2025-2026 Tuition & Costs
We believe that access to opportunity is a fundamental right, so we are creating new pathways to help more individuals access the transformational power of a Drake education.
How much is tuition at Drake University?
When looking at tuition costs, it’s important to distinguish between gross tuition (the “sticker price”) and net tuition (how much you’ll actually pay). Let’s dive in.
$51,444
$51,444 is Drake's gross annual tuition for full-time undergraduates (12-18 credits) before factoring in available scholarships and grants. All students receive aid to lower gross costs.
— 51-66%
100% of undergraduates receive a Presidential Scholarship that covers 51-66% of tuition cost. No scholarship application needed. It's automatically applied.
= $17-25k
Drake’s net tuition cost after the Presidential Scholarship ranges from $17,490-$25,208. But this is just the starting point. There are many ways to further lower net cost.
The Bulldog Promise: Full Tuition Coverage
Drake recently launched two new full-tuition coverage programs—the Bulldog Promise and the Bright College Pathway—opportunities designed to unlock access to a world-class Drake education with full tuition coverage for qualifying Iowa residents.
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The Value of a Drake Education
Drake education unlocks a lifetime of return on investment that ranks among the top 3% in the nation.
#1
Drake ranks #1 in Iowa for median salary ($71,901) 10 years after a student’s enrollment, according to the U.S. Dept of Education.
Top 3%
Drake ranks in the top 3% nationally for lifetime return on investment, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.
$1.5M
$1.5M is the lifetime return on investment of a Drake education, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.
Bragging rights
- #1 Private School in Iowa and a top 100 private school in the nation according to the Wall Street Journal and U.S. News and World Report
- Drake students have a 97.3% accomplishment rate. This is the percentage of graduates who are employed, in grad school, or pursuing professional goals within six months. Compare this to the national average of 85.5%.
- 92.7% of Drake undergrads reported having an internship while in school. Nationwide, only 60% of students had internships in 2023. In addition, paid interns are twice as likely to land a job after college compared to non-interns.
Additional ways to save
The guaranteed Presidential Scholarship, which covers 51-66% of tuition cost, is just the start. There are so many additional scholarship opportunities available from Drake and outside sources. Couple that with federal and state grant opportunities available after FAFSA form completion and your net tuition only further decreases. Additionally, John Dee Bright College at Drake offers an affordable two-year pathway into a four-year Drake education.
Drake will not raise your tuition.
With Drake’s tuition guarantee, your gross tuition will not be raised over the course of four years once you’re enrolled. Compare this to many peer institutions that raise tuition each year, while the value of your academic scholarships remain the same. This guarantee could equate to $12,700 in savings over four years as compared to other institutions.
Get a personalized estimate of costs
Each student’s and family’s situation is different, and we're committed to finding the maximum available aid for you. If you have already been admitted as a future student at Drake, we suggest you reach out to our financial aid office. If you haven’t yet been admitted, try out our net price calculator or connect with our admission team to find a counselor.
What about room, board, and fees?
If you choose to take advantage of our on-campus housing and meal plans, an example of 2025-26 costs can be found below. View all room and board options here.
Room (double occupancy): $7,048
Board (base plan): $5,828
Optional Course Ready Program: $510**
Holistic wellness fee: $300
Student activity fee: $216
New student fee: $170
**The new Course Ready Program will cover all required course materials for the academic year. This includes items such as physical books, digital materials, online access codes, lab supplies, art supplies, calculator, etc. Learn more about the Course Ready Program here.
View more information about our Drake University Cost of Attendance Budgets or view our overview of gross tuition costs.
Ready to apply?
Drake is a place where you’ll grow as a person, make life-long friendships, live in the center of a vibrant metro area, and graduate with skills that can put you on the leading edge of your chosen field.
It all starts with your college application!
