May 26, 2026
By: Greater Des Moines Partnership
Drake University’s Economic Impact Totals $424.1 Million in 2025
In a newly released 2025 Economic and Community Impact Report, Drake’s total annual economic impact was $424.1 million during 2025. This comprehensive analysis underscores the University’s commitment to being an engaged higher educational institution — serving not just as a center for academic excellence, but as an anchor institution to Central Iowa and a vital engine for local and statewide prosperity.
“For decades, our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and fans have contributed extensively to the prosperity of our vibrant neighborhood and the state we proudly call home — not just from an economic standpoint, but through hundreds of thousands of hours of community service each year,” said Drake University President Marty Martin. “We are proudly 'of our place' and driven by our inspiration statement — that together, we transform lives and strengthen communities.”
About the Report
The fiscal year 2025 impact analysis was prepared by Impact DataSource, LLC, in collaboration with Drake University. The study utilized the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Input-Output Modeling System (RIMS II) to calculate the university’s total influence on jobs, earnings, and value-added economic activity. Click here to download the full report.
Find more information on Drake University at drake.edu. Read the full press release announcing the total economic impact of the university here.
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