About Des Moines Area Community College
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $11,050 after aid, though families earning under $30,000 see that drop to just $9,302. Graduates earn a median of $41,018 ten years after starting college. With typical debt loads of $11,000 and monthly payments around $117, the investment pays off for most students. The employment rate hits 96.1% for graduates.
The student body leans female at 58.51% and reflects Iowa's diversity with 67.48% white students alongside growing Hispanic and Black populations. Only 8.56% of students receive institutional grants, but the low federal loan rate of 13.06% suggests many can afford tuition without heavy borrowing. The Bears compete in nine varsity sports with 151 total athletes sharing $404,000 in athletic scholarships. Campus housing accommodates 224 students who want the residential experience.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 21:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 99.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 34.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,018
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $55,964 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,750 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $51,482 |
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $49,644 |
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. | Certificate | $46,790 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $44,384 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $44,244 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $44,091 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Associate | $42,682 |
Campus Life
Iowa winters demand heavy coats and snow boots from December through February, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for walking between the modern academic buildings. The 96.1% employment rate reflects the school's strong ties to local employers like Principal Financial and Casey's General Stores. Students often work part-time jobs that align with their programs.
Weekends see campus nearly empty as commuter students return home or work. The Bears compete in 9 varsity sports with 151 total athletes, but games draw modest crowds. Most social life happens in study groups, student organizations, or off-campus hangouts in Ankeny's shopping districts. The semester calendar keeps pace quick, with many students transferring to four-year universities or entering the workforce after completing their programs.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 224 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1966
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 11°–30°F
- July Avg
- 64°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- -750.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.5%
- Women
- 58.5%
- White
- 67.5%
- Black
- 9.7%
- Hispanic
- 10.7%
- Asian
- 4.2%
- In-State Students
- 98.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.1%
Location
- Address
- Ankeny, Iowa 50023-3993
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $41,018
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,336
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 40.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $117/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,000
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Des Moines Area Community College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $11,050, making DMACC one of Iowa's most affordable higher education options. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,302 after aid, while even higher-income families rarely pay more than $14,269 total.
What is the graduation rate at Des Moines Area Community College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 34.1%, which reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degree. DMACC serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce quickly.
How large are classes at Des Moines Area Community College?
With a student-faculty ratio of 21:1 among its 10,406 students, class sizes remain manageable for a large community college. DMACC has built a reputation for accessible education since 1966, serving nearly the entire state with 98.15% of students coming from Iowa.
What do graduates of Des Moines Area Community College earn after graduation?
Alumni earn a median of $42,189 one year after graduation and $41,018 ten years later, reflecting the college's focus on practical, job-ready training programs. The school maintains strong connections with local employers in the Des Moines metro area, contributing to a 96.1% employment rate for graduates.
Where do students live at Des Moines Area Community College?
The college offers limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 224 students at $8,190 annually for room and board. Most students commute from the greater Des Moines area, as DMACC primarily serves local residents seeking convenient access to career training and transfer programs.
Does Des Moines Area Community College offer athletic scholarships?
The Bears compete in nine varsity sports through the NCCAA with 151 total athletes receiving $404,000 in athletic scholarships. While athletics aren't the main draw, DMACC's sports programs provide opportunities for student-athletes to compete while pursuing affordable education or preparing to transfer to four-year institutions.
