Choosing the right college is a crucial decision for students and their families. In this comparison, we will examine two reputable institutions: Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMUMN) and Drake University. We will delve into their overviews, costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campuses, alumni, rankings, and outcomes. By comparing these factors, prospective students can make an informed decision about which school best suits their needs and goals.
SMUMN Overview
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMUMN) is a private, Catholic institution located in Winona, Minnesota. Established in 1912, SMUMN is known for its strong liberal arts foundation and commitment to social justice and global awareness. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various fields, such as business, education, health sciences, and humanities.
SMUMN Costs & Tuition
SMUMN’s annual tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year is $37,650. The total cost of attendance, which includes room and board, fees, and other expenses, is estimated at $53,550. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with 99% of first-year students receiving some form of aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
SMUMN Admissions
SMUMN has an acceptance rate of approximately 91%. The university has a rolling admission process, which means that applications are reviewed as they are received and decisions are made throughout the year. However, the priority deadline for first-year students is February 1. Prospective students should submit an application, high school transcripts, an essay, and one letter of recommendation. SAT or ACT scores are optional.
SMUMN Degrees Offered
SMUMN offers over 60 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate and professional programs. Some popular undergraduate majors include Business, Education, Psychology, Biology, and Criminal Justice. Graduate programs span across various fields, such as Business Administration, Counseling and Psychological Services, Public Administration, and more.
SMUMN Academics
With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, SMUMN emphasizes personalized attention and small class sizes, allowing students to develop strong relationships with their professors. The university’s curriculum combines rigorous academics with a focus on experiential learning, internships, and research opportunities, providing students with the skills and experiences necessary for their future careers.
SMUMN Diversity
SMUMN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university has a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, such as the Brother Charles Henry Buttimer Institute for Lasallian Studies and the Office of Multicultural Affairs. In addition, SMUMN offers numerous scholarships and grants to support students from diverse backgrounds.
SMUMN Students
SMUMN has a total enrollment of approximately 5,560 students, with approximately 1,400 undergraduate students and 4,160 graduate and professional students. The university offers a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities for students to engage in, such as student government, performing arts, and recreational sports.
SMUMN Campus
SMUMN’s main campus is situated on 400 acres in the picturesque bluff region of Winona, Minnesota. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and residence halls, as well as recreational spaces, such as the Gostomski Fieldhouse and the Pines Disc Golf Course.
SMUMN Alumni
SMUMN has a strong alumni network, with over 40,000 graduates worldwide. The university’s alumni are known for their achievements in various fields, such as business, education, healthcare, and public service. Notable alumni include NFL player Eric Decker, former Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, and current U.S. Representative Jim Hagedorn.
SMUMN Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 rankings, SMUMN is ranked #33 in Regional Universities Midwest and #23 in Best Value Schools.
SMUMN Outcomes
SMUMN has a strong commitment to ensuring student success after graduation. The university’s Center for Career Development and Internships helps students with job placement, internships, and career development. According to the university’s data, 95% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
Drake Overview
Drake University is a private, midsized university located in Des Moines, Iowa. Established in 1881, it has a strong focus on liberal arts and professional programs. The university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate and professional programs in fields such as law, business, education, and pharmacy.
Drake Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, Drake University’s annual tuition is $44,696. The total cost of attendance, including room and board, fees, and other expenses, is estimated at $60,006. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with 99% of first-year students receiving some form of aid.
Drake Admissions
Drake University has an acceptance rate of approximately 68%. The priority deadline for first-year students is February 1. Prospective students must submit an application, high school transcripts, an essay, and one letter of recommendation. SAT or ACT scores are optional but encouraged.
Drake Degrees Offered
Drake offers over 70 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as numerous graduate and professional programs. Popular undergraduate majors include Business, Journalism, Health Sciences, Engineering, and Education. Graduate programs are offered in fields such as Law, Business Administration, Pharmacy, Education, and more.
Drake Academics
Drake University has a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring that students receive personalized attention in the classroom. The university also emphasizes experiential learning, with 98% of students participating in internships, research, or other experiential opportunities.
Drake Diversity
Drake is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. The university offers a variety of scholarships and grants for students from diverse backgrounds, as well as resources and programming through the Office of Equity and Inclusion.
Drake Students
Drake has a total enrollment of approximately 4,991 students, with 3,015 undergraduate students and 1,976 graduate and professional students. The university offers a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities for students to engage in, including Greek life, student government, performing arts, and recreational sports.
Drake Campus
Drake University’s campus is located in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa, offering students access to a vibrant city with numerous cultural, entertainment, and career opportunities. The campus features modern facilities and resources, such as the Cowles Library, the Knapp Center, and the Shivers Practice Facility.
Drake Alumni
Drake has a strong alumni network, with over 75,000 graduates worldwide. Notable alumni include former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael Gartner, and Grammy Award-winning musician Steve Higgins.
Drake Rankings
According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 rankings, Drake University is ranked #124 in National Universities and #34 in Best Value Schools.
Drake Outcomes
Drake University is committed to student success after graduation. The university’s Professional and Career Development Center helps students with job placement and career development. According to the university’s data, 94.7% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
SMUMN vs Drake Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs and tuition of SMUMN and Drake University, Drake has a higher annual tuition at $44,696, compared to SMUMN’s $37,650. The total cost of attendance at Drake is also higher, estimated at $60,006, while SMUMN’s is $53,550. However, both schools offer financial aid opportunities for eligible students, with 99% of first-year students at both schools receiving some form of aid.
SMUMN vs Drake Admissions Difficulty
SMUMN has a higher acceptance rate of 91%, compared to Drake’s 68%. This indicates that it may be somewhat easier to gain admission to SMUMN. Both schools have a rolling admission process and a priority deadline of February 1 for first-year students.
SMUMN vs Drake Academic Difficulty
Both SMUMN and Drake University prioritize small class sizes and personalized attention for students, with SMUMN having a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and Drake a 9:1 ratio. Both schools also emphasize experiential learning, with a majority of students participating in internships, research, or other hands-on opportunities.
SMUMN vs Drake Outcome Comparison
According to the respective universities’ data, SMUMN and Drake have similar post-graduation outcomes, with 95% and 94.7% of graduates being employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, respectively. Both schools offer resources and support for career development and job placement through their career centers.
