Des Moines Area Community College Photo - DMACC- Ankeny Campus

Best Polk County Community Colleges (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 community colleges serving 24,662 students in Polk County County, Iowa.
Polk County, IA community colleges have a diversity score of 0.54, which is higher than the national average of 0.00 (compared to national diversity statistics).
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), and the student:teacher ratio is 40:1.

Top-Ranked Polk County Community Colleges (2026)

College
Location
Quick Facts
Iowa School of Beauty-Des Moines
Private, for profit
3305 70th St
Des Moines, IA 50322
(515) 318-5133
Enrollment: 48 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
La James International College-Johnston
Private for-profit
8805 Chambery Blvd
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 278-2208
Enrollment: 141 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
4655 North West 121 Street
Urbandale, IA 50323
(515) 727-2100
Enrollment: 760 students Student-teacher ratio: 40:1 Acceptance rate: 54% In-state tuition: $15,352 Out-state tuition: $15,352 Minority enrollment: 51%
Des Moines Area Community College
Des Moines Area Community College Photo - DMACC- Boone Campus
Public
2006 Ankeny Blvd
Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 964-6200
Enrollment: 23,697 students Student-teacher ratio: 41:1 In-state tuition: $156 Out-state tuition: $312 Minority enrollment: 33%
1200 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 241-6880
Enrollment: 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
[+] Show Closed Community Colleges in Polk County, IA

Community Colleges in Polk County, IA (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
2500 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 244-4221
Enrollment: 1,014 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Acceptance rate: 59% Private-state tuition: $15,666 Minority enrollment: 25%
1860 NW 118th St, Ste 110
Clive, IA 50325
(515) 327-5500
Enrollment: 147 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Acceptance rate: 93% Private-state tuition: $18,048 Minority enrollment: 10%

Frequently Asked Questions

How many community colleges are located in Polk County, IA?
There are 5 community colleges serving 24,662 students in Polk County, IA.
What is the community college diversity score in Polk County, IA?
Community colleges in Polk County, IA have a diversity score of 0.54, which is higher than the national average of 0.00 (compared to national diversity statistics).
How diverse are community colleges in Polk County, IA?
Community colleges in Polk County, IA have approximately 34% minority enrollment, with the majority being Hispanic and Black.

Recent Articles

Community Colleges and the Creator Economy
Community Colleges and the Creator Economy
Explore how community colleges prepare students for YouTube, podcasting, content creation, and creator economy careers.
AI-Augmented Careers and Community Colleges
AI-Augmented Careers and Community Colleges
Explore AI-augmented careers and how community colleges prepare students with practical skills, credentials, and employer-aligned training.
Catholic School Marketing Strategies in Competitive Choice Markets
Catholic School Marketing Strategies in Competitive Choice Markets
Learn effective Catholic school marketing strategies for standing out in competitive school choice markets in 2026.

Quick Links