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Drake University vs Saint Ambrose University

Drake University is a private university in Des Moines, IA, and Saint Ambrose University is a private university in Davenport, IA. Drake University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 64% of applicants against 77% at Saint Ambrose University. Saint Ambrose University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,691 a year against $29,127 at Drake University. About 76% of students graduate at Drake University, compared with 62% at Saint Ambrose University. Ten years after enrolling, Drake University alumni earn a median of about $71,901, against $59,531 for Saint Ambrose University.

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Drake University

Des Moines, IA · Private

Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Des Moines, IA
Davenport, IA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,543
1,916
Acceptance rate
64%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1110–1350
930–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
24–29
20–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,127
$24,691
Full cost / yr
$64,835
$51,141
In-state tuition
$52,130
$36,658
Out-of-state tuition
$52,130
$36,658
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$25,824
$22,037
$30k - $48k
$23,275
$21,729
$48k - $75k
$25,171
$22,408
$75k - $110k
$27,408
$24,776
Over $110k
$33,126
$27,807
Outcomes
Graduation rate
76%
62%
Freshman retention
84%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,233
$51,616
Median earnings (10 yr)
$71,901
$59,531
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
32%
First-generation students
15%
28%
International students
4%
3%
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 Saint Ambrose University harder to get into?
Drake University is harder to get into. It admits about 64% of applicants, compared with 77% at Saint Ambrose University. 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 Saint Ambrose University?
Saint Ambrose University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,691 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 Saint Ambrose University?
Before aid, Saint Ambrose University costs about $51,141 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 Saint Ambrose University?
Saint Ambrose University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $22,037 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 Saint Ambrose University?
Drake University is the larger of the two, with about 2,543 undergraduates against 1,916 at Saint Ambrose University.
Does Drake University or Saint Ambrose University have a better graduation rate?
Drake University has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 62% at Saint Ambrose University.
Do graduates of Drake University or Saint Ambrose University earn more?
Drake University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,901 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,531 for Saint Ambrose University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Drake University and Saint Ambrose University require SAT or ACT scores?
Drake University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Saint Ambrose University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Drake University and Saint Ambrose University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1110–1350 at Drake University and 930–1170 at Saint Ambrose University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school