Where Is Drake University Located?
Drake University sits in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa, at 2507 University Avenue. This urban campus spans 150 acres and places students in Iowa’s vibrant capital city, known for its business opportunities, cultural scene, and welcoming community atmosphere. Des Moines offers easy access to internships, professional networks, and everyday amenities while maintaining the feel of a close-knit college environment.
Founded in 1881 with Deep Midwest Roots
Established in 1881 and named after Civil War general and Iowa governor Francis Marion Drake, the university began as a private institution with a commitment to liberal arts and professional education. Over more than 140 years, it has grown into a respected mid-sized university while preserving small-class intimacy and personalized attention. The founding vision emphasized practical skills alongside broad intellectual development, a balance that continues to define the experience today.
Seven Distinct Colleges and Schools
Drake organizes its academics across seven colleges and schools. The College of Arts and Sciences provides a strong liberal arts foundation with dozens of majors. The Zimpleman College of Business stands out for its experiential focus and strong job placement. The School of Education prepares future teachers and leaders with hands-on classroom experience. The School of Journalism and Mass Communication emphasizes real-world media training. The Law School, one of the oldest in the United States with roots dating to 1865, offers rigorous legal education. The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences delivers highly ranked programs in pharmacy and related health fields. John Dee Bright College provides accessible associate-degree pathways. Students can combine majors, pursue double degrees, or create individualized programs of study across more than 150 undergraduate options and numerous graduate degrees.
Exceptional Student-to-Faculty Ratio and Personalized Learning
With an 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, Drake ensures professors know students by name and provide meaningful mentorship. Nearly all faculty hold terminal degrees in their fields and prioritize teaching over research demands common at larger institutions. This structure supports close advising, collaborative research opportunities, and individualized career guidance from the first year through graduation and beyond.
Strong National Rankings and Outstanding Value
Recent U.S. News & World Report rankings place Drake among the top 200 national universities, with particular recognition as the top private institution in Iowa. It also earns high marks for best value, undergraduate business programs, social mobility, computer science, and psychology. Additional accolades highlight strong return on investment and student engagement. These consistent recognitions reflect both academic quality and the practical outcomes graduates achieve.
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The Advantages of Des Moines as a College Town
Des Moines serves as both a supportive college community and a thriving metropolitan area. Students benefit from internships at major employers in insurance, finance, government, and healthcare. The city’s vibrant downtown, excellent public transportation, and numerous cultural attractions—including museums, music venues, and farmers markets—complement campus life. Forbes has previously ranked Des Moines highly for business and careers, creating abundant professional pathways. The university’s location fosters seamless integration between academic learning and real-world application.
Signature Traditions: The Drake Relays and Campus Spirit
One of the university’s most celebrated traditions is the annual Drake Relays, a world-class track-and-field event that draws Olympic-level athletes and tens of thousands of spectators. This event embodies school spirit and connects the campus to the broader athletic community. Drake competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, offering competitive opportunities across multiple sports while emphasizing the student-athlete experience.
Impressive Career Outcomes and Experiential Focus
More than 95 percent of Drake graduates secure employment or enroll in graduate school within six months of completing their degrees. The university emphasizes experiential learning through internships, study abroad, service projects, and J-Term immersive experiences. Strong partnerships with employers in Des Moines and beyond translate classroom knowledge into professional readiness. Programs in business, law, pharmacy, and journalism particularly excel at preparing students for immediate impact in their fields.
Diverse Student Body and Inclusive Community
Drake welcomes students from across the United States and more than 40 countries. Recent entering classes reflect growing diversity, with significant percentages of first-generation students and participants in access programs such as the Bulldog Promise scholarship. The university maintains a supportive environment with resources for academic success, mental health, and career development. Small class sizes and active student organizations help every individual find their place.
Notable Alumni Making an Impact
Drake graduates have achieved prominence across journalism, law, politics, business, entertainment, and sports. Alumni include U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, political strategist Kellyanne Conway, professional golfer Zach Johnson, and numerous leaders in media and public service. The strong alumni network provides current students with mentorship, internship connections, and career opportunities long after graduation.
Recent Developments and Forward Momentum
Drake continues to evolve with new initiatives in accessibility, including expanded full-tuition scholarship programs and a fixed-tuition guarantee. The university recently reported an economic impact of more than $424 million on the state of Iowa. Ongoing investments in facilities, faculty, and student support underscore a commitment to remaining a leader in Midwest higher education. Graduate programs in law, pharmacy, and education continue to earn national recognition for excellence.
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Why Drake Stands Out Among U.S. Universities
Combining the resources of a private university with the personal attention of a smaller institution, Drake delivers a distinctive educational experience. Its location in Des Moines provides unparalleled access to professional opportunities in a growing city, while its academic programs emphasize practical skills and leadership development. For students seeking a balance of rigorous academics, strong outcomes, and a supportive community in the Midwest, Drake University offers compelling reasons to consider it seriously.
