What You'll Learn

Students may complete a portion of their studies on Drake’s campus in Des Moines, Iowa, in the United States. As a QU-Drake student, you'll arrive as part of a cohort—a group of peers from Qingdao going through the same transition at the same time, supported by dedicated staff and a community of students who've navigated this path before you.

The vibrant capital city is a hub for professional opportunities and cultural exploration. The city was recently voted among the Top 10 safest cities in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report. As a mid-sized city, Drake’s campus and surrounding neighborhood are easily walkable with public transit options available to get anywhere in the city. Des Moines is also home to more than 25,000 Drake University alumni—a powerful network for graduates.

Our Campus

If you choose to spend a portion of your studies on Drake’s campus, you will find a space that blends historic architecture with modern facilities, offering everything from collaborative labs and studios to quiet green spaces to rest and recharge. In your classrooms, you’ll find professors who know your name and guide your progress as you move through modern laboratories, research facilities, and innovative learning spaces, compounding your knowledge with each lesson.

QU-Drake United College students receive dedicated transition support designed specifically for Chinese students navigating U.S. academic culture. This includes bilingual guidance resources, small-group advising sessions, peer mentorship, and a dedicated program point of contact who has personally completed a Sino-American dual-degree pathway.

As a student on Drake’s campus, you can expect:

Come to study. Stay to work.

Students who complete their studies in the United States have the option to continue toward advanced degree completion at Drake and are also eligible for the federal Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This program grants temporary work permission for one year immediately following graduation, with the potential for an additional two-year STEM extension. As part of your experience on our campus, you will be connected to Career Services—experts dedicated to helping connect your educational experience to professional opportunities. In addition to the Career Services team is the existing network of Drake Bulldogs—more than 90,000 alumni across all 50 states and nearly 100 countries.

Tuition and Costs

All QU-Drake United College students will be eligible for the United College Presidential Scholarship, significantly reducing the tuition cost. Additional need-based aid is available through Drake’s International Student Grant, an application-based, renewable grant.

Download our Cost of Attendance Information