Des Moines Area Community College
About Des Moines Area Community College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Des Moines Area Community College is the largest two-year college in Iowa, teaching from Ankeny and several other campuses, and it is one of the few with dormitories. Nursing and business are its largest programs.
Founded
1966
Location
Ankeny, Iowa
Students
10,446
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
39.2%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$5,790
Out-of-state: $6,690
Avg Net Price
$11,171
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$41,018
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
39.2% complete their degree within three years
Retention
63.4%
Transfer Out
15%
Teaching Quality
21:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
99.5%
$/Student
$6.8K
Class Size
Large
The 39.2% graduation rate is below average, but 63.4% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$5,790
In-State
$6,690
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$8,244
Books & Supplies
$810
Total Cost of Attendance
$16,204
After Financial Aid
$11,171
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,132
Receive Grants
15.7%
Take Loans
11.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $16,204/yr, including $8,244 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $11,171.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Des Moines Area Community College fund their education.
While in School
15.7%
Get Grants
Free money
11.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$34,507
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$11,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$117/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $11,000, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Des Moines Area Community College.
Gender
58.4%
Female
42%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
10,446
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
36.9%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
16.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 36.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
10,446
Students
community
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Des Moines Area Community College fields 6 varsity teams with 182 student athletes, about 2% of the student body.
Division
NJCAA
Division II
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
6
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
182
2% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
56% / 44%
102
Men
80
Women
4
Men's Teams
5
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Des Moines Area Community Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$41,018
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$31K
934 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$59K
162 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$36K
94 grads
1yr Earnings
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
$52K
78 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer Programming
—
62 grads
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$43K
58 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $41K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Des Moines Area Community College
How much does Des Moines Area Community College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Des Moines Area Community College?▾
How much do Des Moines Area Community College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.