Drake University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Drake admits many applicants, but the academic bar is still clear: admitted students average a 3.69 GPA, and the SAT middle range is 1120 to 1320. Your strategy should be to show you fit comfortably in that range, and if you submit scores, aim near the upper half.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Drake University facts and stats
Drake University enrolls about 2,585 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Drake has a 6-year graduation rate of 74%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1.
Des Moines, IA
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Key Drake University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
January 15
Early Action
December 1
Early Decision
December 1
Priority Deadline
January 15
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional Drake, plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes or potential superscore gains. Because Drake’s Early Decision and Early Action deadlines are December 1, an October retake is the last practical fall test date to have scores arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Drake’s tuition and fees are $52,130, with 69% of students receiving aid. The average merit award is $31,782, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.
Drake’s listed cost of attendance is about $64,582, including $52,130 in tuition and fees and $12,452 for room and board. About 69% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $40,774. Merit aid can be significant, with an average merit award of $31,782, and several listed scholarships use a 3.50+ GPA threshold. Graduates leave with an average debt of $36,374.
Student life at Drake University
62% of undergrads live on campus
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Allen College
Waterloo, IAOrion Technical College
Davenport, IAAcceptance rate: 100%
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, IAACT: 18–24
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IAAcceptance rate: 77.6%
ACT: 19–26
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