About Drake
Become Yourself Here
A Drake education will change you. You’re already driven to explore your world and find ways to make it better. You’ll get the tools to do that here. That’s because Drake University is a place where you’ll be surrounded by professors who are mentors and a community that is a classroom.
That growth is fostered in countless ways. Such as small classes that lend themselves to in-depth discussions and meaningful relationships with the people who teach you. And via our commitment to service learning, in which classroom lessons spill over onto campus, into Des Moines, and even in other countries.
It all adds up to an experience—the Drake Experience—that will transform you into the person you’re hoping to become.
Who We Are
The things we’re the most proud of today were here when we started: Drake was founded in 1881 by forward-thinking leaders with a vision for a university that would be broad-based, modern, and open to all. Today, we’re a model for experiential learning, led by individuals who understand that our most important job is to provide opportunity to the life-changing power of a Drake education, giving our students the skills to become leaders themselves.
Mission and Leadership
A singular inspiration propels our leaders: together, we transform lives and strengthen communities. Drake’s president, Marty Martin, has served here since 2015. (He’s also the parent of two Drake alumni.)
History and Traditions
With more than 140 years of history behind us, we have some stories to tell. From our notable architectural legacy to the frozen glory of Hubbelling, Drake is as eclectic as you’d expect.
The Drake Curriculum
Adjusting to a rapidly changing world requires a forward-thinking, adaptable, and intrepid mindset—one drawing upon diverse, complex disciplines and aware of its transformative potential. The Drake Curriculum prepares students for this reality by bridging comprehensive, intersectional liberal arts instruction with real-world, experiential education.
Our Relationship With Des Moines
Every great city needs a great University, and every great University needs a great city. Every year, Drake generates $427 million for the local economy. Our campus is just as dependent on Des Moines, a place where our students gain experience, our faculty and staff put down roots, and 25,000 of our alumni have found their home.
Centers and Institutes
Putting our expertise to work, we bring change to our community and shine a light on children’s rights, constitutional law, citizen engagement, and many more societal issues through our various Centers and Institutes.
Our Results
Drake ranks in the nation’s top 3% of schools for lifetime return on investment, but that’s not the only way we measure success. We’re just as proud of the lifetime commitment our students make toward leading, learning, and giving back.
Drake at a Glance
You will join a community of 3,000 undergraduate and 1,600 graduate students who are learning to lead. Here’s another number for you: zero. That’s how many teaching assistants you’ll encounter at Drake, ensuring that your professors know you by name.
Top %
In the nation for lifetime return on investment, according to a Bipartisan Policy Center study.
#
Private university in Iowa, according to The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 College Pulse Rankings.
%
Of 2024 bachelor’s degree-earning graduates launched their careers or began grad school within six months of graduation, compared to the national average of 55.8%.
Our Colleges, Schools, and Programs
Bulldogs keep their eyes focused on the future. Drake’s seven colleges and schools will get you there. Build a blended degree tailored to your interests from our 150 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations, or get a jump on your career through an accelerated program that delivers an advanced degree in less time.
College of Arts and Sciences
Study the forces that shape our natural world, learn how humans interact, and nurture your own creativity in programs that span the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and fine arts.
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Our goals are clear: to better oneself, to better others, to better our profession, and to better our communities. Here, you’ll combine science with compassion while lifting patients and humanity alike.
School of Education
At Drake, you'll take part in immersive practicums and gain hands-on experience in diverse districts--from urban, rural, and suburban schools--during every year of your studies.
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Storytelling is the heart of communication. Whether you're in journalism, public relations, advertising, digital media, or politics, you'll learn how to educate, entertain, and empower.
School of Law
Raise the bar in Drake Law School, where undergraduates can enter our accelerated 3+3/Law programs, learn from distinguished law faculty, and gain practical real-world experience in and out of the courtroom.
Zimpleman College of Business
Bulldogs see business as a force for good. Our 10 undergraduate majors, four graduate programs, and multiple graduate certificates are built on the proposition that tomorrow’s leaders can make their communities stronger socially, environmentally, and economically.
Bright College
Earn a degree differently: Start in one of our two-year associate programs, and then enter the professional workforce immediately, pursue a bachelor’s from Drake, or do both.
Drake Online
Multiple online master’s programs in business, communication, public administration, and healthcare let you access enriching possibilities on your schedule—without ever coming to campus.
Continuing Education
Add a professional credential, begin working toward a second degree, or simply explore a new interest in one of the 100 courses available through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
The Drake Experience
What makes Drake different? For starters, you’ll find that Bulldogs are much more into forging their own paths than following others, from double-majoring to volunteering in the community. And when you need help, you’ll find it here, with mentors ready to lift you to the next level, a Career Services office that points you toward success beyond campus, and support services that keep you living and feeling your best.
Taken together, these are the things that make Drake, Drake:
Small Classes
Build a connection with your professors from the start, taking a First Year Seminar with no more than 20 students. And with an overall 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the high level of interaction you’ll find here quickly segues into dynamic discussions and career-defining opportunities.
Personal Attention
Faculty come to Drake because they want to teach and actively shape your future. One of the first things we’ll ask you is, “Where do you want to go?” And then we’ll work toward getting you there.
So. Many. Clubs.
Drake students love trying new things. You’ll have a chance to do just that in any of our 150-plus student clubs and organizations (way more than most schools our size offer), covering everything from politics to sports to improv to community service.
Global Opportunities
If you’re going to change the world, you need to be ready for it. Global thinking and intercultural learning are hallmarks of a Drake education.
Destination Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa’s fast-growing capital city, is an extension of campus. Get experience interning at local businesses, networking with professionals, soaking up art, or just having a night out.
Active Support
College is supposed to be challenging. But Bulldogs are part of a pack—whether you need help with a class, somebody to talk to about mental health, career guidance, or any other support, you'll find someone who's ready to help.
Our Alumni
Drake alumni revel in all kinds of possibilities. Here, students embrace their passions through 150-plus majors, minors, accelerated programs, and concentrations, and their dedication to new knowledge means they don’t just enter these fields but pursue noteworthy, illustrious career paths.
Athletic Trainer
“As I entered the workforce, I realized how special my MAT education was because I chose Drake. The Drake MAT program taught me things in school that other programs don't offer or teach.”
Kayley Crilly (Weiland)
HS‘22, MAT’22
Tech CEO
“The math and science education at Drake was truly remarkable. It is the very foundation that allowed me to experience and succeed in what I’m doing today.”
DeCarlos Love
AS‘06
Equity Research Analyst
“The fact that we were working with real money and real investments was a huge motivating factor [for me to participate in the Krause Fund]. Just knowing that the recommendations I was making were going to have a very material impact on our portfolio motivated me to make sure I was doing the best work that I could and representing the University well.”
Nick Pittman
BN’23