Drake University
Des Moines, United States • Founded 1881 • World Rank #4930
Overview
Established in 1881, the Drake University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Des Moines (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Iowa.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Drake University (Drake) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Drake University (Drake) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 142-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Drake also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Drake University's contact information and physical address — the basics you'll want before applying or visiting. Bookmark this page as a single reference point during the application cycle.
Academic Details
The basic academic profile of Drake University, including enrolment and faculty composition. Total student count fluctuates intake-to-intake; treat the figure as approximate rather than precise.
Academic Structures
Browse the academic-unit structure of Drake University. Multi-faculty programmes exist but are usually administered by a lead faculty that handles admissions and credentialing.
Unit 6 items
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business and Public Administration
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- School of Education
- School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- School of Law
Programs Offered
Drake University's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.
Bachelor's Degree
52 programmes
Drake University runs 52 programmes at bachelor's level — undergraduate programmes that usually span three to four years and serve as the standard entry route into a profession or further study.
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration Pharmacy
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts, Other Visual Arts
Music Music
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Economics Economics
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Psychology, General Psychology
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
History History
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
International Business International Business
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Non-Professional Legal Studies Law
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Legal Professions and Studies, Other Law
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Journalism Journalism
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Chemistry Chemistry
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Mathematics Mathematics
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
17 programmes
At postgraduate taught level, Drake University runs 17 programmes. These master's degrees suit applicants ready to concentrate on a narrower field than their bachelor's covered.
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Public Administration Public Administration
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Medical Illustration and Informatics Health Sciences
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Non-Professional Legal Studies Law
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Legal Professions and Studies, Other Law
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
3 programmes
Drake University delivers 3 programmes at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration Pharmacy
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Law Law
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
1 programme
Drake University delivers 1 programme at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
6 programmes
Drake University lists 6 programmes outside the standard bachelor-to-doctorate ladder — vocational and pathway awards that often carry credit toward a later full degree.
Public Health Public Health
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Drake University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Drake University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse Drake University's 79 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at Drake University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Drake University processes applications through www.drake.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (515) 271 2011. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drake University
Quick answers to the most common questions about Drake University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
When did Drake University open?
Drake University traces its founding to 1881 (approximately 145 years ago).
In which city is Drake University?
Drake University is based in Des Moines, United States.
Is Drake University public or private?
Drake University operates as a private institution.
How many students study at Drake University?
Drake University has approximately 4,000-4,999 students.
How is Drake University ranked?
Drake University is ranked #4930 globally and #504 in United States.
What is Drake University's academic structure?
Drake University is organised into 6 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Drake University accredited?
Drake University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
How do I find Drake University online?
The institution's website is www.drake.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Time-trend in rankings matters: rising universities in the United States may overtake Drake University or its peers over your study horizon. Year-on-year movement signals institutional momentum.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Beyond Drake University, these universities also belong to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) — useful for students who weight inter-institutional partnerships, exchange programmes, or shared accreditation frameworks. Membership networks often translate into practical student benefits.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Alumni networks within a region often outlast individual institutional choice. Universities near Drake University share post-grad employer connections that benefit students from any of them.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Other universities in the United States that teach Education & Teaching appear below — useful for comparing programme depth against Drake University. Programme structures differ even within the same country, so detailed comparison is worth the effort.
Universities Often Compared with Drake University
When students choose Drake University, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.