About Drake University
Drake University is a private university founded in 1881 in Des Moines, Iowa. The school is committed to providing students with opportunities that allow them to build successful careers and relationships. Collaborative learning integrates liberal arts and sciences with professional training.
Online students can take advantage of a variety of programs including a bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass communication, pharmacy science, and more. Graduate degrees include the areas of health informatics, education, and business administration. Students both in person and online can expect close mentorship and a focus on resume building experiences.
Why enroll online at Drake University?
- Programs prepare you for the next step in your career
- Convenient online learning fits into busy schedules
- Advisors guide you through your educational journey
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Accreditation & Licensing
Drake University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Type:
4-year, Private not-for-profitHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
2,186Fully Online Graduate Students:
28%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$23,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
97%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$33,072Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesDrake’s path to graduation rewards steady work, not fast shortcuts. Classes are rigorous, and many include group projects. Those projects need weekly planning with classmates. Students who keep a regular study routine each week are likely to do best.
Drake can offer good value, especially when students use its career-focused programs and support. Along with tuition, some terms may include added fees. In some cases, students have seen about $300 in extra semester charges, including club fees. Because of that, total term cost can be higher than tuition alone.
At Drake University, support is strongest in the classroom. Professors are easy to reach, learn students’ names, and make time for extra help. Some even adjust meeting times so students can get the guidance they need. That gives students steady, day-to-day support in their courses.
The school can feel less consistent on some office and billing tasks. Even so, the core learning experience stays strong because faculty are responsive and engaged. For many students, that direct professor support is a key part of what makes Drake work well.
Drake offers online classes with a people-first feel. Instructors are easy to reach. Professors know students by name. Help feels direct, not distant.
The pace is serious and steady. Classes are tough and take real work. Group activities keep students engaged and connected. This structure fits learners who want support and clear expectations.
At Drake, classes are built on close contact with professors and active teaching. Class sizes are small, so students are known by name. Professors are easy to reach and ready to help. The classroom feel is personal, not anonymous.
Coursework is demanding and takes steady effort. Students can expect regular group work and active participation. This is not an easy-credit setting. It is a structured learning experience that builds strong skills for careers and helps students feel connected.
Drake offers a positive experience with a clear sense of purpose. Professors are approachable and involved. Students are often known by name, and classes feel personal and connected.
Coursework is challenging and often team based. The pace calls for steady effort each week. That structure helps students build skills for careers and feel better prepared for what comes next.
Some students report surprise charges, including about $300 in law-related billing. Dining also gets mixed reactions. Even so, Drake’s core strengths are strong teaching, close support, and a real sense of belonging.
Drake offers a positive experience with a clear sense of purpose. Professors are approachable and involved. Students are often known by name, and classes feel personal and connected.
Coursework is challenging and often team based. The pace calls for steady effort each week. That structure helps students build skills for careers and feel better prepared for what comes next.
Some students report surprise charges, including about $300 in law-related billing. Dining also gets mixed reactions. Even so, Drake’s core strengths are strong teaching, close support, and a real sense of belonging.
Online Programs offered by Drake University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Psychology & Human Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Drake University
Is Drake University accredited?
Yes. Drake University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How many online programs does Drake University offer?
Drake University offers 13 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Drake University offer?
Drake University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Drake University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Drake University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Drake University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Drake University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Drake University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Drake University programs require?
Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Is Drake University military friendly?
Drake University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Drake University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Drake University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Statement of Purpose/Intent. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Drake University accept life experience credit?
Drake University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Drake University programs fully online or mixed?
Drake University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Drake University offer?
Drake University has online program options in areas such as Business, Art & Liberal Arts, Healthcare, and Criminal Justice, Safety & Law; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Drake University programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include AACSB International (AACSB); Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).
Are any admission tests required for Drake University programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Drake University?
For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.
Do any Drake University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Drake University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Drake University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Drake University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Drake University is featured in 7 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Drake University is located in Iowa
Iowa at a Glance:
Top Majors in Iowa:
Top Incentives in Iowa:
- Iowa Tuition Grant: Up to $6,800 annually
Top Career Pathways in Iowa:
- Entry Level: Farm Manager ($55,000)
- Mid Level: Agricultural Operations Manager ($85,000)
- Senior Level: Agricultural Director ($130,000+)
- Required Education: BS Agricultural Science
- Certifications: CCA, CPAg