About

University Type

Private

University Type

US News National rank

179

US News National rank

Average Living Expenses

$57,370

Average Living Expenses

Drake University is a private liberal arts college in Des Moines, Iowa. It was founded in 1881 by George T. Carpenter and Francis Marion Drake, a Union general during the Civil War. Drake is known for its strong academics, vibrant campus life, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The university offers over 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and 35 graduate programs. The most popular majors at Drake include business, communication, social sciences, visual and performing arts, biological and biomedical sciences, education, and computer and information sciences.

Drake is also home to several nationally ranked programs, including the law school, the business school, and pharmacy school. The law school is one of the country's oldest and is consistently ranked among the top 100 law schools in the United States. The business school is also highly regarded and offers undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs. The American College of Pharmacy accredits the school of pharmacy and is one of the largest pharmacy schools in the country.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023, Drake University is ranked 136th in the United States and 701-750th globally. In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, Drake University is 426th globally.

What is the acceptance rate of the Drake University University?

The acceptance rate for international students at Drake University is 67%. The tuition fees for international students at Drake University are as follows:

  • Undergraduate tuition: $23,782 per semester (for students entering in the 2022-2023 academic year)
  • Graduate tuition: $22,265 per semester (for students entering in the 2022-2023 academic year)

In addition to tuition, international students must pay for room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. The total cost of attendance for international students at Drake University is estimated to be $61,500 per year.

Top Reasons to Study in the Drake University

  • Strong academics: Drake University is a private liberal arts college with a solid academic reputation. The university offers over 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and 35 graduate programs. The most popular majors at Drake include business, communication, social sciences, visual and performing arts, biological and biomedical sciences, education, and computer and information sciences.
  • Vibrant campus life: Drake University has a vibrant campus life with over 200 student organisations, including fraternities, sororities, clubs, and intramural sports teams. The university also hosts annual cultural events, including concerts, plays, and art exhibits.
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion: Drake University is committed to diversity and inclusion. The university has a student body of 25% international students and 30% students of colour. Drake also offers several programs and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, such as the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of International Education.
  • Beautiful campus: Drake University is located in Des Moines, Iowa, and has a beautiful campus home to various historic buildings and green spaces. The campus is also home to the Drake Relays, a world-renowned track and field meet.
  • Affordable tuition: Drake University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid packages to help students afford their education. In the 2021-2022 academic year, 98% of students received some form of financial aid.

Courses

Cost of Studying at Drake University

Average tuition fee

Moderate

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Living expenses

Average living expenses (Bachelors)

$59,134

Average living expenses (Masters)

$57,370

Admissions at The Drake University

Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)

67%

Application Fee

$35 - $45

How to Apply at Drake University

The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students. Additional requirements are there for fresh and transfer undergraduate and graduate students.

Fresh Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

  • Application: You can apply through the Common Application or Online Application from their official website.
  • There is no application fee for applying online.
  • Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
    • Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
    • Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
    • English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test or Pearson Test of English
    • Personal statement/Essay writing
    • Two letters of teacher recommendation
    • Financial Aid Statement of Intent

Transfer Students Undergraduate/Graduate International Admissions

  • Application: You can apply through the Common Application or Online Application on their official website.
  • There is no application fee for applying online.
  • Required Materials: In addition to the application, applicants must submit the following:
    • Official transcripts from all schools/colleges/universities attended.
    • Entrance exam scores: SAT/ACT (for undergraduates), GRE/GMAT (Required for graduate and PhD students)
    • English proficiency test scores like Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test or Pearson Test of English
    • Personal statement/essay writing
    • Transfer Report Form
    • Letter of recommendation
    • Financial documentation

Documents Required to Apply to Drake University

Undergraduate Students

  • Complete the Common Application or Online Application from their official website.
  • Official transcripts from all previous your high school attended
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test or Pearson Test of English scores.
  • Personal statement/Essay writing
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Financial documentation
  • Resume
  • Additional Documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
    • I-20 Form 
    • Passport
    • Visa Sponsorship Letter

Graduate Students/PhD or Scholar Students

  • Complete the Common Application or Online Application from their official website.
  • Official transcripts from all previous high school or college attended
  • GRE/GMAT scores 
  • Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test or Pearson Test of English scores.
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume (Relevant work experience)
  • Additional Documents:
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1) Status
    • I-20 Form
    • Passport
    • Visa Sponsorship Letter

All documents must be in English or have an official English translation

Exams Accepted By Drake University

Undergraduate Students

  • Entrance Tests: SAT/ACT exam.
  • English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test or Pearson Test of English scores.

Graduate Students/Ph.D. Students

  • Entrance Tests: GRE/GMAT exam
  • English Proficiency Tests: Internet-Based TOEFL (iBT), IELTS, Duolingo English Test or Pearson Test of English scores.
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Rankings for The Drake University

US News Ranking

#179

US News National rank

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Students Drake University

22

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International Students

% of international students in the university

19

Total International Students in the university

950

Alumni at Drake University

  • Terry Branstad: Former Governor of Iowa (1983-1999, 2011-2017) and United States Ambassador to China (2017-2021).
  • John Karras: Former NFL player and current radio personality.
  • Brenna Bird: Iowa Attorney General (2023–present).
  • Chris Ash: Former head football coach at Rutgers University and Ohio State University.
  • Samm “Jelly” Jones: Former basketball player at Drake University and Minnesota state high school basketball champion.
  • Versil Deskin: Former NFL player.
  • Dave Doeren: Head football coach at North Carolina State University.
  • Pat Dunsmore: Former NFL player.
  • Kendall Gill: Former NBA player and current college basketball analyst.
  • Lindsay Whorton: Rhodes Scholar and award-winning journalist.

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Campus life

Number of campuses the university has
1

Campus locations
Iowa

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Transportation in the city

  • DART Bus: The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) operates a bus system that serves the entire city. DART buses are free for Drake students with a valid Drake ID.
  • Olmsted Bike Library: Drake University operates a bike library where students can check out bicycles for free daily.
  • B-Cycle: In Des Moines' bike share program, riders can check out a bike from BCycle docks located all around the city.
  • Drake Safe Ride Bus: Drake University operates a free shuttle bus that runs late at night to help students get home safely.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing services: Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available in Des Moines.

Services offered by the university

  • Academic advising: Drake University offers academic advising to all students. Academic advisors can help students choose classes, plan their academic goals, and navigate the university bureaucracy.
  • Career services: Drake University offers career services to help students find jobs and internships. Career counsellors can help students with resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies.
  • Financial aid: Drake University offers financial aid to help students afford their education. Financial aid counsellors can help students apply for scholarships, grants, and loans.
  • Health services: Drake University offers students, faculty, and staff health services. The health centre offers various services, including primary care, mental health counselling, and physical therapy.
  • Student life: Drake University offers various student life services, including housing, dining, and recreation. The student life department also offers a variety of activities and events for students to participate in.
  • Diversity and inclusion: Drake University is committed to diversity and inclusion. The university offers a variety of programs and services to promote diversity and inclusion, such as the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of International Education.

Student life at Drake University

  • Greek life: Drake University has 14 fraternities and sororities. Greek life is a popular way of making friends, getting involved on campus, and having fun.
  • Club sports: Drake University has over 30 club sports teams. Club sports are a great way to stay active and compete in various sports.
  • Intramural sports: Drake University also offers a variety of intramural sports leagues. Intramural sports are a great way to exercise and have fun with friends.
  • Theatre: Drake University has a thriving theatre program. There are several productions each year, including plays, musicals, and dance concerts.
  • Music: Drake University also has a strong music program. There are several ensembles, including the symphony orchestra, the marching band, and the jazz band.
  • Visual arts: Drake University has a beautiful art museum and a variety of art studios. There are also several art exhibitions each year.
  • Community service: Drake University students are encouraged to participate in community service. There are many opportunities to volunteer in the Des Moines area.

On campus accomodation at Drake University

  • Carpenter Hall: Carpenter Hall is a traditional residence hall with suite-style rooms. Each suite has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a common living area. Carpenter Hall is located in the heart of the campus and is close to many academic buildings and dining options.
  • Crawford Hall: Crawford Hall is a traditional residence hall with double-occupancy rooms. Each room has a private bathroom. Crawford Hall is located near the athletic complex and is close to the Drake Stadium.
  • Goodwin-Kirk Hall: Goodwin-Kirk Hall is a traditional residence hall with suite-style rooms. Each suite has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a common living area. Goodwin-Kirk Hall is located near the Drake Center and is close to many student services offices.
  • Jewett Hall: Jewett Hall is a traditional residence hall with double occupancy rooms. Each room has a private bathroom. Jewett Hall is located near the Olmsted Center and is close to many academic buildings.
  • Morehouse Hall: Morehouse Hall is a traditional residence hall with double occupancy rooms. Each room has a private bathroom. Morehouse Hall is located near the Drake Center and is close to many student services offices.
  • Stalnaker Hall: Stalnaker Hall is a traditional residence hall with suite-style rooms. Each suite has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a common living area. Stalnaker Hall is located near the Des Moines River and the Drake Stadium.
  • Drake West Village: Drake West Village is an apartment-style residence hall with one-, two-, and four-bedroom apartments. Each apartment has a kitchen, living room, and bathroom. Drake West Village is located on the west side of campus and is close to the athletic complex.

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