Academic Comparison between Illinois State and Drake

Illinois State University and Drake University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Illinois State is a four-year, public school located in Normal, IL and Drake is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Des Moines, IA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Illinois State is a public and Drake is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Drake has more expensive tuition & fees ($51,960) than Illinois State ($26,058).
  • It is harder to admit to Drake than Illinois State.
  • Drake has a higher submitted SAT score (1,100) than Illinois State (1,100).
  • Drake has higher submitted ACT score (24) than Illinois State (24).
  • Illinois State has more students with 21,546 students while Drake has 4,345 students.
  • Drake has a lower number of students per faculty with 11 to 1 while Illinois State's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • Illinois State has more full-time faculties with 907 faculties while Drake has 302 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Illinois State Universityvs.Drake University
Normal, IllinoisLocationDes Moines, Iowa
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$14,410
Out-Of-State$26,058
2025 Tuition & Fees$51,960
83%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$12,056Average Amount of Financial Aid$33,072
88.15 %Acceptance Rates63.85 %
22.53 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)9.80 %
1,100SAT Score1,300
24ACT Score27
65 %Graduation Rate74 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
81 %Retention Rate84 %
21,546Student Population4,345
907Number of Faculties302
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio11 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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