- DMACC is dedicated to your personal and professional success through our small class sizes, free tutoring in our academic achievement centers and the flexibility of our growing list of new Signature Series online classes. Maybe the best part: DMACC offers this outstanding education for thousands of dollars less than you will find anywhere else. It's good to know that a higher education is still affordable.
- Say "I Choose DMACC!" today!
School Highlights
Des Moines Area Community College serves 20,536 students (26% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the state community college average of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is more than the state average of 97%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 20,536 students
- In-state tuition: $156
- Out-state tuition: $312
- Student:teacher ratio: 18:1
- Minority enrollment: 98%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Des Moines Area Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 1,131 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Des Moines Area Community College
(IA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
1,131 staff
274 staff
Student Body
The student population of Des Moines Area Community College has declined by 11% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 has decreased from 21:1 over five years.
The Des Moines Area Community College diversity score of 0.50 is equal to the state average of 0.50. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
20,536 students
1,302 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
12:1
# Full-Time Students
5,414 students
148 students
# Part-Time Students
15,122 students
1,154 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
142 students
210 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
5,414 students
148 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
29 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
15,122 students
1,216 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
403 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
400 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
4%
3%
% Asian
5%
7%
% Hispanic
n/a
n/a
% Black
7%
8%
% White
2%
3%
% Hawaiian
69%
69%
% Two or more races
13%
9%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
n/a
1%
Diversity Score
0.50
0.50
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3168%
0.5%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.3116%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$36,200
$33,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $156 is less than the state average of $4,331. The in-state tuition has declined by 96% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $312 is less than the state average of $4,920. The out-state tuition has declined by 96% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$156
$4,331
Out-State Tuition Fees
$312
$4,920
Tuition Notes
Face-to-Face ClassesIowa Resident Tuition: $156.00 per credit hourNon-Resident Tuition: $312.00 per credit hourOnline ClassesOnline Class Tuition: $186.00* per credit hourWeb-Blended Tuition:? $171.00** per credit hourOnline Tuition calculation = $156.00 tuition + $30 online fee per credit hour.**Web-Blended Tuition calculation = $156.00 tuition + $15 web-blended fee per credit hour.
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
69%
93%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,730
$11,250
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
72%
ACT Composite
n/a
22
ACT English
n/a
22
ACT Math
n/a
21
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Sports
Cross Country, Golf, Intramural Sports Only, Softball, Volleyball
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
56 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Accounting Club, Agribusiness Club, American Sign Language Club, ARM- Animation Rich Media Club, AUSNA, Auto Body Club, Best Buddies, CAD Technology Club, Campus Chronicle, Campus Fellowship, Chess Club, Club MLT (Med Lab Tech), Communicate!, Creative Writing Club, Delta Psi Omega, DMACC Blades Fencing Club, DMACC Conservatives, DMACC Democrats, DMACC Diesel Club, DMACC Student Education Association, Fashion DECA, Fire and Ice (HVAC) Club, Graphic Design, Great Expectoration Club, Honorary Society of the Spanish Language, Horticulture Club, Hospitality-food Services Club, Human Services Club, International Club, IT Club, Kool Club, Latter-Day Saint Student Association, LGBTQ+, Lucky 8 Ball Club, Management-DECA, Medical Assistant Club, Parenting Club, Phi Beta Lambda, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Philosophy Club, Plaque Busters, Retail Marketing Club, SAC (Student Activities Council), Salt Company, STEM Club, Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association, Student Dental Health Experts Club, The Criminal Justice Club, Tool and Die Club, Vet Tech Club, Video Game Club, Water Environmental Tech Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Concert Choir, Dance Club, Improv Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
DMACC Soccer Club
Accounting Club, Agribusiness Club, American Sign Language Club, ARM- Animation Rich Media Club, AUSNA, Auto Body Club, Best Buddies, CAD Technology Club, Campus Chronicle, Campus Fellowship, Chess Club, Club MLT (Med Lab Tech), Communicate!, Creative Writing Club, Delta Psi Omega, DMACC Blades Fencing Club, DMACC Conservatives, DMACC Democrats, DMACC Diesel Club, DMACC Student Education Association, Fashion DECA, Fire and Ice (HVAC) Club, Graphic Design, Great Expectoration Club, Honorary Society of the Spanish Language, Horticulture Club, Hospitality-food Services Club, Human Services Club, International Club, IT Club, Kool Club, Latter-Day Saint Student Association, LGBTQ+, Lucky 8 Ball Club, Management-DECA, Medical Assistant Club, Parenting Club, Phi Beta Lambda, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Philosophy Club, Plaque Busters, Retail Marketing Club, SAC (Student Activities Council), Salt Company, STEM Club, Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association, Student Dental Health Experts Club, The Criminal Justice Club, Tool and Die Club, Vet Tech Club, Video Game Club, Water Environmental Tech Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Concert Choir, Dance Club, Improv Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
DMACC Soccer Club
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Des Moines Area Community College is a publicly supported two-year institution serving the Des Moines metropolitan area and surrounding counties. The College District includes all or major portions of Audubon, Boone, Carroll, Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Polk, Story and Warren counties and minor parts of 11 adjacent counties. Des Moines Area Community College was officially created March 18, 1966, and was designated as Merged Area XI. A nine member Board of Directors was elected and formally installed that same year. The College was established after extensive studies had indicated the need for such an institution. Leading figures throughout the College's District combined their talents and resources to assure proper planning for the College. Des Moines Area Community College anticipates student and community needs, providing quality, learner-centered higher education and workforce development. Our programs and services encourage and develop career success, cultural understanding, social enrichment and life-long learning. We accomplish our mission through a process of responsible use of resources and continuous improvement. DMACC is the largest two-year college program in Iowa. DMACC has over 220 career programs leading to high demand jobs. It's also a great way to complete the first two years of a college education. Students who earn their Associate of Arts degree at DMACC have been very successful after transferring to other colleges and universities. Des Moines Area Community College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The College is also approved by the Iowa State Department of Education and the Iowa Board of Regents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Des Moines Area Community College cost?
Des Moines Area Community College's tuition is approximately $156 for In-State students and $312 for Out-State students.
What sports does Des Moines Area Community College offer?
Des Moines Area Community College offers 5 interscholastic sports: Cross Country, Golf, Intramural Sports Only, Softball and Volleyball.
What is Des Moines Area Community College's ranking?
Des Moines Area Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Iowa for: Largest student body.
Recent Articles
Bringing Veterans Together: A New Model for Support at Community Colleges
This article showcases innovative support programs for veterans at community colleges across the United States. It highlights initiatives such as centralized veteran centers, specialized services for women veterans, and partnerships between institutions to provide comprehensive assistance for veteran students transitioning to civilian life and higher education.
The Problem with Community College Placement Tests
This article examines the issues surrounding community college placement tests, highlighting their potential inaccuracy and negative impact on student success. It discusses alternative assessment methods, such as using high school grades, and explores ways to improve the placement process to better support students' academic progress.
7 Problems with Community Colleges And What Can be Done about Them
This article identifies seven key challenges facing community colleges, including low completion rates, underprepared students, and skills gaps. It also proposes solutions to address these issues, such as redefining institutional missions, improving collaboration between schools, and enhancing community support to improve the overall quality of education.