A Lifetime of Value
The Drake Difference
We know what you’re wondering: what are the benefits of becoming a Bulldog?
And the short answer is: the lifetime return you will get on your degree.
A Drake education means you graduate with hands-on experiences and skill sets that help you stand out—and connections that help you explore and advance. A Drake degree means something powerful, and it attracts powerful opportunities. And those opportunities yield not just profit, but purpose.
Drake graduates earn top-tier salaries, but they also have an incredible ability to tap into careers they find meaningful—to take their Bulldog spirit forward and challenge themselves and the industries they work in to advance society and strengthen community.
You should always do the front-end work of comparing universities. We encourage that work, because we know that Drake won’t just give you four years of value—it will deliver an entire lifetime of valuable returns.
The ROI of a Drake Education
A Drake education prepares you for what’s next—just ask our alumni, 93% of whom say their education here equipped them for the workforce.
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Drake ranks #1 in Iowa for median salary 10 years after enrollment.
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Of Drake undergraduate students receive a scholarship.
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Drake ranks in the top 3% of schools in the nation for lifetime return on investment.
Where Dreams Become Reality
At every turn, you’ll find that we prepare you to get the most from your future. From the faculty who mentor you to the opportunities you’ll uncover—at Drake, success is deliberate.
Creating Leaders
Our liberal arts curriculum means you’ll have the skills to stand out from the crowd when it’s time to launch your career. Our graduates are able to think critically and problem-solve collaboratively—skills that are partnered with a deep understanding of what it means to be an engaged and responsible citizen. It’s easy to see why companies with whom we partner say Drake students shine brighter.
A Powerful Network
Unparalleled value comes from the strength of our powerful alumni network and the intentional connections that are built between our alumni and students. More than 90,000 strong, across 42 states and 15 countries—Bulldog alumni have supported generations of Bulldogs through mentorships, internships, job placements, and more.
Reputation
We’ve built relationships with employers and organizations in Des Moines and beyond. Our partners know what our students bring to the table, and you’ll benefit from the legacy we’ve defined.
Shape Your Future
The success you’ll build at Drake can’t be boiled down to one thing. It’s shaped by many factors—such as our home in Iowa’s capital city, the professors who inspire you, and a culture that empowers you to forge your own path while providing the guidance you need to thrive. This blend of opportunity, support, and independence sets us apart.
Des Moines
You should expect big things out of a city of 700,000, and Des Moines exceeds expectations. We’re a hub not only for politics and business but also art, food, and music.
Internships and other experiences
Bulldogs are explorers, doers, and creators, with many securing an internship as early as their first year. And for opportunities, you don’t have to look far: small startups to Fortune 500 companies call our city home.
More personalized, supportive education
When you work with professors who nurture your aspirations and focus on teaching and mentorship, you’ll discover just what you’re capable of.
Career support
Bulldogs have a reputation for excellence. And so does our Career Services team: they’ll coach you one-on-one toward internships and eventually your first post-graduation job.
The Career Impact of a Drake Education
Drake produces intrepid visionaries, changemakers, and creatives who transform industries and society through their ideas. Bulldogs often jump-start their own journeys, graduating sooner, finding success more quickly, and earning more than peers at other Iowa institutions.
Since 2001, more than 30 undergrads have earned one of these prestigious postgraduate scholarships for international study.
Drake ranks first among bachelor’s-degree-granting colleges in Iowa for alumni median earnings 10 years after enrolling.
You’ll finish on time: nearly 91% of Drake students receive their undergraduate degree in four years or less.
In 2024, 95.2% of our graduates were working, in grad school, or involved in an activity related to their professional goals within six months of graduation.
Student Testimonials
Take the Next Step
Learn what it means to study at a college that puts your dreams first.
