
Drake University, founded in 1881, is a midsize private university in Des Moines, Iowa, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,702 students as of Fall 2023. The university offers over 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees across 7 colleges, including the School of Education, which serves more than 1,000 students, and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, whose magazine program has achieved national prominence. The university's most famous event, the Drake Relays, began in 1910 and now draws athletes from all over the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of founding | 1881 |
| Founder | George T. Carpenter, a teacher and pastor |
| Co-founder | Francis Marion Drake, a Union general during the Civil War |
| Number of colleges and schools | 7 |
| Number of student organizations | Over 150 |
| Number of student organizations with fraternities and sororities | 160 |
| Number of undergraduate enrollment | 2,702 |
| Campus size | 150 acres |
| Location | Des Moines, Iowa |
| Type of university | Midsize, private university |
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Drake University's undergraduate enrollment is 2,702
Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, has a total undergraduate enrolment of 2,702 students as of Fall 2023. The university was founded in 1881 by George T. Carpenter, a teacher and pastor, and Francis Marion Drake, a Union general during the Civil War. Drake University is a midsize, private university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programmes.
The university's campus covers 150 acres and has a vibrant and urban setting. The campus is known for its historic architecture, including the Old Main building, which houses administration offices, Levitt Hall, and the Sheslow Auditorium. The campus also features residence halls, a library, and athletic facilities. Drake University's School of Journalism & Mass Communication has achieved national prominence, with its Magazines programme recognised as one of the strongest undergraduate sequences in the country.
Drake University offers a comprehensive educational experience with over 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees across seven colleges. These colleges include the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Education, the Zimpleman College of Business, and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Students can choose from a variety of majors, minors, and concentrations or even create their own personalised majors. The university encourages experiential learning and provides opportunities such as first-year research, law practicums, full-immersion internships, and service learning projects.
With a focus on student success, Drake University fosters a sense of community and tradition through events like the Drake Relays, which began in 1910 and has since become a renowned athletic event attracting participants from around the world. The university also offers over 160 student organisations, including fraternities and sororities, providing students with a well-rounded college experience that extends beyond academics.
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Drake University is a midsize university
Drake University is a midsize, private university in Des Moines, Iowa, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 2,702 students as of Fall 2023. The university's campus size is 150 acres, and it is organised into seven colleges and schools, offering over 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees. The university has a rich history, with its first classes convening in 1881 with 77 students. The first permanent building, Old Main, was completed in 1883 and remains prominent on campus, housing administration offices, Levitt Hall, and Sheslow Auditorium.
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, with undergraduates choosing from more than 150 majors, minors, and concentrations. The university also has a strong focus on experiential learning, providing opportunities for first-year research, law practicum, full-immersion internships, and classes held on location. Drake University is also known for its student organisations, with over 160 groups, including several fraternities and sororities, providing students with professional and social opportunities.
The School of Journalism & Mass Communication (SJMC) at Drake University has achieved national prominence, with its magazine program being termed the strongest undergraduate sequence in the country by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC) in 1999. The university's athletics program is also notable, with the Drake Bulldogs competing in NCAA Division I in various sports and offering many options for club sports, intramurals, and fitness and wellness activities.
Drake University's size gives students the benefits of both a "big" and "small" school experience. The university's urban campus provides easy access to the vibrant and diverse city of Des Moines, offering world-class internships, cultural events, and attractions. At the same time, the midsize nature of the university allows for small classes and a close-knit community where professors know their students' names. This unique combination makes Drake University a desirable choice for those seeking a well-rounded and personalised educational experience.
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Drake University has 7 colleges
Drake University, a top-ranked private university in Iowa, offers a diverse range of academic opportunities through its seven colleges and schools. With a total undergraduate enrolment of 2,702 students as of Fall 2023, Drake provides a comprehensive education with a personal approach to learning and a practical focus.
The College of Arts and Sciences is a cornerstone of the university, offering 42 majors across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. Students in this college develop essential skills such as critical and creative thinking, effective writing, and the ability to ask powerful questions, setting them up for success in a wide range of careers or further studies.
The Zimpleman College of Business stands out for its exceptional faculty, combining scholarly achievement with real-world business experience. It offers numerous internship opportunities, special programs featuring internationally recognised business leaders, and entrepreneurial resources, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the corporate world.
Drake University also boasts a strong education tradition through its School of Education. With a history dating back to 1888, this school has evolved to serve over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to become effective educators.
The School of Journalism & Mass Communication is another notable aspect of Drake University, having achieved national prominence for its magazine program. Drake student magazines have won prestigious awards, and the school's students gain valuable practical experience through their involvement in these publications.
Additionally, Drake University's Law School, one of the oldest in the nation, offers an impressive range of opportunities, including acclaimed legal clinics, internships, and centres of excellence in various legal specialisations. The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences rounds off the selection, providing a solid foundation for careers across the healthcare industry, including clinical, research, and management pathways.
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Drake University's first classes had 77 students
Drake University was founded in March 1881 by George T. Carpenter, a teacher and pastor, and Francis Marion Drake, a Union general during the Civil War. The university's first classes convened in 1881 with 77 students and one building, Student's Home. The first permanent building, Old Main, was completed in 1883 and remains prominent on campus.
Drake University has grown significantly since its early days. The university now offers over 100 programs of study and boasts more than 160 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities. The School of Journalism & Mass Communication (SJMC) has achieved national prominence, with its magazine program being recognised as one of the strongest undergraduate sequences in the country.
The university's athletic programs, known as the Bulldogs, also compete at the Division I level in the Missouri Valley Conference, with the exception of football, men's tennis, and women's rowing. The Drake Relays, the university's most famous event, began in 1910 and now attract athletes from all over the world, including Olympians.
While Drake University has expanded and gained recognition in various fields, it maintains a commitment to small class sizes. The First Year Seminar, for example, has a cap of 20 students, fostering dialogue, discovery, and close connections between students and professors. This personalised approach to education remains a hallmark of the Drake University experience, contributing to a strong and proud community.
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Drake University's School of Education serves 1,000+ students
Drake University in Iowa was founded in 1881 by George T. Carpenter, a teacher and pastor, and Francis Marion Drake, a Union general during the Civil War. The university is organised into seven colleges and schools, and features over 160 student organisations, including fraternities and sororities.
The School of Education at Drake University has a long history, evolving from the 1888 purchase of Callanan College of Women. In 1893, the college became known as the Normal College, which prepared students to be teachers. In 1906, it was renamed the School of Education, or the College of Education. Today, the School of Education serves more than 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
The School of Education offers a range of programmes and courses that prepare students for careers in education and teaching. The school's curriculum covers a variety of topics, including educational theory, pedagogy, and practical training. Students have opportunities to gain hands-on experience through internships, field placements, and student teaching programmes.
The School of Education at Drake University is known for its strong faculty, who are experienced educators and researchers in their respective fields. The school also offers a variety of resources and support services to its students, including academic advising, career counselling, and access to technology and libraries.
In addition to its academic programmes, the School of Education is involved in various initiatives and partnerships to support education in the community. This includes working with local schools and organisations to provide professional development opportunities for teachers and improve educational outcomes for students. The school also hosts conferences, workshops, and other events that bring together educators and community members to share knowledge and best practices.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, there are 2,702 undergraduate students enrolled at Drake University.
There are 7 colleges and schools at Drake University.
When classes first convened in 1881, there were 77 students.











































