Drake University’s 2025 Impact: A Major Economic and Community Catalyst
In a groundbreaking 2025 Economic and Community Impact Report, Drake University has unveiled its substantial contributions to Iowa’s economy, amounting to $424.1 million in total annual economic impact. This report highlights Drake’s dual role as an academic leader and a crucial player in fostering economic and community growth in Central Iowa.
Drake University President Marty Martin expressed pride in the institution’s longstanding community involvement, stating, “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.”
Significant Tax Contributions
Drake’s economic footprint includes generating substantial tax revenue, with $12.6 million for Des Moines, $4.5 million for Polk County, and $10.8 million for the State of Iowa. Additionally, the Des Moines Public School district and other districts benefit from $9.8 million and $10.1 million, respectively.
Tourism and Visitor Impact
The university’s influence extends to tourism, with nearly 268,000 visitors generating 283,588 visitor days in 2025. This influx contributed approximately $31.9 million in visitor spending, broken down as follows:
● $12.5 million from campus visitors
● $12 million from athletic events
● $7.3 million from the Drake Relays
● $7.5 million in local lodging expenditures
Commitment to Community Service
Beyond financial metrics, Drake is deeply rooted in community service, with its students and faculty dedicating 246,382 hours to volunteerism and pro-bono work, valued at $11.2 million. Notable service contributions include:
● 110,699 hours in clinical health services
● 81,890 hours in teaching and counseling internships
● 24,590 hours via the Drake Legal Clinic
● 9,495 hours of pro-bono communication and PR work
● 1,407 hours in small business consulting
Reversing “Brain Drain”
Drake University serves as a vital talent incubator for Iowa, countering the “brain drain” phenomenon. With 43% of students originating from Iowa, a significant 57% of graduates choose to remain in the state, contributing to its economic vitality. Currently, over 27,000 Drake alumni are part of Iowa’s workforce, collectively adding $6 billion to the state’s GDP annually.
About the Report
The fiscal year 2025 analysis was conducted by Impact DataSource, LLC, in collaboration with Drake University. The report used the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) RIMS II model to assess the university’s impact on jobs, earnings, and economic activity. Download the full report here.
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