Drake University is a private, coeducational institution in Des Moines, Iowa, founded in 1881. The university ranks #183 in the US News 2026 National Universities category (US-wide research doctoral tier).
Drake University’s six colleges cover business, pharmacy, law, education, arts and sciences and journalism. All programs run in English, with primary Fall (August) and secondary Spring (January) intakes for Indian applicants. Popular pathways for Indian students include actuarial science, finance, computer science, pharmacy and business analytics. Drake enrolls students from 52 countries on a 150-acre residential campus.
- US News Ranking: #183 National Universities (2026 edition)
- Acceptance Rate: 68% (estimated)
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- Undergraduate Tuition: $52,988 per year (₹50.07 lakh)
- Graduate Tuition: From $670 per credit hour
- Post-Study Work: 12 months OPT; 36 months for STEM programs
Also Check: MS Universities in USA
Drake University charges the same tuition rate for Indian and domestic students. This rate locks at admission for the full four-year undergraduate journey. Renewable International Student Grants cover up to 40% of total attendance costs for eligible undergraduates. Indian applicants hold the F-1 student visa, receiving 12 months of Optional Practical Training after graduation. STEM-designated programs unlock a further 24-month OPT extension.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.5 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Fall 2027 intake). Drake University Fall 2027 international first-year applications are open, with the Early Action priority deadline on December 1, 2026 and Regular Decision on March 1, 2027. Spring 2027 international transfer applications close on November 1, 2026, tagged as Closing Soon for Indian applicants targeting a January 2027 start. Graduate programs including MBA and Master of Business Analytics operate on rolling admissions; applicants should submit at least three months before term start.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Drake University 2027
- Drake University Admission 2027
- Drake University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Drake University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Drake University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Drake University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Drake University Scholarships 2027
- Drake University Rankings 2027
- Drake University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Drake University vs Peer Universities
- Drake University FAQs
Drake University Popular Courses and Fees 2027
Drake University charges the same tuition rate for Indian and domestic students across all six colleges. Undergraduate programs run four years at $52,988 per year for 2026-27. Graduate programs bill per credit hour, while the Law School charges an annual rate. As per Drake University’s 2026-27 tuition schedule, most graduate degrees fall between ₹18 lakh and ₹50 lakh in total cost. Indian applicants pursuing MBA universities in USA should note that Drake’s MBA is credit-based rather than lockstep annual.
Top 10 Postgraduate Programs at Drake University
Postgraduate programs run one to three years across the six colleges, with per-credit rates from $670 to $718. Total program cost depends on the credit-hour load, which most masters set at 30 to 44 credits.
| Program | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | From $718 per credit | 25 to 32 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL 79 |
| Master of Business Analytics | From $670 per credit | 19 to 24 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended); TOEFL 79 |
| Master of Accounting | From $670 per credit | 18 to 22 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in accounting or related with 55% (recommended); TOEFL 79 |
| Master of Public Administration | From $670 per credit | 22 to 27 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended); TOEFL 79 |
| Master of Education (M.Ed) | From $670 per credit | 18 to 22 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in education or related with 55% (recommended); TOEFL 79 |
| Master of Communication Leadership | From $670 per credit | 18 to 22 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended); TOEFL 79 |
| Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) | 4-year professional program | 180 to 200 lakh (estimated) | Pre-pharmacy prerequisites; TOEFL 79 |
| Juris Doctor (JD) | $52,968 per year across 3 years | 150.16 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended); TOEFL 80; LSAT |
| Master of Laws (LLM) | $52,968 per year | 50.05 lakh | LLB or JD with 55% (recommended); TOEFL 80 |
| Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) | Credit-based; confirm on official fee schedule | 18 to 25 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended); TOEFL 80 |
Top 5 Undergraduate Programs at Drake University
Undergraduate degrees run four years at a locked annual tuition of $52,988. All programs listed below apply the same tuition rate, giving a four-year cost of $211,952.
| Program | Total fee (USD, 4 years) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | $211,952 | 200.29 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended); TOEFL 71 |
| Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) | $211,952 | 200.29 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended); TOEFL 71 |
| Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science | $211,952 | 200.29 lakh | Class 12 with 75% to 88% recommended in maths; TOEFL 71 |
| Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics | $211,952 | 200.29 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended); TOEFL 71 |
| Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication | $211,952 | 200.29 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended); TOEFL 71 |
[Source: Drake University 2026-27 tuition schedule]
Insider note: Indian applicants most commonly cluster in actuarial science, finance, business analytics and pharmacy at Drake University. Actuarial science pulls the strongest OPT extension benefits under STEM designation.
Drake University Admission 2027
Drake University operates two intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January). Fall is the primary intake for Indian applicants across undergraduate and graduate programs. A brief application timeline follows; see the linked Admissions guide for the full document checklist.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 Early Action Priority Deadline | December 1, 2026 | Priority review for admission, merit scholarships and on-campus housing |
| Fall 2027 Regular Decision Deadline | March 1, 2027 | Rolling review for later applicants on a space-available basis |
| Spring 2027 International Transfer Priority | November 1, 2026 | Closing soon; targets January 2027 term start |
| Credential verification (WES or ECE) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Send transcripts using Drake school code 6168 |
| Fall 2027 Programme Start | August 2027 | International orientation runs the week before classes begin |
[Source: Drake University international admissions page]
Planning note: Indian applicants targeting Presidential merit scholarships should complete the Drake University application by the December 1 Early Action deadline. Later applications remain accepted but face a smaller aid pool.
Read More: Drake University Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Drake University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Drake University admission requirements combine academic thresholds, English proficiency minimums and standardised documentation for Indian applicants across universities in USA comparable to Drake.
Drake University PG Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic requirement: Bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); official transcripts translated to English
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 79 (0-120 legacy scale), IELTS 6.5, PTE Academic 48, or Duolingo English Test 105
- Credential verification: WES or ECE course-by-course evaluation for foreign transcripts
- Program-specific tests: LSAT for JD; TOEFL 80 for Law programs; pre-pharmacy prerequisites for PharmD; GRE and GMAT typically optional for MBA and Business Analytics
Drake University UG Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic requirement: Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended) from CBSE, ICSE or state boards; complete secondary school certificate
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 71 (0-120 legacy scale), IELTS 6.0, PTE Academic 48, Duolingo 105, SAT 500 EBRW or ACT 19 English
Note: Indian applicants from English-medium schools attended for at least two years within the last two years may qualify for an English proficiency waiver. Submit school certificates confirming instruction language during application review.
Drake University Acceptance Rate 2027
Drake University’s overall acceptance rate is 68% (estimated) based on third-party admissions data; the university does not publicly disclose an annual official figure. This positions Drake as a moderately selective private US institution.
Drake practices holistic admissions, weighting GPA, essays, extracurriculars, standardised tests and demonstrated interest. Indian applicants with a Class 12 score above 75% and TOEFL iBT 71 or higher typically clear the academic threshold. Program-specific selectivity varies, with pharmacy and law more competitive than general undergraduate admission.
Reality check: The 68% headline rate reflects general undergraduate admission at Drake University. Indian applicants targeting PharmD or the JD program should expect a stricter secondary review, since both operate as professional programs with capped cohorts.
Read More: Drake University Acceptance Rate
Drake University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost of attendance for an Indian undergraduate at Drake University is $67,080 (₹63.39 lakh), covering tuition, room, board, books and personal expenses. Graduate program totals typically range from ₹18 lakh to ₹50 lakh annually depending on credit load and school. Applicants comparing Drake against other options for study in USA should factor rate lock into four-year projections.
Drake University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
| Level | Annual tuition (USD) | Annual tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (all majors) | $52,988 | 50.07 lakh |
| Graduate (general per credit hour) | $670 | 0.63 lakh per credit |
| MBA (per credit hour) | $718 | 0.68 lakh per credit |
| Law School (JD and LLM) | $52,968 | 50.05 lakh |
[Source: Drake University 2026-27 tuition schedule]
Monthly Cost of Living in Des Moines for Indian Students
Des Moines ranks below the US average on Iowa cost-of-living indices, making it more affordable than coastal alternatives for Indian students.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (off-campus shared) | $650 to $900 (estimated) | ₹61,425 to ₹85,050 |
| Food and groceries | $450 to $600 (estimated) | ₹42,525 to ₹56,700 |
| $60 to $100 (estimated) | ₹5,670 to ₹9,450 | |
| Books and supplies | $85 to $110 (estimated) | ₹8,033 to ₹10,395 |
| Personal and utilities | $150 to $250 (estimated) | ₹14,175 to ₹23,625 |
| Total monthly | $1,395 to $1,960 | ₹1.32 lakh to ₹1.85 lakh |
| Total annual | $16,740 to $23,520 | 15.82 lakh to 22.23 lakh |
[Source: Numbeo Des Moines cost estimates and Drake University room and board rates]
Insider note: On-campus room and board at Drake University costs $12,876 (₹12.17 lakh) annually. Off-campus shared apartments in University Avenue and Beaverdale neighbourhoods often run 15% to 25% cheaper for Indian students in second year.
Drake University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Drake University occupies a 150-acre residential campus in the University Avenue neighbourhood of Des Moines, roughly 6 km from downtown.
- Location and transport: 150-acre urban campus served by DART city bus lines; 15 minutes from Des Moines International Airport by car
- Housing: Eight residence halls with furnished rooms and air conditioning; housing guaranteed for first-year and second-year students; annual on-campus room and board $12,876 (₹12.17 lakh)
- Academic facilities: Cowles Library, Bell Center recreation complex, Meredith Hall for journalism and Harmon Fine Arts Center
- Student life: 160+ clubs and organisations plus the celebrated Drake Relays track meet; international students from 52 countries form roughly 3% of enrolment
What Indian students say: Reviews highlight small class sizes and accessible faculty as the strongest campus draws. Winter cold in Iowa remains the most-cited adjustment challenge for first-year Indian students arriving from tropical climates.
Drake University Scholarships 2027
Drake University offers merit-based and need-based scholarships that reach 100% of full-time new undergraduates on campus-based programs. Three routes are commonly used by Indian applicants pursuing degrees at Drake.
| Scholarship | Type | Award value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Merit | $26,000 to $36,500 per year (₹24.57 lakh to ₹34.49 lakh) | First-year undergraduates; automatic on academic profile | December 1, 2026 (Early Action) |
| National Alumni Scholarship | Merit | Full tuition worth $52,988 (₹50.07 lakh) | First-year undergraduates; competitive application | December 1, 2026 |
| International Student Grant | Need-based | Up to 40% of cost of attendance (₹25.36 lakh cap) | All international undergraduates; renewable | Application within admission portal |
| Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship | Transfer merit | $29,000 per year (₹27.41 lakh) | PTK members transferring to Drake University | Automatic on admission |
| Presidential Transfer Award | Transfer merit | $24,000 to $27,000 per year (₹22.68 lakh to ₹25.52 lakh) | International transfer applicants | Automatic on admission |
[Source: Drake University scholarships and financial aid page]
Planning note: Indian applicants can stack the Presidential Scholarship with the International Student Grant, but combined institutional aid cannot exceed 40% of total cost of attendance under Drake University policy. Applying by December 1 maximises the merit award.
Read More: Drake University Scholarships Guide
Drake University Rankings 2027
Drake University’s strongest position is #183 in the US News Best Colleges 2026 edition of National Universities, alongside a #69 Best Value Schools ranking. Drake is not currently featured in the QS World University Rankings 2027 or Times Higher Education 2026 World rankings, a common pattern for smaller US private teaching-focused universities.
| Ranking Body | Latest Rank | Edition |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #183 | 2026 |
| US News Best Value Schools | #69 | 2026 |
| US News Best Global Universities | #178 | 2024 |
| Time Magazine Best Colleges | #1 in Iowa | 2026 |
| Niche Best Colleges | #5 in Iowa; #56 no-application-fee colleges | 2027 |
| QS World University Rankings | Not ranked in QS 2027 | 2027 |
| THE World University Rankings | Not ranked in THE 2026 | 2026 |
| ARWU Shanghai | Not ranked in ARWU 2026 | 2026 |
[Source: US News, QS, THE, ARWU, Time Magazine, Niche]
As per US News graduate school rankings, Drake University Law School holds a mid-tier US ranking and the School of Education carries a comparable national profile among specialised graduate schools.
Key insight: The US News Best Value #69 ranking matters more than the National Universities position for Indian applicants weighing return on investment. Drake University’s F-1 designation and STEM OPT eligibility remain unaffected by the absence of a QS World rank.
Read More: Drake University Rankings Analysis
Drake University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Drake University reports that the vast majority of graduates land jobs or graduate school placements within six months of graduation, driven by strong regional recruiter relationships in Iowa’s finance and insurance corridor.
- Career outcome rate: 96% of Drake University graduates employed or in further study within 6 months (per Drake official data; verify at drake.edu)
- Median starting salary: Not centrally disclosed; Iowa-based new-hire market median hovers around $55,000 (₹51.98 lakh) across business and technology roles
- Top hiring sectors: Insurance and financial services, healthcare, agriculture technology, journalism and law
- Representative employers: Principal Financial Group, Wellmark Blue Cross, Nationwide Insurance, MercyOne Health, Meredith Corporation and John Deere as regional Iowa employers historically hiring Drake graduates
- Career support: Drake Professional and Career Development Services offers resume workshops, on-campus recruitment fairs and CPT/OPT documentation assistance for F-1 students
Insider note: Indian STEM graduates from Drake University often extend OPT to 36 months and pursue H-1B sponsorship through Iowa-based insurance and analytics employers. Actuarial science and data analytics graduates report the strongest H-1B conversion rates.
Drake University vs Peer Universities
Drake University sits in the mid-tier US private national university band. The peer set below covers Midwest private and Iowa public alternatives Indian students commonly weigh against Drake.
| University | US News National 2026 | Avg Annual PG Fee (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drake University | #183 | 19 to 50 lakh | Actuarial science, pharmacy and journalism strengths; #69 Best Value |
| Creighton University (Nebraska) | #124 (estimated) | 22 to 45 lakh (estimated) | Jesuit private with health sciences focus |
| University of Iowa | #88 (estimated) | 28 to 34 lakh (estimated) | Public flagship; larger research campus |
| Iowa State University | #124 (estimated) | 22 to 28 lakh (estimated) | STEM and engineering focus |
| University of Northern Iowa | Regional Midwest tier (estimated) | 18 to 22 lakh (estimated) | Undergraduate teaching focus at lower cost |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026 and market fee estimates]
Drake University stands out for its small-class private teaching model combined with the US News #69 Best Value ranking. The four-year rate lock removes tuition inflation risk that Indian families face at most US private universities.
Drake University suits Indian applicants seeking a small-class private US undergraduate experience with recognised Best Value credentials. The four-year investment of roughly ₹250 lakh weighs against post-OPT Midwest starting salaries near ₹52 lakh, with actuarial science, journalism and pharmacy pathways offering the strongest return on investment.
Drake University is less suitable for applicants targeting QS Top 100 brand recognition or heavy STEM research funding, since neither is a Drake strength. Purdue University or the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign fit those goals more directly for Indian students prioritising research-intensive labs.
Drake University FAQs
Ques. What is the acceptance rate at Drake University for international students?
Ans. Drake University’s overall acceptance rate is estimated at 68%. The university uses holistic admissions, weighting academics, essays, extracurricular activities and demonstrated interest. Indian applicants with a Class 12 score above 75% and TOEFL iBT 71 or higher typically clear the academic threshold. Final decisions still rely on the complete application profile including recommendations and financial documentation.
Ques. Does Drake University offer English proficiency test waivers for Indian applicants?
Ans. Yes, Drake University grants an English test waiver to applicants who studied for at least two of the last two years at a secondary or higher institution where instruction was in English. Indian applicants from English-medium CBSE, ICSE or IB schools can submit school certificates confirming instruction language. The Drake University international admissions team reviews each waiver request individually before issuing a decision.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Drake University?
Ans. Yes, F-1 visa holders at Drake University can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during academic terms and full-time during official breaks. Popular on-campus roles include library assistants, dining services, research assistants and lab technicians. Off-campus work requires Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training authorisation obtained through the Drake International Center each academic year.
Ques. Which loan providers finance Drake University tuition for Indian students?
Ans. Major Indian public sector banks including State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank and Canara Bank finance Drake University tuition under education loan schemes. Non-banking lenders including HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo and Prodigy Finance offer Drake-specific loans. International lenders MPOWER Financing and Prodigy Finance underwrite graduate loans without an Indian co-signer, provided the applicant secures admission first.
Ques. Is the GRE required for MBA and graduate programs at Drake University?
Ans. Drake University typically waives the GRE and GMAT requirement for the MBA and Master of Business Analytics programs, treating test scores as optional supplements. PharmD applicants follow PCAT-optional pathways, while JD applicants must submit LSAT scores. Waiver decisions are program-specific and change year to year, so Indian applicants should verify current policy on each Drake University program page before applying.
Ques. How long does OPT last after graduating from Drake University?
Ans. Drake University graduates receive 12 months of Optional Practical Training after completing their degree program. STEM-designated majors including Computer Science, Data Analytics and Actuarial Science qualify for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, taking total work authorisation to 36 months. The Drake International Center processes OPT applications during the final semester, and Indian students should apply at least 90 days before graduation.
Ques. What documents does Drake University require for the F-1 student visa I-20?
Ans. Drake University issues Form I-20 after admission and upon receipt of financial documentation. Indian applicants submit bank statements or sponsor affidavits proving funds to cover one full academic year worth approximately $67,080 (₹63.39 lakh) for undergraduates. Passport copy, admission acceptance letter and SEVIS fee receipt complete the I-20 packet before the F-1 visa interview at the US consulate.
Ques. Does Drake University accept 3-year Indian bachelor’s degrees for graduate admission?
Ans. Drake University generally evaluates 3-year Indian bachelor’s degrees for graduate admission on a case-by-case basis. Applicants submit a course-by-course WES or ECE evaluation showing US equivalence to a 4-year degree. Accelerated programs including MBA and Business Analytics accept qualifying 3-year degrees directly, while PharmD and JD require prerequisite coursework completion before Drake University issues an admission decision.
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Drake University Reviews
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2 Reviews Found
Overview
They have a really good business school. The professors are well experienced and have a lot of knowledge in their field. Right after my Malaysian Education Certificate (Malaysian version of SATs), I went into the American Degree Transfer Program, which essentially the American version of community college. There was no application fee. I applied to only two other universities.
Fees
The fee is $56,000 a year for international students. Scholarships are available for students based on GPA and are given automatically to students so students do not have to go through the hassle of applying. I was awarded the Presidential Transfer Award and International Student Grant for a total of $18000
Drake University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Novus Biological Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyAssociate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Washington DC Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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Drake University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.drake.edu/admission
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Drake University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7220 | 4708 | 2512 | - |
Comments
Found 3 Comments
An average high school GPA of 3.68 on 4.0 is required for admission to Drake University. An English language proficiency score along with other admission requirements. You can check Drake Admissions for information.
Hi, I'm interested in your institution I don't have ilets exam, but I'm good in English...is there any alternative way for me to gain admission?
Drake University accepts the Duolingo English Test (DET) as an alternative to IELTS and TOEFL. However, you can explore the Drake University courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.
How long will it take to decide?
Each program has its own application deadline and processing timeframe. However, you can explore the Drake University courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.