Drake University

What are the graduation rates for students at Drake University?

Drake University maintains a graduation rate that positions it among the higher-performing institutions nationwide. The overall graduation rate stands at 77%, placing the university in the top 15% of schools for this metric. Both male and female students share similarly strong completion rates, with men graduating at 77%, also in the top 15%, and women at 78%, ranking in the top 20%.

The university's four-year graduation rate is 68%, which is notably high and situates Drake University in the top 15% of comparable institutions. For students who take longer, the six-year graduation rate improves to 77%, reinforcing the institution's success in guiding a significant majority of its students to completion within a reasonable timeframe.

Retention rates also contribute to the overall picture of student success at Drake University. The retention rate is 84%, placing it solidly in the top 30%, indicating that most students continue their studies after their first year, a critical factor for eventual graduation.

While detailed graduation rates by specific majors are not provided, these institutional averages reflect a strong likelihood of completion for students across disciplines. The consistency between men's and women's graduation rates suggests equitable academic outcomes regardless of gender.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Drake University?

Graduates from Drake University experience a wide range of earning potentials depending on their field of study. Those who complete degrees in Computer and Information Sciences tend to have some of the highest earnings, with an average annual income of $62,903. Students studying Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods also report strong earnings, averaging $64,552, indicating well-paying opportunities in analytical and management-focused disciplines.

Business-related degrees present varied outcomes, with Accounting and Related Services graduates earning around $59,063 and Finance and Financial Management Services close behind at $56,700. Marketing graduates see a respectable average salary of $45,816, while Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication alumni earn slightly less at $42,274.

Education fields show moderate earning potential, particularly for those in Teacher Education and Professional Development, where average earnings are reported at $41,116. Degrees in Journalism and Political Science offer incomes of $34,814 and $31,893 respectively, reflecting opportunities in media and social sciences.

Other humanities and arts-related areas tend to have lower median earnings. For instance, graduates in English Language and Literature earn approximately $31,512, and those in Drama/Theatre Arts average $25,357. Psychology graduates also fall in a similar range, with annual earnings near $25,977, while Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology report an average starting salary of $26,414.