Organizer Information
Drake University is a private university in Des Moines, Iowa, with academic programs across seven colleges and schools. Its College of Arts & Sciences includes the Department of Art and Design, which offers undergraduate study in art history, graphic design, and studio art.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Drake University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA
- Academic Fields: Art History, Graphic Design, Studio Art
- Relevant Programs: Art History, BA; Graphic Design, BA or BFA; Studio Art, BA or BFA
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Fall 2027 admission cycle
- Application Deadline: 1 March 2027; earlier priority deadlines apply
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027
- Application Fee: $50 for international undergraduate applicants
- Tuition: $27,289 per semester for full-time undergraduates entering 2027–2028
- Funding: Scholarships, Fine Arts Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid are available.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Drake's Department of Art and Design offers undergraduate study in Art History, Graphic Design, and Studio Art. Studio Art students can specialize in drawing, painting, printmaking, or sculpture. Graphic Design combines visual communication and design practice, while Art History focuses on the study, interpretation, and circulation of visual culture.
- The Art & Design Fine Arts Scholarship is separate from admission. For scholarship consideration, Studio Art and Graphic Design applicants submit six to eight portfolio images; Art History applicants submit a writing sample instead.
General Eligibility
- Drake accepts international applicants to its undergraduate programs. First-year international applicants must provide academic records from all secondary schools attended. Applicants transferring from another university must provide official postsecondary transcripts; additional secondary-school records apply to international transfer applicants with fewer than 24 semester credits of degree-level coursework.
- Drake uses individualized, holistic admission review and does not establish a single minimum GPA or standardized-test score for first-year admission. SAT and ACT scores are optional.
- For international students, Drake requires proof of financial resources before issuing an I-20 or DS-2019.
Language Requirements
International undergraduate applicants must demonstrate English proficiency unless they qualify for Drake's stated exemption based on at least two years of study, within the two years before starting at Drake, at a secondary or higher-education institution in a country where English is the official language and English was the medium of instruction.
- IELTS: 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: 4.0 under the current published scale, or 71 on the former scale
- Duolingo English Test: 105
- Pearson Test of English: 48
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 500
- ACT English: 19
- IB HL English: score 5–7 or grade A/B
- CSAT, South Korea: 2 on the English section
Application Fee
| Applicant | Application Fee | Billing Structure |
|---|---|---|
| International undergraduate | $50 | Drake's official fee schedule lists the international undergraduate application fee as $50 |
U.S. first-year students can apply through Drake's application without an application fee.
Tuition
| Study Level | Academic Year | Tuition | Billing Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, full-time, 12–18 credits | 2027–2028 | $27,289 | Per semester |
The published 2027–2028 undergraduate tuition is fixed under Drake's Tuition Guarantee for qualifying students entering that academic year. Additional charges may apply, including student and program-specific fees.
Funding & Financial Support
- Drake offers merit scholarships, need-based financial aid, and Fine Arts Scholarships. Fine Arts Scholarships are available to select incoming first-year and new transfer students pursuing bachelor's degrees in Art & Design, Music, or Theatre Arts; awards vary and may be combined with other Drake aid up to full tuition.
- International students may apply for the International Student Grant, which can provide up to 40% of total cost of attendance and does not provide full funding.
University Services & Academic Support
- Relevant support includes faculty advising and mentoring, academic coaching, tutoring, accessibility services, career coaching, experiential-learning support, and graduate-school guidance. Art and Design students also have access to studios, workshops, galleries, internships, and collaborative projects through their programs.
Application Requirements
First-year applicants must submit:
- Online application through the Drake University Application or Common Application
- Secondary-school transcript/academic records
- Official final transcript before enrollment
- English-proficiency evidence for international applicants, unless exempt
SAT/ACT scores, essays, recommendation letters, and admission interviews are optional and may be submitted or requested when additional information is needed.
A portfolio is not listed as a general admission requirement for Art and Design programs. Portfolio or writing-sample requirements apply to applicants seeking the Fine Arts Scholarship.
How to Apply?
- Application Portal
Deadline & Timeline
- Early Action Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Priority Deadline: 15 January 2027
- Fine Arts Scholarship Priority Deadline: 19 February 2027
- Regular Decision: 1 March 2027
- Admission Decisions: Rolling; Early Action decisions are issued between October and 15 January, while complete applications generally receive decisions within one to two weeks after submission.
- Start of Studies: 30 August 2027
Location
Drake University — Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Additional Details
The Art & Design Fine Arts Scholarship is a scholarship competition rather than an admission requirement. Scholarship applicants must first complete the Drake undergraduate application. Art & Design scholarship applicants submit either six to eight studio-art/graphic-design images or an Art History writing sample of no more than three pages. Scholarship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis while funds remain available.