| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
| Course Level: | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Program: | Art & Humanities | |
| Course Duration: | 4 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | Class 12th | |
Location:
Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Founded:
1881
Type:
Private, coeducational university
Affiliation:
Independent (originally affiliated with the Disciples of Christ, but now nonsectarian)
Drake University is known for a strong blend of liberal arts and professional programs. It offers over 140 undergraduate and graduate programs across various schools and colleges:
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Business and Public Administration
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
School of Law
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
School of Education
Student-Faculty Ratio: About 10:1
Average Class Size: Around 20 students
Popular Majors: Business, Pharmacy, Law, Journalism, Political Science, Education
Campus is located near downtown Des Moines, giving students access to internships, culture, and city life.
Offers a variety of student organizations, Greek life, and leadership programs.
Strong emphasis on community engagement and global learning.
Enrollment:
Roughly 5,000 students (undergraduate + graduate)
Mascot: Spike the Bulldog
Athletics Nickname: The Drake Bulldogs
Competes in NCAA Division I – Missouri Valley Conference (MVC)
Hosts the famous Drake Relays, one of the top track and field events in the U.S.
Undergraduate Tuition: ~$50,000/year (before aid)
Offers merit-based scholarships and need-based aid
Many students receive some form of financial assistance
Personalized education with small classes
Strong programs in business, law, journalism, and pharmacy
Great location for internships and job placements
Nationally recognized for value and outcomes
Tight-knit campus community
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
English
Environmental Science & Sustainability
History
International Relations
Mathematics
Music / Music Education / Music Business
Neuroscience
Philosophy
Physics & Astronomy
Psychology
Sociology
Theatre Arts
Accounting
Actuarial Science
Business Studies
Data Analytics
Economics
Finance
International Business
Management
Marketing
Public Administration
Advertising
Digital Media Production
Journalism
Magazine Media
Multimedia Journalism
Public Relations
Health Sciences (Pre-med, Pre-PA, Pre-OT tracks)
Clinical & Applied Sciences
Public Health
Pre-Pharmacy (leading to PharmD)
Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Special Education
STEM Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Accounting
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Master of Data Analytics Leadership
Master of Science in Education
Master of Science in Counseling
Master of Arts in Communication
Master of Athletic Training
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Juris Doctor (JD) – Law School
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
JD/MBA (Law + Business)
JD/MPA (Law + Public Admin)
Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership
Leadership Development Certificate
Certificate in Inclusive Teaching
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Accounting |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Actuarial Science |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Advertising |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Biology |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Business Studies |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Chemistry |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Clinical & Applied Sciences |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Computer Science |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Data Analytics |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Digital Media Production |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Economics |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Elementary Education |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
English |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Environmental Science & Sustainability |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Finance |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Health Sciences (Pre-med, Pre-PA, Pre-OT tracks) |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
History |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
International Business |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
International Relations |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Journalism |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Law, Politics & Society |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Management |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Marketing |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Mathematics |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Multimedia Journalism |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Music / Music Business / Music Education |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Neuroscience |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Philosophy |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Physics & Astronomy |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Political Science |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Pre-Pharmacy (2 years undergrad before PharmD) |
2 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Psychology |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Public Relations |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Secondary Education |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Sociology |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Special Education |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
|
Theatre Arts |
4 Years |
~$50,170 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
2 Years |
~$27,360 |
|
Master of Accounting (MAcc) |
1–2 Years |
~$27,360 |
|
Master of Public Administration (MPA) |
2 Years |
~$27,360 |
|
Master of Science in Business Analytics |
2 Years |
~$27,360 |
|
Master of Data Analytics Leadership |
2 Years |
~$27,360 |
|
Master of Arts in Communication |
1–2 Years |
~$25,000 |
|
Master of Athletic Training (MAT) |
2 Years |
~$22,980 |
|
Master of Science in Counseling |
2 Years |
~$25,000 |
|
Master of Science in Education (MSEd) |
2 Years |
~$12,300–$25,000 |
|
Master of Education in Effective Teaching |
2 Years (Online) |
~$12,300 |
|
Master of Education in Culturally Responsive Leadership |
2 Years |
~$12,300 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) |
4 Years (after pre-pharmacy) |
~$48,000 |
|
Juris Doctor (JD) – Law |
3 Years |
~$47,500 |
|
Doctor of Education (EdD) – Leadership |
3 Years (part-time/flexible) |
~$12,300–$25,000 |
Des Moines, Iowa – a safe, affordable, and mid-sized city with strong job opportunities, especially in finance, insurance, healthcare, and government.
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Top-ranked Private University |
Known for academic excellence, small class sizes, and strong faculty support. |
|
Career-focused Programs |
Business, Pharmacy, Law, Journalism, Data Analytics, STEM, and more. |
|
Personalized Attention |
10:1 student-faculty ratio, average class size is 20. |
|
Safe, Affordable City |
Des Moines is student-friendly with plenty of job/internship opportunities. |
|
Scholarships for Internationals |
Merit-based scholarships up to $27,000/year available. |
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
BS in Data Analytics / Actuarial Science
BS in Health Sciences
Bachelor of Journalism
Pre-Pharmacy → Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
JD (Juris Doctor – Law)
MBA / MPA / Master in Data Analytics
Completed high school with transcripts (translated if needed)
English Proficiency:
TOEFL iBT: 71+
IELTS: 6.0+
Duolingo English Test (DET): 95+
OR proof of study in English-medium school
SAT/ACT optional
Application via Common App or Drake online portal
No application fee!
Bachelor’s degree (equivalent) from accredited institution
English proficiency (same as above)
GRE/GMAT may be required depending on program
Statement of Purpose, Resume, Letters of Recommendation
Dedicated International Student Services Office (ISSO)
Support with visas, CPT/OPT, cultural adjustment, and employment
Orientation for international students
Over 160 student organizations
On-campus housing & dining options
Optional practical training (OPT) after graduation
Step |
Details |
|---|---|
|
1. Choose Your Program |
Explore majors offered: Business, Pharmacy, Computer Science, Journalism, etc. |
|
2. Submit Application |
Apply via: |
|
3. Submit Documents |
- Official high school transcripts (translated if needed) |
|
4. Application Fee |
No fee for undergraduate applications! |
|
5. Review & Decision |
Rolling admissions – decisions sent within a few weeks |
|
6. Accept Offer & Deposit |
Pay enrollment deposit (~$250 USD) to confirm spot |
|
7. Visa & I-20 Process |
Submit financial documents, receive I-20 for F-1 visa |
|
8. Orientation & Arrival |
Participate in international orientation and move-in |
Test |
Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL iBT |
71+ |
|
IELTS |
6.0+ |
|
Duolingo |
95+ |
If you studied in English for the last 3+ years, you may request a waiver.
Step |
Details |
|---|---|
|
1. Choose Program |
MBA, MPA, MS in Counseling, Pharmacy (PharmD), Law (JD), etc. |
|
2. Submit Application |
Apply via the Drake Graduate Application Portal |
|
3. Submit Required Documents |
- Bachelor's degree transcript (translated if needed) |
|
4. Pay Application Fee |
Usually $50 USD (may be waived for some programs) |
|
5. Interview (if required) |
Some programs may request an online interview |
|
6. Admission Decision |
Typically within 2–6 weeks |
|
7. Accept Offer & Deposit |
Pay enrollment deposit to secure your spot |
|
8. Get I-20 & Apply for Visa |
Submit financial documents, receive I-20 form |
Financial Documentation: Bank statement + sponsor affidavit for I-20
Health Insurance: Required; Drake provides university coverage or waiver option
Scholarships: Available for both UG and select grad programs
Intake Term |
Start Month |
Application Deadline (Recommended) |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall |
August |
May 1 (UG), Rolling (Grad) |
|
Spring |
January |
November 1 |
|
Summer (limited programs) |
May/June |
N/A |
Rolling Admissions: Drake offers rolling admissions, which means you can apply any time before the intake, but earlier applications are recommended for housing, visa processing, and scholarship consideration.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
High school diploma or equivalent |
|
Minimum GPA |
No strict cutoff, but 3.0+ GPA (on 4.0 scale) is competitive |
|
English Proficiency |
TOEFL iBT: 71+ |
|
SAT/ACT |
Optional (can boost application but not required) |
|
Other Documents |
Transcripts, personal essay (optional), letter(s) of recommendation (optional) |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Academic Qualification |
Bachelor's degree (equivalent to a U.S. 4-year degree) |
|
Minimum GPA |
2.5–3.0+ depending on program |
|
English Proficiency |
TOEFL iBT: 79+ |
|
Standardized Tests |
GRE/GMAT only if required by program (e.g. not needed for most MBA or MPA programs) |
|
Other Documents |
Resume/CV, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation (usually 2–3) |
Ranking Organization |
Category |
Drake University Ranking/Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Global Universities |
Not ranked in top global tier |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Regional Universities (Midwest) |
Top 5 |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Best Value Schools (Midwest) |
Top 10 |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Best Colleges for Veterans (Regional) |
Top 5 |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Best Undergraduate Teaching (Regional) |
Top 10 |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Undergraduate Business Programs |
Top 100 nationally |
|
U.S. News & World Report |
Pharmacy Program (PharmD) |
Nationally recognized (not ranked top 20) |
|
Forbes |
Top Colleges in the U.S. |
Listed among top private midwestern universities |
|
Princeton Review |
Best Midwestern Colleges |
Featured on "Best in the Midwest" list |
Scholarship Name |
Level |
Eligibility |
Amount (USD/year) |
Renewable? |
Available to International Students? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Presidential Scholarship |
Undergraduate |
Strong academic record (GPA + test optional) |
Up to $27,000 |
Yes (4 years) |
Yes |
|
Dean’s Scholarship |
Undergraduate |
Academic merit-based |
$22,000 – $25,000 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Drake Grant (Need-Based) |
Undergraduate |
Based on demonstrated financial need (FAFSA for U.S. only) |
N/A |
Yes |
U.S. Citizens/Permanent Residents only |
|
Fine Arts Scholarships |
Undergraduate |
Music, Theatre, or Arts majors (audition/portfolio needed) |
$500 – $5,000+ |
Yes |
Yes |
|
National Merit Finalist Scholarship |
Undergraduate |
National Merit recognition |
Full Tuition |
Yes |
U.S. Citizens only |
|
Transfer Student Scholarships |
Undergraduate |
Strong academic performance in prior college |
$10,000 – $19,000 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Global Engagement Scholarship |
Undergraduate |
International students who show global perspective |
Up to $5,000 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Graduate Assistantships |
Graduate |
Available in some programs (e.g., education, business) |
Partial tuition + stipend |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Graduate Program Scholarships |
Graduate |
Varies by department (MPA, MBA, Counseling, etc.) |
$2,000 – $10,000+ |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Pharmacy Scholarships (Pre-Pharm & PharmD) |
Undergraduate / Professional |
Academic merit or leadership |
$2,000 – $10,000+ |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Law School Scholarships |
Juris Doctor (JD) |
Based on LSAT score and GPA |
Partial to Full Tuition |
Yes |
Yes |
Facility Type |
Description |
Options Available |
Cost (USD/Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
On-Campus Housing (Residence Halls) |
Primarily for first-year and sophomore students |
- Carpenter Hall |
$6,800 – $8,800 |
|
On-Campus Apartments |
For upperclassmen and some graduate students; more independent living |
- Jewett Hall |
$9,000 – $11,000 |
|
Meal Plans (Dining Services) |
Required for most students in residence halls; various options |
- 10, 14, or unlimited meals/week plans |
$4,500 – $6,000 |
|
Total Cost (Housing + Meals) |
Estimated combined cost for housing + full meal plan |
Depends on residence & plan selected |
$11,300 – $17,000 |
|
Furnishings |
All residence halls and apartments are furnished |
Bed, desk, chair, closet, Wi-Fi, shared bathrooms/kitchens |
Included |
|
Laundry Facilities |
Available in all dorms and apartments |
Card or app-based machines |
Included or minimal fee |
|
Utilities (Water, Internet, etc.) |
Covered in on-campus housing fees |
Electricity, heating, Wi-Fi included |
Included |
|
Security |
24/7 campus security and keycard entry |
Campus safety office, emergency alerts |
Included |
|
Residence Life Programs |
Social and academic support events |
Peer mentoring, cultural programs, RA support |
Included |
Drake University offers a vibrant, inclusive, and well-rounded student experience where academics blend with community, leadership, and fun. The campus is tight-knit and welcoming, which makes it especially friendly for both U.S. and international students.
Drake’s campus is located in Des Moines, Iowa — a mid-sized, safe city known for its friendliness, low cost of living, and growing job market. The campus itself is beautiful, walkable, and tech-connected, with plenty of green space and classic university architecture.
You’ll find students hanging out on the central quad, grabbing coffee at local cafés, studying in Cowles Library, or working out in the fitness center.
There are 160+ student clubs and organizations, ranging from:
Cultural clubs (like International Student Association)
Academic and professional groups (Pre-Med Club, Business Fraternities)
Student government (Student Senate)
Greek Life (fraternities & sororities)
Music, theater, and performance groups
Volunteer and service opportunities
You can even start your own club if something’s missing!
International students are welcomed through:
A dedicated International Center
Pre-arrival and on-campus orientation programs
Help with visas, CPT/OPT, cultural adjustment, and health insurance
Opportunities for peer mentoring and social events
Events like International Night and global food fests make you feel at home no matter where you're from.
Life at Drake is never boring! You can expect:
Drake Relays – one of the largest annual track and field events in the U.S., plus a week-long campus celebration
Fall and Spring festivals
Movie nights, open mic events, esports competitions
Leadership retreats and career fairs
First-year students usually live in one of several residence halls — where you’ll have an RA (Resident Assistant), community activities, and an easy way to meet people. On-campus dining offers a variety of meals with dietary options.
Drake has a modern wellness center and gym, with group fitness classes, personal training, intramural sports, and even outdoor adventures. Mental health services and academic counseling are also available.
Career development is a big part of life here:
Internship and career services office
Resume workshops, mock interviews
Strong connections with local employers in Des Moines
Support for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for international students
Drake University has a strong reputation for post-graduation success, with high employment and graduate school placement rates — especially in business, pharmacy, law, journalism, data analytics, and health sciences.
95–98% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.
Strong internship pipeline with companies in Des Moines and across the U.S.
International students regularly participate in CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training).
100% job placement for Pharmacy graduates (PharmD) in recent years.
High placement rates in Accounting, Actuarial Science, and Data Analytics.
Principal Financial Group
Wells Fargo
KPMG, Deloitte, EY
Nationwide Insurance
John Deere
UnityPoint Health
Iowa State Government
Meredith Corporation
Microsoft
American Express
Internship and job opportunities are also available through Drake's strong connections with local startups, hospitals, media houses, and law firms.
Career Services helps with OPT & CPT processes and finding employers who sponsor H-1B visas.
On-campus career fairs tailored for international students.
Some STEM programs (like Data Analytics, CS) are OPT-STEM eligible — giving you up to 3 years of work authorization after graduation.
Drake’s Professional & Career Development Services (PCDS) office provides:
Resume & cover letter workshops
Mock interviews
Career fairs and networking events
1-on-1 career advising
Internship placement help
LinkedIn profile building
Employer meetups and mentorship programs
Many Drake grads go on to top graduate schools, including:
University of Iowa
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
Washington University in St. Louis
NYU
Johns Hopkins (for health fields)
Overall Acceptance Rate: Approximately 68% – 72%
Drake University is considered moderately selective. It evaluates applicants based on:
Academic performance (GPA)
Course rigor
Letters of recommendation (optional)
Extracurricular involvement
English proficiency (for international students)
Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) — optional
Because Drake uses a holistic review process, strong grades, leadership experience, and a good personal statement can significantly boost your chances — even without test scores.
City: Des Moines
State: Iowa
Country: United States
Full Address:
Drake University
2507 University Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50311
USA
Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa and one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Midwest.
It’s known for being:
Safe and affordable
A hub for finance, insurance, healthcare, and startups
Home to many internship and job opportunities
Friendly to students and young professionals
Des Moines International Airport (DSM): Only 15–20 minutes from campus
Campus is walkable, bike-friendly, and connected by city buses
Students also use rideshares (Uber/Lyft) and university shuttles for nearby destinations
