Drake University, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a private university known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus culture, and community engagement. Established in 1881, Drake embodies a commitment to fostering intellectual growth and lifelong learning. The university's motto, "Student-Centered Learning," reflects its dedication to providing a supportive educational environment that empowers students to excel academically and personally. Drake offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs, with notable strengths in the fields of business, law, and education. The Drake Law School, in particular, is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and practical training opportunities, helping students to develop the skills needed to succeed in the legal profession.

In addition to its academic offerings, Drake University boasts a vibrant campus life, characterized by a variety of student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The university maintains a strong tradition of sports, especially in NCAA Division I basketball, where the men’s and women’s teams have a passionate following. The campus itself features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and recreational centers, providing students with a dynamic learning environment. Furthermore, Drake emphasizes community service and civic engagement, encouraging students to participate in meaningful outreach projects that enrich both their education and the surrounding community. Drake University not only cultivates academic excellence but also fosters a sense of responsibility and leadership in its students, preparing them for successful careers and active citizenship.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at Drake University

The data highlights several significant trends at Drake University, particularly in tuition costs, retention rates, and graduation rates. Over the years, there has been a substantial increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. In 2014, tuition was approximately $30,880, but by 2024, it has risen to nearly $49,944, reflecting an increase of around 62% over a decade. This sharp rise in tuition is a pressing issue for prospective students and families, especially considering that student debt continues to burden many graduates.

On a positive note, graduation rates indicate an upward trend, particularly the on-time graduation rate, which has improved from around 64% in 2014 to approximately 69.7% by 2024. This increase suggests that the academic support and resources available to students may be more effective in ensuring completion within the standard timeframe. The 150% graduation rate, reflecting broader trends in student success, shows a similar increase, reaching around 76.6% in 2024, indicating that while more students are graduating on time, even more are ultimately completing their degrees.

Retention rates, which are crucial for measuring student satisfaction and institutional effectiveness, have seen some fluctuation but have remained relatively high. Starting from 87.5% in 2014, retention dipped slightly to 83.9% in 2024, suggesting increasing challenges in maintaining student engagement and satisfaction amid rising costs. The declining retention rates could signal potential concerns for the institution, as retaining students is critical for both financial and academic success.

Overall, while Drake University demonstrates positive outcomes in graduation rates, the substantial increase in tuition presents a challenge for accessibility. This landscape reflects broader trends in higher education, where costs continue to rise, prompting discussions about the sustainability of current pricing structures and the potential need for innovative approaches to support students financially.

Analysis of Graduate Data at Drake University

The graduate data from Drake University in 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends across various disciplines. Most prominently, the most significant number of doctoral degrees was awarded in the field of law, with 105 graduates, indicating a strong focus on legal studies within the institution. This aligns with the increasing demand for legal professionals in today’s society, which reinforces the relevance of law-related programs.

In the business administration sector, 87 master’s degrees were conferred, along with a modest output of 6 associate degrees. This suggests that students are seeking advanced qualifications in business to better prepare for a competitive job market. The addition of international students in masters programs is also noteworthy, as it indicates an opening up to global perspectives in business education.

Interestingly, health-related disciplines such as occupational therapy and pharmacy show a complete absence of bachelor’s and associate graduates, with only selective master’s and doctorate degrees being awarded. This extremely focused approach may reflect the rigorous nature of these programs, requiring a significant commitment to graduate education.

Moreover, the data reflects a lack of graduates in fields such as performing arts and general studies at the undergraduate level. This could indicate a trend towards specializing in more career-oriented programs that promise higher employability post-graduation.

In summary, Drake University seems to be catering heavily to professional degrees, particularly in law and business, while fields that require extensive training at the graduate level are less prevalent at the undergraduate level. This trend could shape the university’s academic offerings and recruitment strategies in the future as they adjust to labor market demands.

Declining Trends at Drake University

Drake University has experienced significant shifts in both its rankings and admission rates over the past decade. The most recent ranking for 2025 stands at 179, reflecting a noticeable decline from previous years, particularly from the 130 rank in 2020. This downward trajectory raises questions about the institution's appeal and competitiveness in the higher education landscape. Besides the rankings, admission rates also reveal a downward trend. For instance, the acceptance rate for male students was approximately 64.8% in 2020 and has fallen to around 58.9% in 2024, while female acceptance rates likewise decreased from 69.6% to 71.3% within the same period. These statistics indicate a more selective admission process, but the corresponding drop in enrollment numbers—from 782 students in 2020 to just 639 in 2024—could suggest that increased selectivity has not been met with rising applications, or that prospective students are seeking alternatives. Moreover, the number of denied applications has also risen sharply in recent years, indicating a more competitive admission environment that could drive potential applicants away. In 2023, for example, the university denied over 2,800 applicants, which is nearly 1,700 more than in 2021. Ultimately, the interplay between declining rankings, stricter admissions, and diminishing enrollments poses concerns for Drake University as it navigates the challenges of maintaining and enhancing its reputation. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, it will be imperative for institutions like Drake to adapt their strategies to attract and retain students.

Trends in Standardized Test Scores and Submission Rates at Drake University

The data from Drake University reveals significant trends in standardized test scores and submission rates from 2007 to 2024. Notably, the percentage of admitted students submitting SAT scores has decreased from 22% in 2007 to just 8% in 2024. This decline aligns with a growing national trend where institutions are increasingly adopting test-optional policies, allowing students to focus on other aspects of their applications.

In terms of scores, there is a noticeable increase in the range of SAT reading and mathematics scores over the years. The 25th percentile scores for the SAT reading component have shifted from 520 in 2007 to a peak of 600 in 2022, suggesting that as fewer students submit scores, those who do tend to have stronger academic backgrounds. Conversely, the trend is accompanied by fluctuations in ACT scores, with the upper range for ACT combined scores showing variability over time, reflecting differences in applicant cohorts and potential shifts in academic preparation.

Overall, despite decreasing submission rates of standardized tests, those who do choose to submit their scores appear to demonstrate increasingly competitive academic performance. It will be crucial for Drake University to continue monitoring these trends to enhance recruitment strategies while ensuring that diverse and qualified applicants feel encouraged to apply, regardless of their test scores. The evolving landscape of college admissions necessitates that institutions adapt to these changes to maintain academic excellence and inclusivity.

Analyzing Student Demographics at Drake University in 2024

In 2024, the student demographic data from Drake University highlights significant trends regarding gender and ethnic diversity among its population. The total enrollment figures indicate a robust presence of undergraduate and graduate students, with 638 being first-year undergraduate students, 1,921 second-year undergraduates, 110 transfer students, and 1,802 graduate students.

The gender distribution reveals a notable trend: first-year undergraduates are predominantly female, with women comprising 61.9% of the group, while the male representation stands at 38.1%. This female predominance is consistent across the remaining categories, with women also making up 59.6% of second-year undergraduates and 66.2% of graduate students. This shift towards a higher enrollment of female students may reflect broader societal changes in higher education where women increasingly pursue advanced degrees.

On the ethnic diversity front, while the detailed breakdown for each student category is incomplete, the available data indicates a significant majority of the student body identifies as White, encompassing approximately 67.7% of the first-year undergraduates. However, it is vital to acknowledge that Drake University, like many institutions, is likely striving for improved representation of minority groups, as the overall diversity landscape continues to evolve.

Overall, the trends observed suggest a growing female representation and a constant challenge of achieving diversity within the student population. As universities like Drake navigate these dynamics, the ongoing efforts towards inclusion will shape the future educational environment and success for all students.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Drake University

The age composition data for students at Drake University in 2024 presents an interesting demographic overview, emphasizing the predominance of traditional-age college students while also highlighting a significant presence of non-traditional students.

In the under-18 category, there are slightly more females (17) than males (16), indicating early academic engagement among younger girls. The 18-19 age group shows a considerable number of undergraduate males (464) and females (727), reflecting the university's appeal to high school graduates. This trend continues in the 20-21 age bracket, where male undergraduates (447) and a notable number of graduate females (100) are observed, indicating that the university provides robust support for students transitioning from secondary education.

Interestingly, as we move into the 22-24 age category, there is a noticeable increase in graduate students, particularly males (177), suggesting that more individuals are choosing to pursue advanced degrees at this stage in their lives. Meanwhile, the sharp drop in enrollment for ages 25-29 indicates that potential students may be balancing further education with career or personal commitments.

Additionally, the decrease in student numbers in the older age groups (30-34 up to 65+) indicates a demographic trend common in higher education, where younger age brackets predominate. However, there's a notable representation of students aged 40-49, particularly females (175), which may suggest that many individuals are pursuing education as a means to advance their careers or change professions later in life.

These patterns reflect broader societal trends where education is increasingly seen as a lifelong endeavor, with more mature students looking to enhance their skills and knowledge. Drake University appears to be catering well to diverse student needs, and this demographic diversity can enhance the educational environment for all.

Analysis of International Student Trends at Drake University

Drake University has witnessed significant fluctuations in the number and proportion of international students in both undergraduate and graduate programs over the years. From 2005 to 2024, the percentage of international undergraduates peaked at 7.61% in 2007 and has since seen a downward trend, reaching a low of 3.02% in 2021. This decline may reflect broader trends in U.S. higher education, where international enrollment saw challenges due to policy changes, visa restrictions, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interestingly, while the undergraduate population experienced a general decrease in the share of international students, the graduate programs have consistently maintained low percentages, with the peak at 4.77% in 2005 and falling to just 1.19% by 2019. The sharp drop in international graduate enrollment could be indicative of shifting perceptions regarding U.S. education, economic factors, or an increase in options available to students globally.

Overall, the data portrays challenges that Drake University faces in attracting and retaining international students. The declining trends may pose risks to the university's diversity, enriching cultural experiences on campus, and international collaborations. As institutions globally adapt and recover from recent disruptions, there is an opportunity for Drake to revitalize its recruitment strategies, enhance support for international students, and innovate programs that appeal to this demographic to foster a more inclusive academic environment.

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.

Trends in Campus Crime Rates at Drake University

The crime rates on the campus of Drake University have shown a noteworthy decline over the past decade. In 2013, the average rate per 1,000 students was 17.50, with a total of 92.2 reported incidents. This figure peaked in 2013 and has steadily decreased to 11.53 in 2023, reflecting a significant drop in criminal activity.

The decline is consistently evident across multiple categories of crime. For instance, arrests related to gun possession peaked in earlier years but have recently seen lesser occurrences on campus. The data also indicates a decline in incidents of drug-related arrests and alcohol-related offenses, with rates falling drastically from 2013 to 2021, where the overall rate reached a low of 5.78.

Interestingly, there was an uptick in 2022 and 2023, where the average rate slightly increased from the previous year, indicating potential concerns that need addressing. However, it's important to contextualize these figures. The pandemic may have altered student behavior and crime patterns, leading to a temporary fluctuation in the crime statistics towards the latter end of the reviewed period.

Overall, Drake University seems to be on a positive trajectory in terms of campus safety, promoting a secure environment for its students. Continuous efforts must be maintained to ensure that crime rates do not rise again, fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning and personal safety. For further understanding of how these rates are calculated, a detailed method can be accessed here.