Drake signs articulation agreement with Iowa community colleges
Drake University announced Monday it has signed an articulation agreement with all of Iowa’s community colleges. Under the agreement, Iowa community college students who have completed at least 60 semester hours of courses and maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 can transfer to Drake with all general education requirements fulfilled, with the exception of the Senior Capstone requirement. Students who meet these qualifications and earn an associate’s degree at an Iowa community college will enter Drake at junior level status. Students transferring to Drake are also eligible for new transfer scholarships. The agreement, which Drake officials said is the first of its kind between Iowa community colleges and a private university, addresses a national challenge. According to a 2017 report from the Government Accountability Office, students who transfer from one school to another lose, on average, nearly half of their college credits. “This partnership creates a seamless transition for transfer students and minimizes the loss of credits and duplication of coursework that far too often disrupts a student’s academic path,” said Keith Summerville, Drake’s deputy provost. Additionally, Drake has begun accepting applications for transfer admission through the Common Application.