Drake University vs William Penn University
William Penn University is moderately selective with a 57.0% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Drake University (64.1%). Graduates of Drake University earn $22,965 more per year at the 10-year mark ($71,901 vs $48,936). For families earning $48k–$75k, William Penn University is more affordable at $20,560 net price vs $25,171.
Admissions & Outcomes
William Penn University has a higher yield rate (46.7%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Drake University has a higher median SAT (1280 vs 950).
Des Moines, IA
Oskaloosa, IA
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), William Penn University is more affordable at $20,608 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $33,126 vs $25,916.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. William Penn University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (46%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Drake University
- 1 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods$78,971
- 2 Mathematics$65,238
- 3 Management Information Systems and Services$64,990
- 4 Computer and Information Sciences, General$62,409
- 5 Accounting and Related Services$59,485
William Penn University
- 1 Business/Commerce, General$58,402
- 2 Human Resources Management and Services$46,478
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Drake University
- 1 Marketing
- 2 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- 3 Psychology, General
- 4 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- 5 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
William Penn University
- 1 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- 2 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 3 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Criminology
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Drake University
- International students3%
- Tuition (international)$44,188
- Est. total cost/year$55,518
- School typePublic
William Penn University
- International students7%
- Tuition (international)$26,600
- Est. total cost/year$33,776
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Drake University or William Penn University?
William Penn University is more selective with a 57.0% acceptance rate, compared to 64.1%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Drake University or William Penn University?
Drake University graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $71,901 compared to $48,936. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Drake University or William Penn University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), William Penn University has a lower net price at $20,560 per year vs $25,171. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Drake University vs William Penn University?
Drake University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 75.7%, compared to 30.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Drake University or William Penn University?
William Penn University has a larger international student population at 7% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Drake University and William Penn University?
At Drake University, Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods graduates earn a median of $78,971 within two years. At William Penn University, the top-earning major is Business/Commerce, General at $58,402. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.