Options to explore. Support to succeed. Connections to thrive.
57%
Out-of-state students
150+
Majors and programs across seven colleges and schools
A TOP 100 Private School in the Nation (U.S. News & World Report)
More than 75% of classes have fewer than 30 students
4,200+ Undergraduate and graduate students
Built-in peer and academic
COACHING
#1
Private College in Iowa (Wall Street Journal)
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Classes taught by teaching assistants
Infinite combinations of coursework, hands-on experience, and global studies
Students come from 44 states and 34 countries
25%
First-generation students 02
More than your major. When you walk Drake’s campus, you’ll soon discover a vibrant community where everyone can find their place and purpose—from the unapologetically ambitious to the courageously creative. And these marvelous differences are celebrated along the heartbeat that is our campus—Painted Street. Individual squares represent just a few of our student organizations each year.
Multiple passions? You’ll fit right in. 170+ STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
From academics to multicultural organizations, there’s an organization for everyone, including those who want to make their own. 03
ARTS IN ABUNDANCE
Drake offers five theatre productions a year, a full symphony orchestra, a wind ensemble and symphonic band, four choral ensembles, two large jazz ensembles, and marching and pep bands.
DRAKE SPORTS CLUBS
For those who are driven to win, we have multiple premier sports clubs, including ice hockey, badminton, frisbee, and baseball.
INTRAMURALS
From sand volleyball to pickleball, intramurals serve up competition and fun all over campus.
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Interested in giving back? Join a service organization and support the community alongside fellow Drake Bulldogs.
GREEK LIFE
More than 30% of Drake Bulldogs are involved in Greek Life.
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BLUE.
Get ready to get loud with Spike and Griff III. Our 16 Division I athletic programs have a tradition of winning, so there’s always plenty to cheer about. Get into Drake home athletic events for free with your student ID.
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Drake Relays For more than 115 years, athletes—including Olympians—from around the world have competed in track and field events hosted by the Drake Relays. Outside the stadium, students enjoy a week-long celebration of traditions, including the Beautiful Bulldog Contest, street painting, an outdoor concert, the Drake Road Races, a foam dance party, and a lot more!
Record-breakers. Fan-makers. 10
NCAA tournament appearances by Men’s and Women’s basketball in the past ten years
37 NCAA Championship
appearances by 12 athletic programs since 2016
1 of just 2 private schools to ever earn the Missouri Valley Conference All-Sports championship
MEN’S DIVISION 1 SPORTS Basketball
Soccer
Cross Country
Tennis
Football
Track & Field
Golf WOMEN’S DIVISION 1 SPORTS Basketball
Soccer
Cross Country
Softball
Golf
Track & Field
Rowing
Tennis Volleyball
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Rising skylines, soaring Bulldogs. Drake’s campus is located in the heart of Iowa’s capital city, Des Moines. And Des Moines is a pretty big deal. The city is consistently ranked one of the best places to live—especially for young professionals. As the accolades gain attention, the city has become one of the fastest-growing metros in the Midwest, with a population of more than 750,000.
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Des Moines is a political epicenter, a national business hub, and a city that knows how to mix entertainment, culture, and professional opportunities. If live music is your scene, the East Village has you covered. Late-night hunger? Des Moines has plenty of spots to satisfy. Down to get airborne? Check out our skate park—the largest in the nation. Getting a foot in the door is easy with an internship at one of Des Moines’ industry-leading businesses. You’ll love exploring our hometown.
#1
#3
Best place to live in Iowa for young adults
Best metro for Gen-Z students right out of college
(SoFi, 2025)
(Rent Cafe, 2025)
#3
87
Most Livable City in the U.S.
Miles of Paved and Soft Trails
(Reader’s Digest, 2025)
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Ambition meets opportunity. Access to opportunity is a fundamental right. Our pathways ensure more students experience the transformational power of a Drake education. 09
Scholarships 100% of qualifying full-time undergraduate students receive a renewable scholarship (up to $36,500 per year). We also offer additional scholarships and financial aid. View Drake’s comprehensive scholarship opportunities at drake.edu/scholarships
No Tuition Increases Drake’s Tuition Guarantee means your tuition won’t increase over your four undergraduate years. While other colleges implement tuition increases each year, at Drake, you’re protected from tuition increases and surprises.
Full-Tuition Programs for Qualifying Iowans Drake offers two full-tuition coverage programs for qualifying Iowa students—the Bulldog Promise and the Bright College Pathway.
Learn more about Drake’s Tuition Guarantee
A Lifetime of Value It’s not just about evaluating costs—it’s about understanding the return on your investment. The value of a Drake education is profound. ranks #1 in Iowa for median salary #1 Drake 10 years after a student’s enrollment (U.S. Dept. of Education)
ranks in the top 3% nationally for 3% Drake lifetime return on investment (Bipartisan Policy Center)
lifetime return on investment of a $1.5M The Drake education (Bipartisan Policy Center)
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Learn boldly, think broadly. Your student journey is uniquely yours, guided by the support of faculty mentors, advisors, and career coaches. You will learn from faculty who are passionate practitioners, experienced and connected in the fields you pursue. 11
Prepare to Stand Out Your future career will be boosted by hands-on learning opportunities that expose you to real-world scenarios and problem-solving to help you stand out from the crowd upon graduation. Our unique position in the heart of the capital allows our students incredible access to private and public sector industry experiences.
DRAKE’S COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS College of Arts and Sciences College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences John Dee Bright College School of Education School of Journalism and Mass Communication Zimpleman College of Business Drake Law School
J-Term is a three-week intensive course to try something new or to get ahead in your major. Address global health challenges in India, forge metal into form, or code the next groundbreaking app—and call it homework. Whether you want to see the world or simply see what you’re capable of, J-Term gives you the space to do something extraordinary.
89.3%
of our students participate in an internship, fieldwork, or independent research prior to graduation.
The World is Your Classroom We weave global learning into your Drake education because we know Bulldogs are better prepared to succeed when they have a global mindset. Whether you’re hearing directly from a U.S. ambassador in your classroom, or studying across the globe, you’ll gain experience that will strengthen your ability to adapt, communicate, and think critically. These qualities help you to not only learn, but lead.
32%
of students had a study abroad experience compared to 10% nationally (2025 graduating class) 12
Undergraduate Programs
Programs for every passion and purpose. Learn more at drake.edu/academics.
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES American Politics Anthropology and Sociology Anthropology Minor Black Diaspora Studies Minor Creative Writing and Writing Studies* English* French Language and Culture Minor German Language and Culture Minor History* Human Resources Management Concentration Human Rights Studies Minor International Relations* Japanese Language and Culture Minor Latin American Studies Minor Law, Politics, and Society Philosophy* Politics* Religious and Interfaith Studies Minor Sociology* Spanish Spanish Language and Culture Minor Spanish for Medical and Health Professions Minor Women’s and Gender Studies Concentration ART AND DESIGN Art History* Curatorial Studies Minor Graphic Design* Studio Art* MUSIC Applied Music (Instrumental, Vocal, Strings or Piano Performance) Jazz Studies Concentration Music* Music Education (Instrumental or Choral) Music Major with Elective Studies in Business THEATRE ARTS Musical Theatre* Musical Theatre Concentration Theatre Acting Theatre* Theatre Arts with Teaching Certificate Theatre Design and Technology* Theatre Directing Minor Vocal Music Concentration MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCES Artificial Intelligence* Behavior Analysis of Developmental Disabilities Concentration Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Biology* Biophysics Concentration Chemistry*
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Comparative Animal Behavior Concentration Computer Science* Cybersecurity Minor Data Analytics* Economics* Environmental Science* Environmental Sustainability and Resilience* Kinesiology Mathematics* Mathematics for Secondary Education* Neuroscience* Physics* Psychology* Quantitative Economics Spatial and Information Technology Minor Zoo and Conservation Science INTERDISCIPLINARY Individualized Major Interdisciplinary Study of the Humanities and Sciences Concentration Military Studies Minor Open Enrolled (Undecided) STEM Undergraduate Research Scholar Concentration
BRIGHT COLLEGE
AA Degree in Business, Organization, and Professional Studies AA Degree in Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Humanities Open Enrolled
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Disability and Rehabilitation Services Education Studies Minor Elementary Teacher Education (K–6) International Education Minor International Teaching Minor Leadership Education and Development Minor Secondary Teacher Education (5–12) Social Justice in Urban Education Concentration
SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION
Advertising* Communications (Open/Undecided) Content Strategy and Publishing* Digital Media Production Journalism (Open/Undecided) Multimedia Journalism Public Relations Sports Media and Communication Strategic Political Communication
*a minor in the program also exists.
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIENCES
Clinical and Medical Health Sciences Global and Comparative Public Health Concentration Health Care Administration Health Sciences Nursing (ABSN) Occupational Therapy (OTD) Pharmacy (PharmD) Public Health
ZIMPLEMAN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Accounting* Actuarial Science* Business Studies Minor Business Law Business (Open/Undecided) Data Analytics* Economics* Entrepreneurship Minor Finance* Information Systems* International Business Law and Business Minor Management and Organizational Leadership Management Minor Marketing* Quantitative Economics Risk Management and Insurance Minor
PRE-PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS Accelerated Undergrad Degree + Law Degree (3+3) Pre-Athletic Training Pre-Counseling Pre-Dentistry Pre-Engineering Pre-Law Pre-Medicine Pre-Physician Assistant Pre-Veterinary Medicine
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS Global Ambassador
Apply for free! drake.edu/apply