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Drake University vs Loras College

Drake University is a private university in Des Moines, IA, and Loras College is a private college in Dubuque, IA. Drake University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 64% of applicants against 100% at Loras College. Loras College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,716 a year against $29,127 at Drake University. About 76% of students graduate at Drake University, compared with 69% at Loras College. Ten years after enrolling, Drake University alumni earn a median of about $71,901, against $58,289 for Loras College.

Drake University

Des Moines, IA · Private

Loras College

Dubuque, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Des Moines, IA
Dubuque, IA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,543
1,083
Acceptance rate
64%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1110–1350
965–1145
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
20–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,127
$20,716
Full cost / yr
$64,835
$50,537
In-state tuition
$52,130
$39,824
Out-of-state tuition
$52,130
$39,824
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$25,824
$20,479
$30k - $48k
$23,275
$17,033
$48k - $75k
$25,171
$15,624
$75k - $110k
$27,408
$20,233
Over $110k
$33,126
$23,039
Outcomes
Graduation rate
76%
69%
Freshman retention
84%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,233
$46,069
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,901
$58,289
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
23%
First-generation students
15%
17%
International students
4%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Drake University or Loras College harder to get into?
Drake University is harder to get into. It admits about 64% of applicants, compared with 100% at Loras College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Drake University or Loras College?
Loras College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,716 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,127 at Drake University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Drake University and Loras College?
Before aid, Loras College costs about $50,537 a year and Drake University about $64,835. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Drake University or Loras College?
Loras College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $20,479 there, against about $25,824 at Drake University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Drake University or Loras College?
Drake University is the larger of the two, with about 2,543 undergraduates against 1,083 at Loras College.
Does Drake University or Loras College have a better graduation rate?
Drake University has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 69% at Loras College.
Do graduates of Drake University or Loras College earn more?
Drake University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,901 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,289 for Loras College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Drake University and Loras College require SAT or ACT scores?
Drake University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Loras College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Drake University and Loras College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1110–1350 at Drake University and 965–1145 at Loras College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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