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
The money math works out fine at Des Moines Area Community College if you finish and pick the right program. You'd carry about $11,000 in debt against $41,018 median earnings a decade out, which is a manageable ratio for a two-year public school. The catch is the 34% graduation rate. Two out of three students don't finish, and a partial degree with debt attached is the worst outcome here.
Your major decides everything. The dental support associate degree leads at nearly $56,000, followed closely by computer and information sciences and the nursing track around $52,000. Every top earner here is a health or technical field feeding directly into central Iowa's hospitals, clinics, and engineering firms. Nursing carries the highest debt on this list at about $15,000, but the paycheck justifies it. If you enroll in a general transfer track with no clear career field behind it, none of these numbers apply to you, and the $41,018 median is what you're staring at.
Net price is where families need to pay attention. Costs actually rise with income here: under $48,000 in family income puts you around $9,300 a year, while over $110,000 pushes past $14,000. That's a $5,000 annual swing. Lower-income families get real price relief. higher earners pay close to sticker.
This school fits you if you're targeting a specific health, tech, or engineering-tech associate degree and plan to finish. It's a strong value for local families who want to work in the Des Moines metro. Look elsewhere if you're unsure of your field, since the general-enrollment earnings are modest and the odds of leaving without a credential are high.
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.