Drake University, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a private university renowned for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education and professional programs. Established in 1881, the university boasts a vibrant campus culture that fosters both academic excellence and community engagement. The institution's mission is encapsulated in its motto, "The Truth Shall Make You Free," which reflects its commitment to providing a transformative education that empowers students to think critically and engage responsibly in the world. Drake is particularly well-known for its programs in law, business, and pharmacy, attracting a diverse student body eager to pursue their passions in a supportive environment.

The university's facilities are modern and well-equipped, providing students with access to state-of-the-art resources. The Cowles Library offers an extensive collection of materials and study spaces, while the newly renovated Olmsted Center serves as a hub for student activities and events. In addition, Drake's focus on student life is evident in its numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic programs. The Bulldogs, Drake's athletic teams, compete in the NCAA Division I, and the university has a strong tradition in sports, particularly basketball. With a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and community, Drake University prepares its graduates not only for successful careers but also for meaningful contributions to society.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Drake University

Drake University, a private institution, showcases significant trends in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention over recent years. The tuition for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students has steadily increased, from approximately $30,880 in 2014 to nearly $49,944 in 2024. This represents a substantial growth of around 61.5% over the decade, indicating a continuing trend of rising educational costs that may impact prospective students' decisions about attending private colleges.

In addition to tuition trends, the graduation rates also display an encouraging trajectory. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students rose from about 61.1% in 2013 to approximately 69.3% in 2023. This upward trend in graduation rates demonstrates the university's commitment to supporting student success, which is crucial in an environment increasingly scrutinized for student outcomes.

Retention rates, however, present a slightly different story. While the retention rate was a robust 87.8% in 2013, it has seen a gradual decline, dropping to around 82.9% by 2023. This decrease could signal underlying issues regarding student satisfaction or academic challenges, which the university may need to address to maintain its competitive edge and ensure student persistence.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, hovering around 10 to 12 students per faculty member in recent years. A favorable student-to-faculty ratio is critical for personalized education and student support, which may contribute to the positive graduation outcomes noted earlier.

Overall, while Drake University continues to face challenges with rising tuition and declining retention rates, its commitment to improving graduation rates reflects a proactive approach to enhancing the educational experience for its students.

Analysis of Graduation Data at Drake University

The graduation data from Drake University for 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the distribution of degrees across various fields. Notably, the law program stands out with a significant number of doctoral graduates, totaling 105. This reflects the program's strong reputation and the rigorous academic environment that attracts students aiming for advanced legal studies. However, there are no graduates at the associate, bachelor, or master's levels in this discipline, highlighting a focused commitment to higher-level education in law.

In the realm of business, the data shows a modest achievement with 87 master's degrees awarded, including two to international students. This indicates a growing interest in business graduate programs, essential for developing leadership skills in a competitive job market. Interestingly, there are no bachelor or doctoral graduates in business, suggesting that the foundational and highest levels of business education might be less emphasized at Drake University, or possibly that students are more inclined to pursue master's degrees directly.

In the health sciences category, the data reveals a total of 66 doctoral graduates in pharmacy and 48 in occupational therapy, with a small representation of international students in both fields. This could indicate a strong domestic interest in these crucial health professions, particularly given the increasing demand for healthcare professionals post-pandemic.

Furthermore, the presence of international students in the master's degree programs highlights Drake University's appeal to a global audience, particularly in fields such as business and health sciences. The data suggests a need for further investment in undergraduate programs to attract a diverse student body and to enhance the overall educational offerings at Drake University.

Trends in Admissions and Rankings at Drake University

The admission statistics for Drake University over the past decade reveal significant trends in both acceptance rates and overall enrollment figures. Throughout the years, the university has experienced fluctuations in its rankings, peaking at 130 in 2020 but declining to 179 by 2025. This downward trajectory may concern prospective students and stakeholders, as rankings often influence both student choice and institutional reputation. In terms of enrollment, the number of students admitted has varied slightly, with a peak of 902 students in 2009, gradually decreasing to 733 in 2023. Notably, the acceptance rates for male and female students have generally hovered around similar levels, with male acceptance rates reaching as high as 70.7% in 2010 and female rates peaking at 76.5% in the same year. However, by 2023, the male acceptance rate had dropped to 63.0%, while female acceptance remained slightly higher at 71.1%. Furthermore, the number of students denied admission has remained consistently high, peaking at 2,825 denials in 2023, which reflects a growing competitiveness in the application process. The trend of deferring admissions has also been notable, indicating a potential shift in how students perceive their readiness for college amidst changing societal expectations. Overall, the patterns observed in Drake University's admissions data suggest a need for strategic responses to enhance its appeal and ranking in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape. As universities grapple with enrollment challenges and changing demographics, Drake must address these trends to attract and retain students effectively.

Commentary on Drake University's Admission Scores and Trends

The admission data from Drake University over the years reveals several trends in standardized test performance and submission rates. Notably, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT scores fluctuates, with a marked decline from 22% in 2007 to about 17% in 2023. This trend suggests a growing acceptance of alternative assessment methods or a shift in applicant preferences, aligning with the broader trend in higher education where many institutions are moving towards test-optional policies.

Examining the SAT reading and math scores, the interquartile ranges indicate a steady improvement in the lower and upper percentiles over the years. The 25th percentile scores for reading and math indicate an upward trend, culminating in a range of 600 to 710 for 2022, which reflects an increasing academic caliber among admitted students. This upward trajectory is significant as it highlights Drake's commitment to maintaining high academic standards, even as overall submission rates decline.

Furthermore, the ACT scores follow a similar pattern, with fluctuations in the percentage of applicants submitting scores and a consistent rise in the interquartile ranges. The comprehensive ACT scores suggest that students are generally performing well, with the 25th percentile score remaining competitive.

These trends may be reflective of broader educational shifts and demographic changes, where students may prioritize holistic admissions processes over traditional testing metrics. As the landscape of college admissions continues to evolve, Drake University appears to be adapting effectively, attracting a diverse pool of applicants while upholding rigorous academic standards.

Student Demographics at Drake University in 2023

The student body at Drake University in 2023 reflects a diverse composition, with a notable presence of both undergraduate and graduate students. Among undergraduate freshmen, there are 733 students, with a gender distribution of approximately 40.4% male and 59.6% female. This trend of a higher female representation continues among continuing undergraduate students, where the total reaches 1,985, with males making up 39.5% and females 60.5%.

Interestingly, the demographic shifts can be seen in transfer students as well, where the gender ratio slightly favors males at 47.4% compared to females at 52.6%. Graduate students form a substantial portion of the university, totaling 1,850, but they exhibit an even more significant gender disparity, with only 33.1% being male and 66.9% female.

The demographic breakdown by race indicates that the student population is predominantly white, particularly among the undergraduate cohorts. In terms of gender representation, the overall trend suggests that women are increasingly enrolling in higher education institutions, which aligns with national trends where women have outnumbered men in college attendance for several years.

These statistics highlight the ongoing changes in student demographics, emphasizing the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that supports all students, regardless of gender or background. As universities strive to reflect the diversity of society, Drake University appears to be on a path that prioritizes equitable representation in its student body.

Analysis of Age Distribution at Drake University

The age composition of students at Drake University in 2023 reveals interesting trends that reflect broader patterns in higher education demographics. The largest cohort is comprised of students aged 18-19, with 483 male undergraduates and 805 female undergraduates, indicating a significant gender balance favoring female students in this age range. This trend continues into the 20-21 age group, where females again surpass males in both undergraduate and graduate categories, suggesting an increasing participation of women in higher education.

As we observe the age groups beyond 22-24, there is a notable decline in the number of undergraduate males and females, with a shift towards graduate students, especially among those aged 25-29 and 30-34. This could be indicative of a growing trend where individuals are returning to education later in life to advance their careers or switch fields, particularly in a competitive job market.

Interestingly, the data shows a significant drop in the number of students over 40, with only a handful participating in both undergraduate and graduate programs. This might reflect a societal trend where older individuals are less likely to pursue traditional educational pathways, perhaps due to family responsibilities or established careers.

Overall, the age distribution at Drake University illustrates a youthful demographic that skews towards female students, with a growing presence of non-traditional students in graduate programs. This aligns with national trends where institutions are increasingly accommodating diverse student populations, including older learners seeking to enhance their skills in a rapidly evolving job landscape.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Drake University

The data on international student enrollment at Drake University reveals significant trends over the years from 2004 to 2023. Initially, there was a steady increase in both undergraduate and graduate international student numbers; however, this trend has seen a noticeable decline in recent years.

In the early years, the percentage of international students among undergraduates peaked at 7.56% in 2008, reflecting a growing interest in studying at Drake. However, by 2023, this percentage had dropped to 3.84%. This downward trajectory could be attributed to various global factors, including changing immigration policies, increased competition from other universities, and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disrupted international travel and education.

For graduate students, the situation appears even more concerning. The percentage of international students declined from 4.32% in 2004 to a mere 1.46% in 2023. Such a stark decrease raises questions about the university’s appeal to international graduate students and might indicate a need for improved recruitment strategies or support services to attract and retain this demographic.

Overall, while Drake University has historically been a destination for international students, the recent decline highlights the challenges faced by institutions in maintaining their global appeal. To address this, proactive measures might be required, such as enhancing cultural integration programs, increasing scholarship opportunities, and strengthening international partnerships to revitalize the international student community on campus.

Here are some notable schools surrounding Drake University:

1. Iowa State University (爱荷华州立大学) - Ranked 121 in the 2025 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine.

2. Grinnell College (格林内尔学院) - A highly ranked liberal arts college, Grinnell is ranked 19th nationally. It offers a rigorous academic environment with a focus on individualized learning.

3. University of Iowa (爱荷华大学) - With a ranking of 98, this comprehensive university is renowned for its writing program, as well as its health sciences and business programs.

4. Creighton University (克赖顿大学) - Also ranked 121, Creighton is a private university that emphasizes a values-based education with strong programs in health sciences and law.

5. University of Nebraska-Lincoln (内布拉斯加大学林肯分校) - Ranked 152, this comprehensive university is known for its research initiatives and a strong emphasis on student engagement.

6. Carleton College (卡尔顿学院) - This prestigious liberal arts college is ranked 8th nationally and is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.

7. Macalester College (麦卡莱斯特学院) - With a ranking of 26, Macalester is known for its commitment to internationalism and social justice, providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

These institutions not only enhance the educational landscape of the region but also provide students with various opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Drake University

The crime statistics from Drake University reveal a notable decline in crime rates over the past decade. Starting with an alarming average of 17.50 incidents per 1,000 students in 2013, the data shows a consistent downward trend, reaching as low as 5.78 incidents per 1,000 students in 2021. This significant drop indicates an improvement in campus safety and suggests that measures taken to mitigate crime have been effective.

In particular, the reduction in incidents such as drug-related arrests and alcohol-related offenses is commendable. For instance, there were multiple arrests related to gun possession and drug offenses in the earlier years, but the figures have dramatically decreased in recent years. This trend aligns with broader national efforts to address campus safety and implement preventative programs aimed at reducing substance abuse and violence among college students.

However, the fluctuation observed in 2022 and 2023, where the crime average increased slightly to 9.07 and 11.53 respectively, emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance. Even minor increases can be concerning, especially in a campus environment where the safety of students is paramount.

Overall, while the reduction in crime is promising and indicative of a safer campus, it is crucial for Drake University to maintain and enhance its safety initiatives to prevent any potential resurgence in criminal activities. Continuous monitoring and proactive strategies will be essential in ensuring that the campus remains a safe haven for students. For a deeper understanding of crime rate calculation methods, you can refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.