- 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 34,206 students (17% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 30:1 is higher than the state community college average of 17:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the state average of 32%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 34,206 students
- In-state tuition: $156
- Out-state tuition: $312
- Student:teacher ratio: 30:1
- Minority enrollment: 33%
- 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
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Nontraditional
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 grown by 47% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 30:1 has increased from 20:1 over five years.
The Des Moines Area Community College diversity score of 0.53 is more than the state average of 0.52. The school's diversity has grown by 8% over five years.
Total Enrollment
34,206 students
2,140 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
30:1
17:1
# Full-Time Students
5,872 students
148 students
# Part-Time Students
28,334 students
1,992 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
342 students
333 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
5,872 students
148 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
61 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
28,334 students
2,075 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
403 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
400 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
4%
3%
% Hispanic
9%
9%
% Black
6%
7%
% White
67%
68%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
11%
8%
Diversity Score
0.53
0.52
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
34%
51%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
26%
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 CountryGolf
Intramural Sports OnlySoftball
Volleyball
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
56 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Accounting ClubAgribusiness Club
American Sign Language ClubARM- Animation Rich Media Club
AUSNAAuto Body Club
Best BuddiesCAD Technology Club
Campus ChronicleCampus Fellowship
Chess ClubClub MLT (Med Lab Tech)
Communicate!Creative Writing Club
Delta Psi OmegaDMACC Blades Fencing Club
DMACC ConservativesDMACC Democrats
DMACC Diesel ClubDMACC Student Education Association
Fashion DECAFire and Ice (HVAC) Club
Graphic DesignGreat Expectoration Club
Honorary Society of the Spanish LanguageHorticulture Club
Hospitality-food Services ClubHuman Services Club
International ClubIT Club
Kool ClubLatter-Day Saint Student Association
LGBTQ+Lucky 8 Ball Club
Management-DECAMedical Assistant Club
Parenting ClubPhi Beta Lambda
Phi Theta Kappa Honor SocietyPhilosophy Club
Plaque BustersRetail Marketing Club
SAC (Student Activities Council)Salt Company
STEM ClubStudent American Dental Hygienists’ Association
Student Dental Health Experts ClubThe Criminal Justice Club
Tool and Die ClubVet Tech Club
Video Game ClubWater Environmental Tech Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Concert ChoirDance Club
Improv Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
DMACC Soccer Club
Source: 2024 (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.
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