Drake University
Drake: Where liberal arts meets professional impact.
📍 Des Moines, United States 🇺🇸
🏆 #178 in United States
Quick Facts about Drake University
- Type: Private
- Students: 4,345
- International: 3%
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $59,482 – $59,482/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Intakes: January, August
About Drake University
Academics
Drake University is organized into seven colleges and schools, including the College of Arts & Sciences, Zimpleman College of Business, John Dee Bright College, School of Education, School of Journalism & Mass Communication, Law School, and College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. Notable programs include Actuarial Science, Pharmacy, Journalism, and Business, with the Actuarial Science program holding a Center of Actuarial Excellence designation. The university fosters a hands-on learning approach, encouraging internships, field experiences, and research from the first year. Drake also offers interdisciplinary programs and opportunities for students to design personalized academic plans.
International Students
Drake University is home to over 150 international students from more than 50 countries, creating a diverse campus community. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team provides extensive support, including pre-arrival information, immigration advice, and orientation services. Drake's English as a Second Language department offers programs to enhance English proficiency and cultural familiarity. International students can engage with various student organizations, such as the International Student Association (ISA), which promotes cultural diversity and international awareness.
Campus & Location
Drake University's urban campus spans 150 acres in Des Moines, Iowa, the state capital. Des Moines offers a vibrant city life with ample opportunities for internships, networking, and employment. The campus provides various transportation options, including free access to Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) bus services with a Drake ID, connecting students to downtown, shopping, and other attractions. The university also offers a Safe Ride bus service for late-night transportation and promotes sustainable transportation with bike lanes and rental options.
Career Outcomes
Drake University boasts impressive career outcomes, with 97.3% of undergraduate degree recipients employed, enrolled in graduate school, or involved in professional goals within six months of graduation. Over 93% of students graduate with at least one internship or field experience. Career Services provides comprehensive support, including resume and cover letter development, mock interviews, and connections with employers. Drake graduates find opportunities in various fields and locations, with nearly half choosing to remain in Iowa due to strong community partnerships and extensive opportunities. The university also has strong industry connections, particularly through its Zimpleman College of Business, which engages with Fortune 500 companies and a growing entrepreneurial scene in Des Moines. The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Outreach supports student and community entrepreneurs through programs like the Student Venture Competition.
Information for International Students at Drake University
Drake University in Des Moines, United States welcomes international students, with 3% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 3% of students are international
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for Drake University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Drake University:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 71
- Duolingo minimum: 105
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: March 1
Programs at Drake University (40 programs)
Drake University offers 40 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (24)
- English (BA) — 48 months · English
Students engage with literature, critical theory, and writing, developing strong analytical, communication, and creative skills applicable to diverse professions.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Journalist, Educator - Marketing (BSBA) — 48 months · English
This program teaches students how to create, communicate, deliver, and exchange offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Market Research Analyst - Chemistry (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students explore the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, gaining a strong foundation for careers in research, industry, or further academic study.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Chemist, Materials Scientist, Pharmacist (with further study) - Computer Science (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program covers fundamental concepts of computing, including algorithms, data structures, software development, and computer systems, preparing students for technology careers.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Developer, Data Scientist, Network Engineer - Finance (BSBA) — 48 months · English
This program focuses on financial markets, investments, corporate finance, and financial institutions, preparing students for careers in the financial industry.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager - Music (BM) — 48 months · English
Students pursue intensive study in performance, composition, music education, or music business, developing artistic and professional skills.
Field: Arts
Career outcomes: Musician, Music Educator, Composer, Arts Administrator - Accounting (BSBA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and other financial roles, focusing on financial reporting, auditing, and taxation.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Auditor, Tax Accountant, Financial Analyst - Journalism and Mass Communication (BA) — 48 months · English
Students learn about news gathering, reporting, media ethics, and various forms of communication, preparing for careers in journalism, public relations, and media.
Field: Communication
Career outcomes: Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Content Creator - Actuarial Science (BSBA) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students learn to apply mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in insurance and finance, preparing for actuarial exams and professional careers.
Field: Mathematics
Career outcomes: Actuary, Risk Analyst, Underwriter - Biology (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program offers a comprehensive study of living organisms, from molecular to ecosystem levels, preparing students for graduate studies or careers in science and health.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Research Scientist, Biotechnologist, Healthcare Professional - Physics (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students explore the fundamental laws of the universe, from classical mechanics to quantum theory, developing problem-solving and analytical skills.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Physicist, Engineer, Researcher - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
This program examines human behavior and mental processes, covering areas like cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Counselor (with further study), Human Resources Specialist, Researcher - English (BA) — 48 months · English
Students engage with literature, critical theory, and writing, developing strong analytical, communication, and creative skills applicable to diverse professions.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Journalist, Educator - Marketing (BSBA) — 48 months · English
This program teaches students how to create, communicate, deliver, and exchange offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Marketing Manager, Brand Manager, Market Research Analyst - Chemistry (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students explore the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, gaining a strong foundation for careers in research, industry, or further academic study.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Chemist, Materials Scientist, Pharmacist (with further study) - Computer Science (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program covers fundamental concepts of computing, including algorithms, data structures, software development, and computer systems, preparing students for technology careers.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Software Developer, Data Scientist, Network Engineer - Finance (BSBA) — 48 months · English
This program focuses on financial markets, investments, corporate finance, and financial institutions, preparing students for careers in the financial industry.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager - Music (BM) — 48 months · English
Students pursue intensive study in performance, composition, music education, or music business, developing artistic and professional skills.
Field: Arts
Career outcomes: Musician, Music Educator, Composer, Arts Administrator - Accounting (BSBA) — 48 months · English
This program prepares students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and other financial roles, focusing on financial reporting, auditing, and taxation.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Auditor, Tax Accountant, Financial Analyst - Journalism and Mass Communication (BA) — 48 months · English
Students learn about news gathering, reporting, media ethics, and various forms of communication, preparing for careers in journalism, public relations, and media.
Field: Communication
Career outcomes: Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Content Creator - Actuarial Science (BSBA) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students learn to apply mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in insurance and finance, preparing for actuarial exams and professional careers.
Field: Mathematics
Career outcomes: Actuary, Risk Analyst, Underwriter - Biology (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
This program offers a comprehensive study of living organisms, from molecular to ecosystem levels, preparing students for graduate studies or careers in science and health.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Research Scientist, Biotechnologist, Healthcare Professional - Physics (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
Students explore the fundamental laws of the universe, from classical mechanics to quantum theory, developing problem-solving and analytical skills.
Field: Natural Sciences
Career outcomes: Physicist, Engineer, Researcher - Psychology (BA) — 48 months · English
This program examines human behavior and mental processes, covering areas like cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology.
Field: Social Sciences
Career outcomes: Counselor (with further study), Human Resources Specialist, Researcher
Master Programs (12)
- Business Administration (MBA) — 24 months · English
The MBA program provides advanced business knowledge and leadership skills, focusing on strategic management, finance, marketing, and operations.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur - Data Analytics (MS) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program teaches students to collect, process, and analyze large datasets to extract insights and inform decision-making across various industries.
Field: Data Science
Career outcomes: Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Scientist - Pharmacy Administration (MS) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on the management and leadership aspects of pharmacy practice, including health policy, economics, and outcomes research.
Field: Pharmacy
Career outcomes: Pharmacy Manager, Health Policy Analyst, Pharmaceutical Consultant - Education (MSE) — 24 months · English
This master's program offers advanced study in educational theory, practice, and leadership, with specializations available in various areas like curriculum and instruction.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Teacher, School Administrator, Curriculum Developer - Occupational Therapy (MSOT) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program prepares students to become occupational therapists, helping individuals across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Occupational Therapist - Public Administration (MPA) — 24 months · English
The MPA program prepares students for leadership and management roles in public and non-profit organizations, focusing on policy analysis, public finance, and organizational behavior.
Field: Public Policy
Career outcomes: City Manager, Policy Analyst, Non-profit Director - Business Administration (MBA) — 24 months · English
The MBA program provides advanced business knowledge and leadership skills, focusing on strategic management, finance, marketing, and operations.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Consultant, Entrepreneur - Data Analytics (MS) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program teaches students to collect, process, and analyze large datasets to extract insights and inform decision-making across various industries.
Field: Data Science
Career outcomes: Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Scientist - Pharmacy Administration (MS) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program focuses on the management and leadership aspects of pharmacy practice, including health policy, economics, and outcomes research.
Field: Pharmacy
Career outcomes: Pharmacy Manager, Health Policy Analyst, Pharmaceutical Consultant - Education (MSE) — 24 months · English
This master's program offers advanced study in educational theory, practice, and leadership, with specializations available in various areas like curriculum and instruction.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Teacher, School Administrator, Curriculum Developer - Occupational Therapy (MSOT) — 24 months · English · STEM
This program prepares students to become occupational therapists, helping individuals across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Occupational Therapist - Public Administration (MPA) — 24 months · English
The MPA program prepares students for leadership and management roles in public and non-profit organizations, focusing on policy analysis, public finance, and organizational behavior.
Field: Public Policy
Career outcomes: City Manager, Policy Analyst, Non-profit Director
PhD Programs (4)
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) — 48 months · English · STEM
The PharmD program prepares students for a career as a licensed pharmacist, focusing on patient care, medication management, and pharmaceutical sciences.
Field: Pharmacy
Career outcomes: Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Researcher - Law (JD) — 36 months · English
The Juris Doctor program provides comprehensive legal education, covering foundational legal principles, critical thinking, and practical skills for a career in law.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Attorney, Judge, Legal Counsel - Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) — 48 months · English · STEM
The PharmD program prepares students for a career as a licensed pharmacist, focusing on patient care, medication management, and pharmaceutical sciences.
Field: Pharmacy
Career outcomes: Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Researcher - Law (JD) — 36 months · English
The Juris Doctor program provides comprehensive legal education, covering foundational legal principles, critical thinking, and practical skills for a career in law.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Attorney, Judge, Legal Counsel
Scholarships & Tuition at Drake University
Annual tuition for international students: $59,482 – $59,482/year
✅ Drake University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Drake University
- National Ranking: #178 in United States
- Ranking tier: Research University
Campus & Facilities at Drake University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- No disability support info
- Campus type: Urban
Key Highlights
- Des Moines urban campus
- Strong professional programs
- Actuarial Science excellence
- Diverse international community
- Hands-on learning approach
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- American Chemical Society
- National Association of Schools of Music
- Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education
- Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- Council of the American Bar Association's Section of Legal Education and Admission to the Bar
- Association of American Law Schools
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Iowa Department of Education
Notable Alumni
- Terry Branstad
- Chet Culver
- Zach Johnson
- John August
- Michael Emerson
Frequently Asked Questions about Drake University
What is Drake University?
Drake University is a private university located in Des Moines, United States. It has approximately 4,345 students, with 3% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at Drake University?
Tuition fees at Drake University for international students range from $59,482 – $59,482/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Drake University?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 71. Duolingo minimum: 105. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: March 1.
What language are courses taught in at Drake University?
Courses at Drake University are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does Drake University offer?
Drake University offers 40 programs: 24 Bachelor's, 12 Master's, and 4 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Drake University ranked?
#178 in United States.
Does Drake University offer scholarships?
Yes, Drake University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Drake University provide visa support?
Yes, Drake University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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