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Drury University

Accept Rate
58.87%
Grad Rate
64.8%
Enrollment
1,367
Avg SAT
1212
Tuition
$35,235
Median Salary
$40,694
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Drury University feels like a close-knit, creative community where students are encouraged to think outside the box. The campus buzzes with a unique energy, blending a strong focus on architecture and the arts with a supportive, hands-on learning environment. It's a place where you're not just a number, but a known individual in a collaborative urban setting.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

58.87%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 121275th Pctl
10501310
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2775th Pctl
2328
1122436

Admissions Tips

["Showcase your creative side in your application, especially if you're interested in Architecture or Visual & Performing Arts; a portfolio or evidence of creative work can strengthen your candidacy.","Demonstrate genuine interest in Drury's unique programs by connecting your academic goals to their specific offerings, like their renowned architecture program or biology research.","Apply Early Action to receive an admissions decision and scholarship information sooner, as Drury offers generous merit aid that can significantly reduce your net cost."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1212
40080012001600
School range: 1050โ€“1310

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Drury is nationally recognized for its top-tier Architecture program, which offers a rare and rigorous B.Arch degree. The university emphasizes experiential learning and strong teaching across diverse fields like Biology, Visual Arts, and Business, with research opportunities that are accessible to undergraduates. The small class sizes foster close relationships with professors who are dedicated mentors.

Popular Majors

Biology & Biomedical
18.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
12.1%
Architecture
11.7%
Business & Marketing
10.9%
Social Sciences
9.1%
Psychology
8.7%
Education
6.8%
Communications
4.2%
English & Literature
3.8%
Health Professions
3.4%
Engineering
2.6%
Physical Sciences
2.6%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

64.8%
Graduation Rate
77.1%
Retention Rate
1,367
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$35,235
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$21,523
After financial aid
Total Cost
$47,091
Cost of attendance/year
27.2%
Receive Pell Grants
52.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Springfield

Springfield offers a vibrant downtown with live music venues, local breweries, and a growing foodie scene that students frequent. Outdoor enthusiasts love the proximity to the Ozarks for hiking, biking, and exploring nearby lakes and caves. Students also enjoy the city's numerous festivals, art walks, and the casual, friendly atmosphere of the city's many coffee shops and parks.

Local Rent Check

$723 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Springfield
Explore Springfield

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$140,940
$0Est. 4 Years: $140,940

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($40,694):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Drury's campus is generally considered safe and is located in a pleasant, established neighborhood of Springfield. The university has its own campus safety department, and the surrounding city area is typical for a mid-sized urban environment, requiring standard awareness.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Nationally renowned and respected Architecture program
  • โœ“ Small class sizes and strong faculty mentorship
  • โœ“ Generous merit-based scholarship opportunities
  • โœ“ Vibrant arts scene and creative campus culture

Cons

  • โœ— Higher sticker price for out-of-state students before aid
  • โœ— Graduation rate is below the national average for private universities
  • โœ— Smaller enrollment means fewer large-school options and activities

Notable Alumni

Bob Barker
Legendary host of 'The Price is Right' and a major philanthropist
John Q. Hammons
Influential hotel developer who founded a major hospitality company
Ruth Graham
Author, poet, and wife of evangelist Billy Graham

Frequently Asked Questions

Drury University is most famously known for its top-ranked Architecture program, which is one of the few in the nation to offer a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree. It also has strong programs in Visual & Performing Arts, Biology, and its unique 'Drury CORE' curriculum that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and experiential education.

Drury has a moderately selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 58.87%. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1100 and 1320 (or an equivalent ACT score). While not highly selective, successful applicants usually demonstrate strong academic records and a clear interest in Drury's programs.

Campus life at Drury is characterized by a close, collaborative student body (enrollment is under 1,400) where students know their professors and peers. The urban setting in Springfield provides easy access to city amenities, while the campus itself hosts a variety of student organizations, a strong arts community, and a focus on service and experiential learning.

The value of a Drury degree depends heavily on the financial aid and scholarships offered. With an average net price of $21,523, it can be a solid investment, particularly for students pursuing high-demand fields like Architecture. The 10-year median earnings of $40,694 are respectable, but the ROI is maximized by graduating on time and leveraging the university's strong alumni network and career services.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Bass Pro Shops Mercy Health O'Reilly Auto Parts Springfield Public Schools Drury Hotels
Smart Start Score
53

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,428
  • In-State Tuition $35,235
  • Zip Code 65802

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 47.5% โ™€ 52.4%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $21,523, Drury can be a more affordable option than its sticker price suggests, especially for in-state students who qualify for merit scholarships. The 10-year median earnings of $40,694 provide a solid, though not spectacular, return on investment for a private university education. The value is strong if you leverage scholarships and graduate, but the initial cost requires careful financial planning.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $35,235
Housing (12 mo) $8,676
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $51,111
With avg financial aid:
$21,523/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.