The Area: Drake University is located just a few miles from downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The mid-sized capital city has a thriving arts scene, many parks, and a growing culinary landscape. Students can easily access downtown Des Moines in less than 10 minutes by car, bike, or the city’s reliable public transportation system. The airport is a short 15-minute drive away, and the immediate campus area, a historic residential neighborhood, is surrounded by quaint shops, coffee spots, and eclectic dining options. Outdoor lovers can take advantage of nearby trails, lakes, and outdoor spaces, all within a short drive.

The Campus: Drake’s 150-acre campus is a blend of traditional and modern architecture. Historic buildings mix nicely with newer facilities like the LEED Gold-certified Science Connector Building. With tree-lined paths and large open green spaces, Drake offers a peaceful, walkable environment. Known for its close-knit community, Drake students enjoy numerous outdoor study spots and plenty of bike racks. Recent upgrades to the campus include a state-of-the-art STEM complex and modern residence halls. The central location means students can experience traditional campus life with easy access to city amenities.

The Students: Drake’s 3,000 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students hail from across the U.S.(43 states represented), with a growing number of international students adding to the community. Drake students are involved, friendly (it’s the Midwest, after all!), and supportive, though the strong business, pharmacy, journalism, and law programs draw a career-focused and ambitious crowd. The atmosphere is collaborative and engaged, with many students graduating with two or three majors.

Drake Bulldogs compete in 17 D1 sports, and the school hopes to launch more. Greek life is present but does not dominate the social scene, and there are countless student organizations, intramural sports, and clubs to join.

The proximity to downtown Des Moines means internships and employment opportunities are readily available, with more than 90% of students completing internships or an experiential learning experience before graduation.

Students are encouraged to participate in campus traditions like Relays, a week-long celebration around the Drake Relays track and field event, one of the most famous in the country. Drake students also participate in community outreach and volunteer work in large numbers.

Academics: Drake’s academic programs emphasize an interdisciplinary education and pre-professional focus with a liberal arts foundation. With small class sizes (average size is 21), personalized advising, and faculty known for their mentorship, Drake students receive a highly supportive academic experience. The university’s innovative Drake Curriculum challenges students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage in real-world problem-solving through core courses. Drake’s offers study abroad programs and global engagement opportunities in over 50 countries. For those seeking research experience, faculty-led research is a key part of the Drake academic experience; undergrads have ample opportunities to get involved early in their college years.

Strong advising and a robust career services program help prepare students for future careers.

Strong/Notable Programs:

• College of Business and Public Administration: Offers unique opportunities in data analytics, entrepreneurship, and actuarial science, as well as a 3+3 Business and Law Program.
• School of Journalism and Mass Communication is known for producing highly successful graduates in media, advertising, and public relations.
• The College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences and the Law School also have strong reputations for preparing students for professional careers through hands-on, experiential learning. Pre-pharmacy is an undergraduate major, and students can earn early admission to pharmacy school through the 2+4 Drake Direct PharmD program.
• School of Education: Students get 80+ hours of classroom instruction time before starting their student teacher; Boys & Girls Club on campus
• More New/Interesting Programs: American Politics major, Human Rights Studies Minor, Zoo and Conservation Science, Major in AI, Minor in Cybersecurity

Cost: For the 2024-25 academic year, Drake University’s total cost of attendance is approximately $65,000, including tuition, fees, room, and board. However, Drake is known for providing substantial merit aid, and 100% of accepted students receive a merit scholarship or financial aid. Automatic awards range from $26-$34K per year, and they have a tuition guarantee, so fees are locked in for a student’s entire undergraduate experience. Salaries of grads are the highest in Iowa, and the college consistently ranks high in ROI metrics.

Students looking for a well-rounded education in a welcoming community, with the advantages of a mid-sized city and strong professional connections, should consider Drake University.

Visit Drake’s website to learn more and see if it’s a good fit for you.