Drake University vs. Iowa: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Iowa law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Iowa is the more selective admit (median LSAT 164 vs 156); Iowa posts the higher first-time bar passage (91.0% vs 85.7%); Iowa is cheaper on sticker tuition ($30,944 vs $50,920); Iowa places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (98.1% vs 89.5%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Drake University | Iowa | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 156 | 164 | Iowa |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.67 | 3.78 | Iowa |
| Acceptance rate | 54.8% | 44.4% | Iowa |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $50,920 | $30,944 | Iowa |
| Non-resident tuition | $50,920 | $52,191 | Drake University |
| Median grant | $31,000 | $30,043 | Drake University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 85.7% | 91.0% | Iowa |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 93.5% | 91.5% | Drake University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +2 pts | +8.9 pts | Iowa |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 89.5% | 98.1% | Iowa |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 0.0% | 20.2% | Iowa |
| Federal clerkships | 0.9% | 5.1% | Iowa |
trajectory since 2011
Full profiles & related
Drake University full profile · Iowa full profile · Pin both on the interactive map → · All Iowa law schools
FAQ
Is Drake University or Iowa harder to get into?
Iowa is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 164 against Drake University's 156.
Which is cheaper, Drake University or Iowa?
Iowa is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $30,944 versus Drake University's $50,920.
Which has better bar passage, Drake University or Iowa?
Iowa has the higher first-time bar passage, 91.0% against Drake University's 85.7%.
Which has better job outcomes, Drake University or Iowa?
Iowa places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (98.1% vs 89.5%).
Drake University vs Iowa: which is better?
It depends on what you weigh — the table above shows where each wins. Across the four headline measures (selectivity, sticker cost, first-time bar passage, and JD employment), Iowa leads on more of them, but read the row that matters most to you rather than the count.
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.