Can you get into Drake University?

Des Moines, IA · Private · 2,543 students Here’s the class that got in. See where your numbers land in it.

Add your GPA, or a test score, and the read appears here. Nothing you type leaves this page.

The admitted class · 2024

Here’s what it took to get in.

Acceptance rate

63.8%

SAT middle 50%

1110–1350

median 1300

ACT middle 50%

24–29

median 28

Testing

Optional

17% submitted an SAT

Graduation rate

76%

within six years

Common App

Accepted

Reported by the college

What does Drake University actually read?

Colleges publish which parts of an application they weigh. It’s the most useful thing they say about admissions. Almost nobody reads it. Say the essay counts a lot here and class rank doesn’t count at all. That tells you where to put your work.

  • Very important

    The parts of an application this school weighs most heavily.

    • Grades
    • Course rigor
  • Considered

    Looked at, but not decisive on its own.

    • Test scores
    • Essay
    • Recommendations
    • Work experience
  • Not considered

    Reported as playing no part in the decision.

    • Class rank
    • Legacy

From the federal IPEDS admissions survey, 2024. It records whether Drake University considers each factor, but not how heavily, and it doesn’t ask about extracurriculars, character, or demonstrated interest. Where a school publishes its Common Data Set, Spike uses that instead.

Deadlines · 2026 cycle

When should you apply?

  • Early ActionDecember 1, 2026
  • Regular DecisionMarch 1, 2027

Drake University fills part of its class in the early round. Admit rates there typically run higher. Early Decision is binding. It only fits a clear first choice.

Real cost · 2024 data

What do families actually pay?

The sticker price is $64,835. Almost nobody pays it. Here’s what families pay at Drake University by income, after grants and scholarships:

  • Under $30k$25,824
  • $30k–$48k$23,275
  • $48k–$75k$25,171
  • $75k–$110k$27,408
  • Over $110k$33,126

U.S. Department of Education data: average net price a year for first-time students who got aid. Your own number depends on your family’s finances.

Common questions

What do students ask about Drake University?

What’s Drake University’s acceptance rate?

Drake University admits 63.8% of applicants (latest reported cycle: 2024).

What SAT score do you need for Drake University?

The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1110 and 1350. A score above 1350 clears the 75th percentile. Below 1110, the rest of your application has to do more of the work, or you can apply test-optional.

Is Drake University test-optional?

Yes, Drake University is currently test-optional. Send a score if it lands in or above the admitted middle 50%.

What does Drake University look for in an application?

Drake University says it weighs grades, course rigor most heavily. What it lists as not considered is worth knowing too. Work you put there doesn’t count here.

How much does Drake University actually cost?

The sticker price is $64,835. The average family pays $29,127 after aid. Families earning under $30k pay about $25,824 a year on average.

What Spike does with this

Use the Drake University read in your plan.

Spike ties your numbers to your courses, testing, essays, and activities. It does the same for the rest of your college list.

The full counselor launches in November.