Drake University vs Valpo U

Drake University and Valparaiso University, both esteemed private institutions in the Midwest, offer distinct educational experiences. Drake, located in Des Moines, Iowa, boasts a higher acceptance rate (75%) compared to Valparaiso's (67%). Drake's student body is more diverse, with a larger international student population. Valparaiso, situated in Valparaiso, Indiana, has a slightly higher graduation rate (79% vs. 76%) and a smaller student-to-faculty ratio (13:1 vs. 14:1). While Drake excels in business and law programs, Valparaiso is known for its engineering and nursing programs. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Drake University	Valparaiso University
Overview
Location	Des Moines, Iowa	Valparaiso, Indiana
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	84.0%	81.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation		Evangelical

Admission
Acceptance rate	69.1%	93.2%
Application fees	$70	$30
SAT range	1190 - 1410	N/A
ACT range	25 - 31	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	14.0%
Students submitting ACT score	43.0%
Total number of applicants	7,932	6,095
Total number of admissions given out	5,479	5,679
Admitted students who chose to enroll	759	601
Yield rate	13.9%	10.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$62,125	$56,516
Average net price	$29,507	$21,997
Tuition	$45,734	$43,400
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,160 Meal plan: $5,128	Room/dormitory: $7,956 Meal plan: $4,916
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $29,904	100.0% Average amount $33,693
Students receiving federal student loan	48.0% Average amount $5,294	63.0% Average amount $5,416
Students taking out private loans	15.0% Average amount $18,053	11.0% Average amount $15,132

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	2,902 Men 39.8% Women 60.2%	2,507 Men 42.2% Women 57.8%
Graduate students	1,973 Men 33.4% Women 66.6%	417 Men 42.9% Women 57.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	68.0%	52.5%
International students	2.9%	6.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	1,758	2,033
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Iowa Minnesota Illinois Wisconsin Texas	Indiana Illinois Michigan Wisconsin Ohio

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Business Legal Profession Communication and Journalism	Health Professions Business Engineering Computer and Information Science Education
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	11:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	78.2%	74.5%
Dropout rate	20.2%	25.4%
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $113,335 Year 3: $126,268 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $93,514 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,552 Year 2: $78,971 Year 3: $92,797 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $65,238 Year 3: $80,038 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,587 Year 2: $71,255 Year 3: $78,000 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,903 Year 2: $62,409 Year 3: $72,353 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,700 Year 2: $57,705 Year 3: $71,750 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $62,167 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $70,579 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,063 Year 2: $59,485 Year 3: $67,788 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $61,460 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $65,013	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $94,025 Year 2: $117,572 Year 3: $120,200 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,690 Year 2: $74,576 Year 3: $73,522 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,015 Year 2: $65,089 Year 3: $70,796 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $65,962 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $70,724 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,617 Year 2: $59,485 Year 3: $68,143 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,126 Year 2: $62,934 Year 3: $62,049 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $42,790 Year 2: $45,902 Year 3: $55,968 Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,691 Year 2: $48,041 Year 3: $54,471 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,272 Year 2: $50,231 Year 3: $53,238 Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $50,613

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Drake University and Valparaiso University?

Drake University, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a mid-sized private university known for its strong programs in journalism, business, and law. It offers a more urban campus environment. Valparaiso University, situated in Valparaiso, Indiana, is a private Lutheran university recognized for its engineering, nursing, and business programs. It provides a more traditional, residential campus experience.
Which university is larger, Drake or Valparaiso?

Valparaiso University generally has a larger student body than Drake University. While enrollment numbers can fluctuate, Valparaiso typically enrolls more undergraduate and graduate students overall.
How do the academic reputations of Drake University and Valparaiso University compare?

Both Drake and Valparaiso are well-regarded universities. Drake is particularly known for its journalism and mass communication programs, as well as its business and law schools. Valparaiso is recognized for its strong engineering, nursing, and business programs, and its commitment to a values-based education.
What is the campus environment like at Drake University versus Valparaiso University?

Drake University offers a more urban campus setting in the heart of Des Moines, providing students with easy access to internships, cultural events, and city amenities. Valparaiso University has a more traditional, residential campus environment, fostering a close-knit community and a focus on campus life.
What types of programs are Drake University and Valparaiso University particularly known for?

Drake University is highly regarded for its journalism and mass communication, business, and law programs. Valparaiso University is known for its strong engineering, nursing, business, and ministry programs.
How do the costs of attending Drake University and Valparaiso University compare?

The cost of attendance at both Drake University and Valparaiso University is relatively similar, but it's important to check the most recent tuition and fees on their respective websites. Both institutions offer financial aid and scholarships to help students manage expenses. Be sure to compare your individual financial aid packages from each school.
What are the religious affiliations of Drake University and Valparaiso University?

Drake University has historical ties to the Disciples of Christ, but it is now a non-sectarian institution that welcomes students of all faiths. Valparaiso University is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and its Lutheran identity is integrated into its campus culture and values.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

Both Drake and Valparaiso offer a wide range of student activities. Drake benefits from its urban location, providing access to city events and internships. Valparaiso has a strong focus on campus life, with numerous clubs, organizations, and traditions. Both universities offer a variety of athletic opportunities, including NCAA Division I sports.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between Drake and Valparaiso?

Both Drake and Valparaiso offer comprehensive career services to assist students with internships and job placement. Drake's location in Des Moines provides access to numerous internship opportunities in business, media, and government. Valparaiso's strong alumni network and industry partnerships also provide valuable career resources for its students.
What are the admission requirements for Drake University and Valparaiso University?

Admission requirements for both Drake and Valparaiso typically include a high school transcript, standardized test scores (though many programs are test-optional), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Specific requirements may vary by program, so it's best to check the admissions websites of each university for the most up-to-date information.
Which university is better for international students?

Both Drake and Valparaiso welcome international students and offer support services tailored to their needs. The 'better' choice depends on the specific program of interest and the student's preferred campus environment. Drake's urban location might appeal to some, while Valparaiso's close-knit community might be a better fit for others. Research the international student resources and support offered by each university to make an informed decision.
How do the graduation rates and alumni networks compare?

Both Drake and Valparaiso have respectable graduation rates, indicating a commitment to student success. Both universities also boast active and supportive alumni networks that can provide valuable career connections and mentorship opportunities. The strength and focus of each alumni network may vary by academic field.

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