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Drake University is recognized as one of the finest universities for experiential learning. A midsized, private university in Des Moines, Iowa, we offer the benefits and resources of a larger institution along with the advantages of intimate class sizes and close personal relationships.
Mission & Inspiration
Our mission is to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. The Drake experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students, faculty, and staff and by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation.
Our inspiration is that together we transform lives and strengthen communities.
Core Values
Our core values form the foundation of how we, as faculty and staff, perform our work, conduct ourselves, and interact with each other. These values guide our interactions as colleagues in support of delivering on our mission promise. Through these values, we continue to build a stronger, more vibrant campus culture.
- Joyful Accountability
- Generosity of Spirit
- All In This Together
- Commitment to Mission
Drake at a Glance
History—Founded in 1881 and named for Civil War general Francis Marion Drake, the University boasts more than 144 years of proud history and many traditions.
Enrollment—2,600 undergraduates and 1,760 graduate students from 49 states and more than 44 countries.
Faculty—290 full-time professors and instructors, 98 percent holding the highest degrees in their field. With an overall student-faculty ratio of 11-to-1, all are strongly focused on student success.
Rankings—Drake has earned high recognition from respected sources, including:
- #1 Private School in Iowa—Wall Street Journal, 2025
- #1 in Iowa for median salary ($71,901) 10 years after a student's enrollment—U.S. Department of Education, 2024
- Top 3% in the nation for lifetime return on investment—Bipartisan Policy Center, 2022
College and Schools—Academic Units include.
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Cowles Library
- John Dee Bright College
- Law School
- School of Education
- School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Zimpleman College of Business
Living in Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa's capital city is the core of one of the fastest growing metro areas in the Midwest and is beaming with community pride and accolades.
The Greater Des Moines metropolitan area is home to more than 750,000 individuals and serves as a dynamic area providing attractive quality-of-life options for not only students but also faculty and staff. From a diverse live music, theater, and arts scene, to sports, cultural festivals, farmers markets, shopping, and outdoor trails, Des Moines offers plenty of options for entertainment.
Rankings—Respected sources recognize Des Moines for:
- #1 Best Place to Live in Iowa for Young Adults—SoFi, 2025
- #3 Most Livable City in the U.S.—Readers Digest, 2025
- Top 15 Most Affordable Places to Buy a Home—Zillow, 2024
Discover the cultural scene in Des Moines:
Housing in historic neighborhoods borders Drake’s campus. A short bike or bus ride to Dogtown or areas of downtown Des Moines (particularly the East Village, Court Avenue District, and Western Gateway) leads to affordable urban lofts near art studios, theaters, and community organizations. Out of the top 10 Best Suburbs to live in Iowa—Niche, 2025, 5 are located in the Des Moines Metro.
Explore the Des Moines metro:
Consider what the Drake Neighborhood has to offer. Drake builds connections to the diverse communities surrounding it through an urban youth learning garden, a legal clinic, and a variety of service-learning initiatives.
University Calendar 
University News
November 25, 2025
