DES MOINES, IOWA (September 23, 2025) — Drake University was ranked among the top 200 best colleges in the nation by the US News and World Report national university rankings, competing against the largest private and public universities in the country. Drake also secured a N° 69 national ranking for “Best Value,” placing it first in Iowa among all schools.
Within the National University category, Drake secured high marks in several categories, including:
- N° 1 private school in Iowa
- Top 100 private school in the country
- Recognition for undergraduate business programs, social mobility, computer science, and psychology
Using a wide range of data sources, US News analysts and editors calculated more than 1,700 Best Colleges rankings, all with the intent of enabling students and their families to identify colleges that best meet their needs. The rankings highlight colleges that excel in such areas as value, social mobility, teaching, veterans’ needs, and in six academic disciplines. The methodology remains largely consistent from last year, with some minor adjustments to underlying data to better reflect student outcomes and institutional investment.
“We are thrilled to once again be recognized for what we know to be true — that Drake is a national leader in integrating the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation to ready students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishment, and responsible global citizenship,” said Drake University President Marty Martin.
“This recognition speaks directly to the outstanding return on investment our students and their families can expect from a Drake degree.”
Drake University has previously been recognized for its state- and nation-leading career outcomes. According to the US Department of Education, Drake graduates ranked highest in Iowa for median salary ten years after a student’s enrollment. Drake also ranked in the top three percent nationally for return on investment (ROI) with the lifetime ROI of a Drake education being approximately $1.5 million, according to a Bipartisan Policy Center study.
To learn more about Drake’s nation-leading student outcomes, view our Measure of Success report.
