Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa
Drake University is a private institution in Des Moines, Iowa with 2,669 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $49,944 compared with a Iowa nursing-school average of $22,026. The school reports a graduation rate of 77.3%, median earnings of $71,901, and median federal debt of $23,000.
$49,944 is higher than the state average of $22,026.
77.3% is higher than the state average of 54.2%.
$71,901 is higher than the state average of $43,462.
About Drake University
| Location | Des Moines, Iowa |
| Institution Type | Private Nonprofit |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.drake.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $49,944 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $49,944 |
| Total Enrollment | 2,669 |
| Acceptance Rate | 64.1% |
| Graduation Rate | 77.3% |
| Retention Rate | 83.9% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $71,901 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $243 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 20.9% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 47.1% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.3 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
20.9% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 47.1% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is less common than at many institutions in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Drake University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $199,776, while the reported median debt is $23,000 with an estimated monthly payment of $243. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
Quick Links
Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (70.5%), followed by Hispanic students (7.8%) and Black students (6.9%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($71,901) divided by median debt ($23,000)