Drake University

Getting in is the hard part. Drake University admitted 63.8% of applicants in its most recent reported class, one of the lowest rates in the country. Realistically it is a reach for every applicant, no matter how strong.

Admitted students cluster near the top of the testing range: the middle 50% score 1110–1350 on the SAT and 24–29 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention, but they do not decide it.

The real question is not your odds but your move. That is where Spike comes in: it reads your profile against what Drake University actually rewards, and tells you what to do next.

Check your own numbers against this class →

The things you learn in class are just the start. At Drake, accomplished faculty help you bring lessons to life through research, internships, and more transformative experiences that will shape your future.

Drake offers more than 150 programs across seven different colleges and schools, allowing students to focus on their passions or discover new interests.

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• Next deadlineDecember 1, 2026 (EA)
• Regular decisionMarch 1, 2027
• TestingRequired (2026 cycle)
• Recommendations0 letters
• Personal essayNot required
• ApplicationCommon App

Verified from drake.edu.

The current prompts, straight from the application. These change year to year, so most guides you will find are a cycle behind.

• Think about a time you pursued a question or idea outside of school because it sparked your curiosity. What was it, what did you discover, and how did it shape your perspective? In what ways has that continued to influence you?

• Suppose you discover the means by which humans can read the minds of other humans without them knowing. Obviously, this technology would be highly desired by many corporations, governments, etc. What would be the ethical thing to using this technology and why? What risks are there to doing this with this technology and what benefits make you willing to embrace these risks for the sake of benefits?

• Describe a time when your thinking was challenged through conversation or collaboration with others. What did you learn from the experience? How did it influence the way you think about engaging with others? How (if at all) have you incorporated the lesson of that experience into you current approach to such conversations?

Every prompt, with how to approach each →

Verified from drake.edu.

The sticker price is about $64,835, but that is not what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $29,127.

Drake offers generous financial aid, including a tuition guarantee and scholarships for 100% of undergraduates, to ensure an accessible educational experience.

Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $71,901.

Verified from drake.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.

“A Tuesday here might involve challenging assumptions in class, then connecting with peers in one of 170 student organizations, all while exploring the vibrant Des Moines metro.”

Students decorate Carpenter Avenue during Street Painting, sled down hills using trays from Hubbell Dining Hall, and gather at the historic Kissing Rock.

Is Drake University test-optional?

No. For the 2026 application cycle, Drake University requires SAT or ACT scores from first-year applicants.

How hard is it to get into Drake University?

Very hard. Drake University admits 63.8% of applicants, and the middle 50% of admitted students score 1110 to 1350 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.

When is the Drake University application deadline?

The next deadline is December 1, 2026 (EA). Regular Decision closes March 1, 2027.

How much does Drake University cost?

The list price is about $64,835, but the average price families actually pay after aid is $29,127.

Is Drake University worth it?

Graduates earn a median of $71,901 ten years after enrolling, and 76% graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals, which is exactly what Spike helps you weigh.