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Drake University

Des Moines, United States of America

Drake University is located in Des Moines, Iowa, and is a private university. Professional programs in business, education, law, and pharmacy are among the more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university. One of the 25 oldest law schools in the US, Drake University Law School was established in 1865.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Drake commands attention with its blend of size, tradition, and impact. Founded in 1881, it offers over 140 undergrad and grad programs, including deeply respected law, pharmacy, and business schools Its urban campus in Des Moines keeps things grounded—class sizes stay manageable, yet you're plugged into Fortune 500 companies, legal institutions, state government, and vibrant cultural hubs. Drake Relays, a world-class track event since 1910, and a law school that’s one of the 25 oldest in the U.S. add to its legacy. You get the advantages of a smaller university—accessibility, community, real relationships—while holding the prestige and resources of a larger institution. That balance is what gives Drake its edge.
The university doesn’t always wave that stat over your head, but what matters most is how they talk about teaching. The mood on campus is intimate—professors know your name, and you can have actual conversations about your goals, not just your GPA. Across disciplines—whether it's the Zimpleman College of Business or the Law School—the emphasis is on personal mentorship and accessible faculty. You won’t get lost in lecture halls; instead, you’ll get to build networks, get real-time feedback, and shape your path with people who genuinely see you.
Solid academic credentials validate everything else. Drake is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which validates institutional quality. Its colleges—like law, business, pharmacy, and journalism—have their own stamp of approval. The law school, for instance, is ABA-accredited and part of AALS, and houses institutions like the Drake Constitutional Law Center and archives of the National Bar Association. That matters—you’re not buying into some fly-by-night school; you’re joining a network of peers and professionals recognized by national leaders in education and the professions.

Drake University Application Statistics

Students
4774
Undergraduates
2848
Postgraduate
1926
Faculty Strength
900
Student Faculty Ratio
11:1
Acceptance Rate
67 %
Tuition Fees
$ 42694
Living Cost
$ 10000
Avg. GPA
2.8
Avg. IB
33
Avg. Percentage
80 %
Avg. SAT
1340
Avg. ACT
27
Avg. IELTS
6
Avg. GMAT
550
Avg. GRE
304
Avg. GRE Quantitative
152
Avg. GRE Verbal
152

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