Drake University has been ranked the No. 1 college in Iowa and named among the top 200 universities nationwide in TIME magazine’s newly released “America’s Best Colleges” list. Drake placed No. 190 nationally among all schools and No. 115 among private institutions. Drake is the only school in Iowa to crack the top 200 list in overall rankings.
“Rankings matter when they measure the outcomes that have the greatest impact on a student’s life,” said Drake University President Marty Martin. “TIME’s recognition reflects our core focus from day one, delivering an amazingly high-quality liberal arts education that pairs small classes and personalized mentorship with practical, hands-on experience. That combination prepares our students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishment, and responsible global citizenship as proven by our alumni.”
Developed in partnership with data research firm Statista, TIME’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges of 2026–2027 methodology evaluates institutions on career outcomes and ROI, learning environments, and overall student appeal. The methodology relies on the National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS data—ensuring federally reported metrics are applied consistently across institutions rather than relying on self-reported figures.
This recognition from TIME further demonstrates proof of the strong return on investment as shared by multiple other research sources, including:
- Salary: #1 in Iowa among bachelor-granting institutions for alumni median salary 10 years after enrolling (U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard).
- Internships: 89.3% of bachelor’s degree recipients reported having an internship or other practical experience while at Drake (2026 Measure of Success Report).
- Accomplishment Rates: Within six months of graduation, the percentages of Drake degree recipients who are employed, pursuing additional education, or involved in an activity related to their professional goals reach: 100% among associate degree recipients, 92.8% among bachelor’s degree recipients, and 98.5% among graduate and professional degree recipients (2026 Measure of Success Report).
To learn more about Drake University’s academic programs and student achievement metrics, visit drake.edu.