Drake University is committed to providing an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. Drake offers an intimate, personable experience in Des Moines, Iowa, combining the toughest academic standards with individual interests and professional determination to groom the leaders of tomorrow, encouraging students to explore multiple interests to become well-rounded individuals. The Drake experience is distinguished by collaborative learning and by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation. With a total student body around 5,000, Drake offers many of the benefits of a public university with the intimacy and tailored experience of a private institution. With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and their passions by heart. Through mentoring and collaboration, faculty and staff help students meet educational, professional, and personal goals. Drake Bulldogs come from all walks of life, hailing from 40 states and 42 countries. Undergraduate students can choose from more than 70 rigorous programs of study, combine majors, or create their own major. Drake also offers graduate study in law, pharmacy, business, communication leadership, education, and more, bringing the University national recognition as one of the top master's institutions in the Midwest. Located in Iowas capital city and home of the first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses (Drake hosted a nationally televised Democratic debate and more than 25 campaign events in 2015-2016), students continue their learning outside the classroom in the citys businesses, schools, government, and cultural organizations. Drake students gain real-world experience that prepares them for lifelong success: More than 90 percent of Drake students take part in at least one internship, practical, or field experience before graduation. Drake is also focused on service-learning and making our local, national, and international communities stronger. Each year students volunteer their time with local nonprofits, traveling to learn and serve abroad or spending spring break building homes or delivering health care in impoverished areas. A rigorous education plus meaningful local and global experience translates into real-world success: Nearly 99 percent of all Drake bachelors degree recipients find career employment or enter graduate school within six months of receiving their degrees. College isn't just about studying--it's also about exploring new interests, making lifelong friends, and discovering individual paths. Drakes more than 160 student organizations are designed around a variety of interests, and its 15 national fraternities and sororities and more than 25 intramural and club sports provide further ways to be immersed in the Drake experience. Bulldog athletic teams compete at Division I, and the University also hosts the Drake Relays, a storied track-and-field meet that draws more than 40,000 spectators annually with competitors ranging from kindergartners to Olympic champions. (Visit www.drakerelays.org to learn more.) Drake is committed to ensuring that its students--and their families'--investments provide valuable returns throughout their lives. Approximately 98 percent of Drake students receive financial aid, making the actual cost of a Drake education competitive with public universities for many students. With proper planning, most students complete their degrees in just four years and begin working in their chosen profession after graduation. Drake is identified by Barrons, Petersons and Kiplingers as a best value in education. The Drake alumni network extends across the world, from graduates teaching English in China to the very top ranks of Fortune 500 companies. Drake graduates currently reside in all 50 states and more than 60 countries.

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