Rankings & Facts

History—Founded in 1881 and named for Civil War general Francis Marion Drake, the University boasts more than 140 years of proud history and many traditions.

Enrollment—Just shy of 3,000 undergraduates and 1,600 graduate students from 45 states and more than 40 countries.

Faculty—300 full-time instructors and professors, 92 percent holding the highest degrees in their field, and are all focused strongly on their students’ success.

Rankings—Respected sources recognize Drake for:

• Educational quality (consistently named at the top by U.S.News and World Report)
• Student achievement in and out of the classroom (National Study on Student Engagement)
• Value for your dollar (Barron’s 300 Best Buys in College Education and Peterson’s Guide to Competitive Colleges)

Programs of Study—Our undergraduates choose from more than 150 majors, minors, and concentrations; combine majors, or create their own majors. Graduate students choose from more than 20 master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees.

College and Schools—The University comprises seven major academic units: the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, Zimpleman College of Business, John Dee Bright College, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, School of Law, and College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Location—Drake’s 150-acre campus is located in Des Moines, Iowa’s state capital and a city offering attractions including restaurants and shopping; music festivals, museums, and other cultural highlights; and excellent internships. Des Moines has been ranked No. 1 on Forbes magazine’s list of the “Best Places for Business and Careers.”

Athletics—The Drake Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Missouri Valley Conference and Pioneer Football League. Drake fields teams in eight men’s and 10 women’s sports through the intercollegiate athletics program and offers many options for club sports, intramurals, and fitness and wellness.

Accreditation—Drake University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association; Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business; Iowa Department of Public Instruction; National Association of Schools of Art and Design; National Association of Schools of Music; American Chemical Society; Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications; Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education; and the American Bar Association.