At $11,050/yr net price, Des Moines Area Community College graduates earn $41,018/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,018/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,050 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $44,200 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,018/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,018/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,302/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,309/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,794/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,631/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,269/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $15,075 |
| 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 | $9,500 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Associate | $44,384 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $44,244 | $8,770 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Associate | $44,091 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Associate | $42,682 |
The Risk Factor
34.1% of students at Des Moines Area Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Des Moines Area Community College delivers strong returns for students who pick the right programs, but your major choice makes all the difference. The school's top-earning programs push median salaries well above $50,000, while the overall graduate median of $41,018 suggests many other programs lag behind.
Dental support services leads earnings at nearly $56,000, followed closely by computer science and nursing programs. These healthcare and technical fields align well with Iowa's job market and justify the investment. Civil engineering technology also performs solidly at $49,644. If you're targeting these high-demand programs, DMACC offers excellent value at $11,050 per year.
The concerning 34% graduation rate signals risk for students who struggle with completion. Community college requires self-direction, and one-third of students never finish their programs. This completion challenge undermines ROI regardless of program quality.
Low debt loads provide a safety net. Most graduates carry just $11,000 in debt, making DMACC accessible even if your earnings fall short of projections. Nursing students face slightly higher debt at $15,075, but their earning potential justifies the extra borrowing.
Only 16% of students receive financial aid, indicating either limited need-based assistance or a student body that doesn't qualify for federal aid. This suggests you'll likely pay close to the full net price.
DMACC works best for motivated students entering healthcare, technology, or skilled trades who need affordable training for Iowa's job market. Avoid this school if you need extensive academic support or plan to transfer to a four-year program, as the low graduation rate suggests institutional challenges with student success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines Area Community College worth the money?
DMACC offers reasonable value with low debt ($11,000 median) and affordable tuition ($11,050 yearly). However, the 34% graduation rate means many students don't finish, and average earnings of $41,018 after 10 years are modest.
What are the best paying programs at Des Moines Area Community College?
Dental support services leads at nearly $56,000 annually, followed by computer science at $52,107. These programs significantly outperform the school average and justify the investment.
How much debt do Des Moines Area Community College graduates have?
DMACC graduates carry relatively low debt with a median of $11,000. This manageable debt load reduces financial risk compared to four-year schools.
Does Des Moines Area Community College have good job placement?
The school's 34% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete programs. However, those who finish in high-demand fields like nursing and dental services see strong employment prospects.