Drake University vs Northwestern College
Drake University is a private university in Des Moines, IA, and Northwestern College is a private college in Orange City, IA. Drake University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 64% of applicants against 80% at Northwestern College. Northwestern College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $25,907 a year against $29,127 at Drake University. About 76% of students graduate at Drake University, compared with 65% at Northwestern College. Ten years after enrolling, Drake University alumni earn a median of about $71,901, against $49,802 for Northwestern College.
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.
- Is Drake University or Northwestern College harder to get into?
- Drake University is harder to get into. It admits about 64% of applicants, compared with 80% at Northwestern 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 Northwestern College?
- Northwestern College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $25,907 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 Northwestern College?
- Before aid, Northwestern College costs about $49,783 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 Northwestern College?
- Drake University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $25,824 there, against about $27,059 at Northwestern College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Drake University or Northwestern College?
- Drake University is the larger of the two, with about 2,543 undergraduates against 1,175 at Northwestern College.
- Does Drake University or Northwestern College have a better graduation rate?
- Drake University has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 65% at Northwestern College.
- Do graduates of Drake University or Northwestern College earn more?
- Drake University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,901 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,802 for Northwestern College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Drake University and Northwestern College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Drake University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northwestern College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Drake University and Northwestern College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1110–1350 at Drake University and 940–1240 at Northwestern College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.