Drake University— Earnings & Cost Trends
Graduate Earnings
$71,901
in 2021+35% since 2008
Median Graduate Earnings Over Time
Net Price (Annual Cost) Over Time
Graduation Rate Over Time
Key Insights
- •Earnings grew 35% since 2008 — graduates are earning more over time
- •Net price increased 28% since 2010 — costs are rising faster than inflation
- •Graduation rate improved by 6 percentage points since 1998
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Earnings | Net Price | Grad Rate | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | — | — | 68% | $14,197 |
| 1999 | — | — | 66% | $12,915 |
| 2000 | — | — | 65% | $12,500 |
| 2001 | — | — | 64% | $11,625 |
| 2002 | — | — | 68% | $11,000 |
| 2003 | — | — | 73% | $11,000 |
| 2004 | — | — | 70% | $10,750 |
| 2005 | — | — | 69% | $11,000 |
| 2006 | — | — | 67% | $11,348 |
| 2007 | — | — | 77% | $11,625 |
| 2008 | $53,200 | — | 73% | $12,500 |
| 2009 | — | — | 71% | $14,063 |
| 2010 | $53,300 | $22,727 | 76% | $15,625 |
| 2011 | — | $22,878 | 75% | $17,125 |
| 2012 | $55,700 | $23,314 | 78% | $18,250 |
| 2013 | $55,700 | $25,738 | 74% | $19,500 |
| 2014 | $56,800 | $26,045 | 73% | $20,500 |
| 2015 | $58,300 | $26,387 | 78% | $20,961 |
| 2016 | — | $27,303 | 75% | $21,500 |
| 2017 | — | $27,347 | 78% | $22,500 |
| 2018 | — | $27,578 | 79% | $19,197 |
| 2019 | — | $29,046 | 78% | $19,495 |
| 2020 | — | $29,432 | 81% | $19,000 |
| 2021 | $71,901 | $29,903 | 78% | $19,500 |
| 2022 | — | $29,098 | 78% | — |
| 2023 | — | $30,176 | 76% | — |
| 2024 | — | $30,042 | 77% | — |
| 2025 | — | $29,127 | 74% | — |