Research.com
Drake University logo

Drake University

2507 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA

Drake University award
Drake University award
US ranking
position: 1089
Tuition & fees per year: $52,130
Acceptance rate: 64.00%
Median alumni salary: $51,837
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1300 SAT, 28 ACT
Entrance difficulty: N/A

What does Drake University offer in terms of athletics?

Drake University competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. The university offers a diverse range of varsity sports programs, including men's and women's basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. Additionally, men's teams compete in football and baseball, while women's teams participate in softball.

Athletic facilities at Drake include the Knapp Center, which serves as the primary venue for basketball and volleyball, and the Cownie Soccer Complex for soccer events. The university emphasizes both competitive excellence and academic achievement among its student-athletes, providing resources to support their growth both on and off the field.

What student groups and Associations are available at Drake University?

Drake University offers a diverse range of student groups and associations that cater to a wide spectrum of interests and academic pursuits. With a total enrollment of approximately 2,489 students, the campus community includes 969 men and 1,520 women, though specific participation rates in social organizations are not provided. Prospective students can expect opportunities to engage in various clubs and organizations that promote both personal growth and academic development. These groups are designed to enhance the collegiate experience by fostering leadership, networking, and community involvement among members.

Who studies at Drake University?

Drake University hosts a moderately sized student body with diverse age groups and a varied composition of new and transfer students. Freshmen enrollment stands at 638 students, accompanied by 110 transfer students, culminating in a total of 748 newcomers, which places the university in the lower 40 percent nationally for incoming class size.

Undergraduate students predominantly fall within the traditional college-age range, with most between 18 and 21 years old-1,191 aged 18 to 19, and 1,165 aged 20 to 21. There are smaller but notable populations in older age brackets, including 223 students aged 22 to 24 and 40 students aged 25 to 29, contributing to a span of ages that enrich classroom perspectives.

Graduate students tend to be older, with fewer under 22 years old. The majority are between 22 and 49 years old, notably 558 aged 22 to 24, 396 aged 25 to 29, and 260 aged 40 to 49. Smaller segments extend into ages above 50, underscoring a commitment to serving adult learners and professionals.

Regarding residency status, Drake University enrolls a low proportion of in-state students at 41%, ranking it in the bottom 20 percent nationally for this measure. Conversely, out-of-state students constitute a higher share at 56%, placing the institution among the top 15 percent for non-resident enrollment. Domestic students from within the United States make up 97% of the student body, an average representation nationally.

The international student population is relatively limited, drawing students from approximately three foreign countries, which suggests a modest global presence compared to many peer institutions.

How does student life look like at Drake University?

Student life at Drake University offers a variety of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests. The campus spans approximately 150 acres, providing ample space for both academic and social engagement. Students can participate in several artistic and cultural groups, including a campus newspaper, drama productions, a radio station, a band, and a chorus. However, there is no campus television station available for student involvement.

Athletics play a role in campus life, with Drake University being a member of the NCAA, which supports a competitive sports environment. This affiliation reflects the university's engagement in intercollegiate athletics at the national level.

The student-to-faculty ratio is about 11 to 1, which suggests relatively small class sizes allowing for closer interaction between students and instructors. The total enrollment stands at around 2,585 students, reflecting a moderately sized student body.

What libraries are available to students at Drake University?

Drake University offers students access to a single main library, the Cowles Library. While it does not have additional library branches, the facilities available are comprehensive enough to support academic pursuits. Students benefit from both physical and digital resource access, ensuring flexibility in how they can utilize library materials.

Study rooms are provided, allowing for collaborative or individual study sessions in a quiet environment. Although the library does not provide all-day access, it maintains established hours that accommodate most student schedules. The library staff are professionally trained to assist with research and resource navigation.

Moreover, Drake University's library participates in shared collection access, broadening the range of materials available beyond those physically held by Cowles Library.

Drake University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

2585

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

618

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

290 full time, 119 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Drake University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Cowles Library

Number of libraries on campus

1

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Drake University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Drake University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshly enrolled students' state of residence

US
International

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Drake University Location & Map