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

77%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$58k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
2,678
Undergrad Enrollment