Academic Comparison between Illinois State and Drake University

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 University 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 University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Drake University has more expensive tuition & fees ($49,944) than Illinois State ($23,479).
  • It is harder to admit to Drake University than Illinois State.
  • Drake University has a higher submitted SAT score (1,110) than Illinois State (1,110).
  • Drake University has higher submitted ACT score (24) than Illinois State (24).
  • Illinois State has more students with 20,683 students while Drake University has 4,685 students.
  • Drake University has a lower number of students per faculty with 10 to 1 while Illinois State's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • Illinois State has more full-time faculties with 915 faculties while Drake University has 300 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$14,121
Out-Of-State$23,479
2024 Tuition & Fees$49,944
86%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$10,441Average Amount of Financial Aid$29,576
89.00 %Acceptance Rates64.00 %
22.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)13.00 %
1,110SAT Score1,280
24ACT Score27
66 %Graduation Rate76 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
80 %Retention Rate83 %
20,683Student Population4,685
915Number of Faculties300
19 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio10 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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