Founded in 1881, Drake University. is a Private college. Located in Iowa, which is a city setting in Iowa, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 3,267 full time undergraduate students, and 1,734 full time graduate students.
The Drake University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 12:1. There are 301 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Drake University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
68%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
25
SAT Range
1050-1340
ACT Range
25-30
Admissions at are considered Selective, with ,39% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 16 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
94% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 75% were in the top quarter, and 42% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Drake University.
6%
“We”re apathetic”
16%
“We know about current events and vote”
53%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
25%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
9%
“We save it for the classroom”
9%
“Sometimes, but not often”
38%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
44%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
3%
“I only go out in groups”
44%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
50%
“I feel extremely safe”
48%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
32%
“We bought the gear”
19%
“We live for the big game”
9%
“It”s not really our thing”
22%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
47%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
22%
“We”re a very artistic group”
9%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
28%
“They keep regular office hours”
59%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
6%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
81%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
9%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
19%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
53%
“We only party on weekends”
28%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
16%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
59%
“There might be people who do”
22%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
3%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
6%
“We”re apathetic”
16%
“We know about current events and vote”
53%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
25%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
9%
“We save it for the classroom”
9%
“Sometimes, but not often”
38%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
44%
“All the time, including weekends”
3%
“I”m always terrified”
3%
“I only go out in groups”
44%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
50%
“I feel extremely safe”
48%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
32%
“We bought the gear”
19%
“We live for the big game”
9%
“It”s not really our thing”
22%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
47%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
22%
“We”re a very artistic group”
9%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
28%
“They keep regular office hours”
59%
“They”re always available”
3%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
6%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
81%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
9%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
107 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
78 Students rated off-campus housing 3.5 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
106 Students rated campus food 2.9 stars. 6 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
110 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
110 Students rated class size 4.6 stars. 72 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
111 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
111 Students rated local services 4.1 stars. 47 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
110 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.
Drake University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Drake University?
38 Students rated Drake University
Riley
04/18/2025
Drake University is an amazing place to gain an intellectual challenge and meet others that are willing to engage in challenging conversations. There are plenty of opportunities to join groups outside of class that may fit any interest as well. Typically, there is someone on cmapus that can help you when needed, or they will likely know someone and point you in the right direction.
Owen
Prospective04/09/2025
Drake is one of two schools in the country that offer my major of Law, Politics and Society, providing me with the opportunity to learn from professors who are experienced in various forms of political advocacy and education. The campus is located in Iowa's capital city, offering numerous opportunities to gain valuable experience both inside and outside the classroom. I have spoken with several Drake alumni who shared that the internships and programs offered at Drake provide valuable entry-level job experience during school, preparing students to secure higher-level positions after graduation. I also love that it is a small college and campus. Instead of having 300 students in a lecture hall where I would be just another number, the average class size is around 20 students which allows for personal interaction with professors and a family like atmosphere among the administrators, faculty and students. I knew after my first visit that Drake is where I want to be and it feels like home.
Madison
01/11/2023
I first visited Drake University in my senior year of high school. I had first started the college search process. When I immediately started my visit it seemed very welcoming. Everyone was very positive. I am a first generation college student so this all was very confusing. My admissions counselor was a tremendous help. I now have everything figured out and am very optimistic about attending Drake.
Angel
11/15/2021
Let me put it this way:
I got 3 holds on my account in 1 year, all for not submitting a health form. Except, the health form was submitted 5 times, via the online submission, mail-in and eventually just me bringing it in--in-person, during a pandemic, and I'm a high-risk individual. Drake had LOST my PRIVATE HEALTH INFORMATION at least FOUR times.
I got a hold on my account for not paying my fall tuition. Except, I have receipts from my student savings account that confirm that the money way paid.
I don't know what the hell is going on in Drake's offices, but they're either wholly irresponsible, and shouldn't be allowed anywhere NEAR important information, or they're stealing information and money and need to be in prison. I'm sick of not getting to register for classes, when I've done everything correctly.
Maybe this will get the stupid board to listen for once. Don't go to this school. I'll be transferring next year.
Trinity
06/18/2020
My overall opinion of Drake University is that the academics are outstanding. Depending on the reason you attend college, if it is fully for the education than Drake is an awesome place to go. As far as the social life and this may differ for others, it isn’t quite there as it would be for a state university. Drake is full of very self driven individuals and has endless resources for its students.
jyoti
05/25/2020
I love Drake and would really recommend anyone interested. Great professor who is always there to support you. You will love it.
Cecelia
04/13/2020
The professors are amazing, most of them truly care for the students and our education. The institution itself could give a shit, especially if you're not in their pharmacy or business programs. If you want to come here for fine arts, don't bother. The Fine Arts Center is falling apart, most of the programs are underfunded, and the faculty are overloaded.
Jacob
02/24/2020
I personally loved all 4 visits i've taken and each time i step on campus i like it even more than the last. I loved it from the very beginning and knew that's where i wanted to spend the next 6 years of school at. I am going to be attending drake next year and couldn't be more excited for the opportunities and memories that will accompany with attending there.
Ashlyn
02/10/2020
My overall opinion of Drake University, is that it is a mediocre school for the price.
Cassandra
09/07/2019
I love the Drake community and the Drake neighborhood. I am about seven hours away from home and Drake has helped me feel welcome and that I belong here on campus. I have made tons of friends already and continue to find more people on campus. Drake has a great variety of programs to choose from.
Abbygail
07/11/2019
I transferred from Iowa State and I'm glad that I did.
I really enjoy the smaller class sized and the amount of effort that the professors put into the course in order to aid the students.
However, I have found that there are fewer activities on campus due to it being a smaller school.
Kody
04/29/2019
Drake University is an amazing place to be, especially if you are interested in politics! I am a member of Young Democrats, work at the Harkin Institute, am on committees at the Roosevelt Institute, and have had the opportunity to hear several Presidential candidates speak. There are also several other activities you can be involved in. I am a DJ on our campus radio station, and I recently joined a social fraternity that emphasizes scholarship and volunteerism. The class sizes are perfect! No large lecture halls, and the professors know you by name. They are easily accessible, and they work with you because they want you to do well. If you are looking for a small college with ample opportunities for growing into the person you want to be, Drake is the place for you!
Autumn
03/01/2019
It is amazing! I can't imagine going anywhere else! For me, it's the overall Drake culture that keeps me going. The faculty, the students, the opportunities are all apart of what makes Drake unique! Not to mention all the organizations to make your free time productive! Go Bulldogs!
Grant
02/08/2019
Drake is a wonderful campus with some many opportunities for students of all types. Drake talks about diversity in their mission statement, and it shows through their efforts to be inclusive of everyone. Drake provides students with all necessary tools for success. Whether it be helping out with a resume, ordering business cards, or connecting students to local businesses for internships and jobs, Drake is willing to help in any way possible to make our experience at Drake the best it can possibly be.
Kelsey
08/09/2018
A great school that wants students to succeed in all areas of life, especially academically. There is a lot of things to do on campus and off campus that offer a wide variety for interests of all types. The facilities on campus are new and great. Drake really strives to be one of the top schools not only in the state, but in the country!
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Drake University is 68%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
When I think back on my senior year of high school, nothing positive comes to mind. That’s not to say that there weren't good moments- there were- but they have been overshadowed by experiences that are best left forgotten. I could dive into details of deteriorating friendships and rumors, but it is easier to say what it resulted in- my loss of faith in people.
My advice to myself? Don’t lose it. You are about to walk onto a campus with genuine, motivated, likeminded people. They want you to succeed. They take pleasure in seeing you happy. They go out of their way to help you reach your goals, and are the first to congratulate you when you do. They know what it means to be a friend.
I know- it seems unlikely or surreal, but I ensure you that these people are one-of-a-kind, and YOU are one of them. You'll discover you have everything to be thankful for; your family, LOYAL friends, and the high school years that made you strong.
So, leave the memories and those people at your high school’s door; forgive, forget, and you'll have faith again.
What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?
The worst thing about Drake is the food and the fact that you are required to pay on campus living prices through your sophomore year - nothing major! The food isn't bad, you just have to watch what you eat sometimes. And dorm living is always expensive.
My school is best known for the Drake Relays- one of the biggest track meets in the country. It is a week long affair, and even includes fun activities outside the track, like the Beautiful Bulldog Contest. Allumni and althetes come from all around the country for this anual reunion. It is the best time of the year!
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
Drake University is personal. The first time I visited the campus I met a counselour and she later came to my school and remembered who I was and even commented on my hair cut. I felt so special to have someone at Drake who remember me and was concerned with my higher education. The same applies to the professors, everyone is a class often recieves multiple personal meetings with professor so they can have a better understanding of how to make your education more successful. I love how much care there is from the staff about my education.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
Drake is a modern campus which stresses the importance of community and self betterment as well as acedemic achievement to prepare its students to be successful.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
There is nothing frustrating about Kaplan. I like everything about it. There is limited amount of students in my classes and the teachers are very helpful with everything.
Whether you were the biggest jock in your highschool, the spirited cheerleader, the independent one, the biggest book worm, the prom queen, the artsy thinker, or the punk rocker in the school band, you should attend this high school. You will find great education, a number of friends, caring mentors, and a home. The school is a community in itself accepting of everyone who enters because each person brings a diversity and a uniqueness to campus making Drake what it is--always redefining itself with changing times. Drake is for anyone ready for a needed change.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
When I brag about my school, I brag about the Drake Relays, but more importantly, the quality of the people that attend Drake. I have never before been surrounded by such motivated, genuine, like-minded individuals. I am proud to attend the same school as every single one of them. On top of being kind individuals, they are all intelligent and have worked for everything that they have accomplished. Everyone is involved on the campus, so it is easy to make great friends.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
The majority of people stick around on the weekends, and if you they're not on campus they're out having fun in Des Moines. You'll find underage drinking comparable to most schools during the first few few years, but at Drake they focus on keeping students safe rather than punishment. I can't believe how many friends from other schools talk about "MIP's" as a daily occurance. Drake takes responsibility for their own students safety by campus security dealing with nearly all problems, rather than the police.
Top notch. All of the different schools (journalism, business, pharmacy, etc). have their bragging points, but in general great professors, wide variety of classes and challenging in a good way. In response to the tranfer student, I don't know of any professor that would make those comments, let alone have a desire to deal with a student as apathetic and negative as yourself...
Drake's best quality is definitely the small classroom. Whether you graduated with 50 or 900 students, you can't deny the benefits of getting to know your peers and profs at college. Professors typically make a very concerted effort to learn the names of their students, interact on a personal level in and out of the classroom and are required to hold a minimum number of office hours per week, though most make themselves available more than is healthy for any professional (some even give out home or cell numbers).
Drake's smaller size sometimes scares students away, who think you need to be surrounded by 20,000+ students to make any friends in college. Not true. Making friends and meeting people is a new challenge no matter the size of your school. It's what the college does to help you along the way that's important.
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
meh, you can make the argument that all stereotypes are based on a grain of truth, but then again they're just stereotypes. experience things for yourself, form your own opinions and then come back here, answer this question, and perpetuate misconceptions. Yay!!
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
99% of students attending Drake University receive some sort of financial aid.
17% were awarded federal grants.57%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.