Drake University

About Drake University

No matter where you come from (and Drake “Bulldogs” come from all corners of the world!), you’ll find opportunities – and a home – at Drake.

As a truly international University, Drake embraces diversity, intercultural thinking, and expanded opportunities for all students. Founded in 1881, Drake first welcomed international students to campus in 1886. Each year, approximately 300 international students from more than 40 countries study at Drake University and become permanent members of the Bulldog family.

As a mid-sized, private university in Des Moines, Iowa, we offer the benefits and resources of a larger institution along with the advantages of intimate class sizes and close personal relationships. Drake enrolls 3,000 undergraduates and 1,900 graduate students from 45 states and more than 40 countries. Our students choose from more than 140 majors, minors, and concentrations, and 20 graduate degrees. In addition, we offer an Intensive English Program and a range of on-line and continuing education programs serving working professionals, community members, and area businesses.

Drake International

Staff in the Drake International Center will work to support you before you arrive and during your time here on campus. Drake International provides pre-arrival information, arrival and orientation services, immigration advice, and special programs specifically for international students. Volunteers in the Des Moines community also offer an American Family Friendship Program, which provides connections in the community so international students can explore the community and become accustomed to American culture.

Drake and Des Moines

Drake students, faculty, and staff take full advantage of the wealth of cultural, recreational, and business opportunities found in Des Moines.

The anchor of a metropolitan area of more than 700,000 people, Des Moines is ranked the #7 Best Place to Live by US News & World Report. Des Moines has also been designated No. 1 among “Best Places for Business and Careers” by Forbes magazine and offers a wealth of internship opportunities. Employers include corporate leaders such as The Principal Financial Group and Meredith Corporation; more than 60 insurance companies; science- and health-related organizations, including five area hospitals; and the agencies headquartered in the State Capitol complex.

From Drake’s own neighborhood, affectionately nicknamed “Dogtown,” to the business hub of downtown and the cultural center of the Western Gateway, visitors find world-class art and notable architecture, both modern and century-old. Dining options include award-winning barbeque, four-star haute cuisine, a Zombie themed burger joint, a Chinese fusion pizza place, and everything in between. And the region is home to signature events to be found nowhere else, from the Iowa State Fair and the Des Moines Arts Festival, to the Iowa Caucuses—a unique opportunity for Drake students to study electoral politics up-close. Drake is where you can have a conversation with a future US President!

Athletics

The Drake Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Missouri Valley Conference and Pioneer Football League. Drake fields teams in eight men’s and 10 women’s sports through the intercollegiate athletics program and offers many options for club sports, intramurals, and fitness and wellness.

Founded more than a century ago, Drake is also home to the legendary Drake Relays – America’s Athletic Classic. As a Drake student, you’ll have free access to this annual showcase event that attracts more than 40,000 spectators, 220 college and university teams and world-class athletes. Major track and field records are routinely broken on Drake’s legendary “Blue Oval” track by some of the finest athletes alive. It’s common to see Relays participants compete in the summer Olympic games, and vice versa. Drake students are at the forefront of the excitement, whether they’re seated in the stands, competing in Relays events, or helping to produce the largest student-run television broadcast in the nation.

Traditions

On campus, Drake Relays festivities transform the University with a palpable vibe of excitement. As a student, the Relays provide you an exceptional way to connect with classmates, alumni, community members, and track-and-field fans from around the world. Every year the crowds gather to celebrate in an ever-growing number of community traditions, including Street Painting, alumni reunions, an indoor pole vaulting contest, an all-ages mile run through the heart of downtown Des Moines, and the popular Beautiful Bulldog contest.

Accreditation

Drake University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association; Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business; Iowa Department of Public Instruction; National Association of Schools of Art and Design; National Association of Schools of Music; American Chemical Society; Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications; Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education; and the American Bar Association.

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