Drake University: programs, outcomes and local jobs

Drake University at a glance

• 2,543

  students enrolled

• 1,407

  degrees and certificates a year

• 74%

  of students complete

  College Scorecard

• $29,127

  average net price a year

  Tuition $49,466

• $58,233

  median earnings, 6 years after entry

• $71,901

  median earnings, 10 years after entry

  94% working

Executive education programs and Career retraining programs listed on its site.

What students study

AI and data programs

Degrees and certificates awarded in 2024, by program area and level, from IPEDS completions.

The job market around Drake University

Professional jobs listed in the cities of Polk County, where the college is.

• 483

  open professional jobs

• 45

  entry level

  1 say no experience is needed

• 9%

  ask for AI skills

  44 jobs

• 3.4%

  unemployment in Polk County

  2026-09 · unchanged from a year earlier

• $81,621

  median household income

  Polk County

• 45%

  of workers are in professional jobs

  estimated 2.3% unemployment among them

Jobs that fit what students study here: most degrees are in business & management, education, health professions, which lead to finance (77 open), sales (52 open), operations (62 open), marketing (10 open), human resources (24 open), strategy (3 open).

Hiring most: Principal Financial Group (32), OpenLoop (19), FHLBank Des Moines (18), LCS (14), Olsson (14), Rolling Green Village (12), American Equity (11), W. R. Berkley (9).

What they hire for: Engineering (79), Finance (77), Operations (62), Sales (52), Data & Analytics (24), Human Resources (24). Engineering jobs

Job search help near campus

Workforce board: Central Iowa LWDA.

• IowaWORKS Center - Des MoinesDes Moines · 515-281-9619 · 8:00am - 4:30pm Mon-Fri, 9:00am - 4:30pm Wed

American Job Centers are free, public career offices.

Similar colleges in Iowa

• Upper Iowa UniversityFayette · 1,994 students
• Saint Ambrose UniversityDavenport · 1,916 students
• Grinnell CollegeGrinnell · 1,729 students
• Dordt UniversitySioux Center · 1,597 students
• Grand View UniversityDes Moines · 1,486 students
• Wartburg CollegeWaverly · 1,452 students

All Iowa colleges

Common questions

How big is Drake University?

Drake University enrolls about 2,543 students and is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Des Moines, Iowa. It awards about 1,407 degrees and certificates a year.

What is the graduation rate at Drake University?

74% of students complete, from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (IPEDS 2023 / Scorecard 2026-06).

What do Drake University graduates earn?

Median earnings of students who received federal aid are $58,233 six years after entry and $71,901 ten years after entry, from the College Scorecard.

Does Drake University offer AI or data science degrees?

Yes. Drake University awarded degrees or certificates in artificial intelligence, data analytics and business analytics (certificate, bachelor, master) in 2024, from IPEDS completions by program.

Are there jobs near Drake University?

483 open professional jobs are listed in Polk County, 45 of them entry level and 1 saying no experience is needed. Principal Financial Group has the most openings.