Exploring Drake University's Student Population

Drake University, a private university in Des Moines, Iowa, has a student population of approximately 4,884, including 2,954 undergraduate students and 1,900 graduate students. The undergraduate population is further broken down into 782 first-year students and 100 full-time transfer students. The university attracts students from a diverse range of backgrounds, with undergraduates hailing from 49 states and 26 countries. The total number of enrolled students at Drake University showcases the institution's appeal and ability to draw students from various locations.

Undergraduate vs graduate students

Drake University, a private university in Des Moines, Iowa, has a total student population of approximately 4,884, including 2,954 undergraduates and 1,900 graduate students. The undergraduate population is further broken down into 782 first-year students and 100 full-time transfer students.

Undergraduate and graduate students differ in several ways, including their level of academic study, the type of degrees they pursue, and their level of independence and specialisation. Undergraduate students are typically working towards a bachelor's degree, which serves as the foundation for their chosen field of study. They often live on campus and have more opportunities to explore different subjects before declaring a major. This flexibility allows undergraduates to discover their interests and passions before committing to a specific area of specialisation.

On the other hand, graduate students have already completed their undergraduate studies and are now pursuing advanced degrees such as master's or doctoral programmes. Graduate students tend to be older, more focused on their specific field of study, and often have clearer career goals. They may choose to continue their education by pursuing a master's degree in a specific discipline or enrol in a professional degree programme like law or medicine. Graduate students often have more independence and are expected to take greater ownership of their learning.

At Drake University, undergraduates can choose from over 150 majors, minors, and concentrations, or even combine or create their own majors. The university offers a wide range of programmes, ensuring that students can find a suitable path to achieve their academic and career goals. Graduate students, on the other hand, can select from more than 20 master's, doctoral, and professional degree options. This flexibility at both the undergraduate and graduate levels ensures that students can tailor their education to their specific interests and career aspirations.

In summary, while undergraduates at Drake University are laying the groundwork for their future careers and exploring a variety of subjects, graduate students are focused on advancing their knowledge in specific disciplines and pursuing specialised degrees to enhance their professional development.

Gender ratio

Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, has approximately 4,884 students, including 2,954 undergraduates and 1,900 graduate students. The undergraduate population comprises 62% females and 38% males, while the graduate population has a more significant gender disparity with 66.9% females and 33.1% males.

Among undergraduate freshmen, there are 733 students with a gender distribution of approximately 40.4% male and 59.6% female. This trend continues among the continuing undergraduate students, totalling 1,985, with males making up 39.5% and females 60.5%. The gender ratio for transfer students is slightly in favour of males, with 47.4% males and 52.6% females.

The graduate student population, on the other hand, exhibits a more pronounced gender imbalance. Out of a total of 1,850 graduate students, only 33.1% are male, while 66.9% are female. This disparity is even more evident when considering the overall student population, where females outnumber males by a significant margin.

In terms of gender representation, the data reflects a broader trend in higher education where women have outnumbered men in college attendance for several years. This shift in demographics underlines the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that supports all students, regardless of gender or background. As universities strive to mirror the diversity of society, Drake University appears committed to achieving equitable representation within its student body.

Student origins

Drake University is a private institution based in Des Moines, Iowa, that was founded in 1881. The university has approximately 4,884 students enrolled, including 2,954 undergraduate students from 49 states and 26 countries. The undergraduate population is 62% female and 38% male, with a total of 782 first-year students and 100 full-time transfer students.

The student body at Drake University reflects a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. The undergraduate population hails from across the United States, with representation from 35 states, and internationally, with students from 12 countries. This diversity extends to the graduate student population as well, which includes students from over 40 countries.

In terms of academic achievement, the entering class of first-year students demonstrates a strong academic profile. Of those reporting class rank, 68% graduated in the top 25% of their class, and 90% graduated in the top 50%. The median ACT score for this cohort is 27, with a mid-50% range of 24-31. Similarly, the median SAT score is 1260, with a mid-50% range of 1120-1370.

The student population at Drake University is predominantly white, particularly among the undergraduate cohorts. However, the university has welcomed its most diverse entering student class in university history, indicating a commitment to fostering an inclusive and representative student body.

Student enrolment trends

Drake University is a private institution based in Des Moines, Iowa, that was founded in 1881. The university has a total enrolment of around 4,884 students, including 2,954 undergraduates and 1,900 graduate students.

Drake University's enrolment trends indicate a slight decrease in the number of students over time. In 2009, the university admitted 902 students, which gradually decreased to 733 in 2023. This decline in admissions is accompanied by a decrease in the acceptance rate, with male acceptance dropping to 63.0% and female acceptance at 71.1% in 2023. The number of denied applications has consistently been high, with 2,825 denials in 2023, reflecting increased competition in the application process.

The undergraduate enrolment at Drake University stands at approximately 3,000 students, with 2,702 students enrolled as of the fall of 2023. The gender distribution among undergraduates is 62% female and 38% male. The university attracts students from a diverse range of locations, with undergraduates hailing from 35 states and 12 countries.

Drake University also enrols over 1,600 graduate students, with a notable gender disparity, as only 33.1% are male and 66.9% are female. The university's graduate programs have seen a decrease in international student enrolment over the years, dropping from 4.32% in 2004 to 1.46% in 2023. This decline raises questions about the university's appeal to international graduate students and may indicate a need for improved recruitment strategies.

Overall, Drake University's enrolment trends show a slight decline in admissions and a competitive application process. The university attracts a diverse student body in terms of gender and geographical representation, particularly among undergraduates. However, the decrease in international graduate students is a trend that the university may need to address.

Student-to-faculty ratio

Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, is a private university with a strong emphasis on liberal arts education and professional programs. The student-to-faculty ratio is an important metric for any educational institution, and Drake University has maintained a favourable ratio, with approximately 10 to 12 students per faculty member. This ratio is critical for ensuring personalised education and adequate student support, which are hallmarks of the university's commitment to student success.

The university enrols more than 3,000 undergraduate and 1,600 to 1,900 graduate students, amounting to a total student population of approximately 4,884. The undergraduate population is further broken down into 782 entering first-year students and 100 entering full-time transfer students. With such a distribution, the student-to-faculty ratio allows for intimate class sizes and close personal relationships between students and faculty, contributing to a positive learning environment.

The student-to-faculty ratio at Drake University is also notable for its stability over the years. While tuition costs, graduation rates, and retention rates have fluctuated, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively consistent. This consistency is essential for maintaining the high-quality education and individual attention that the university strives to provide.

The benefits of a low student-to-faculty ratio extend beyond the classroom. Drake University's focus on experiential learning is enhanced by this ratio, as it enables faculty members to more easily involve undergraduate students in research projects and other hands-on learning opportunities. This dynamic also fosters a sense of community and collaboration between students and faculty, contributing to the overall positive campus culture that Drake University is known for.

In conclusion, the student-to-faculty ratio at Drake University is an essential aspect of the institution's commitment to academic excellence and student success. By maintaining a low ratio, the university ensures that students receive the individual attention and support they need to excel in their studies and future careers. This ratio also facilitates experiential learning and contributes to a vibrant and collaborative campus community, making Drake University a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and personalised education.

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