For the 2026-27 school year, there are 5 community colleges serving 24,662 students in Polk County County, Iowa.
The top-ranked community colleges in Polk County, IA include Iowa School of Beauty-Des Moines, La James International College-Johnston and Purdue University Global-Des Moines.
Polk County, IA community colleges have a diversity score of 0.54, which is lower than the national average of 0.74 (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 (2026-27)
College
Location
Quick Facts
Iowa School of Beauty-Des Moines
Private, for profit
3305 70th St
Des Moines, IA 50322
(515) 318-5133
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
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
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%
2006 Ankeny Blvd
Ankeny, IA 50023
(515) 964-6200
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%
UnityPoint Health-Des Moines School Of Radiologic Technology
Private not-for-profit
1200 Pleasant St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 241-6880
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 241-6880
Enrollment: 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Community Colleges in Polk County, IA (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
AIB College of Business (Closed 2024)
Private, non-profit
2500 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50321
(515) 244-4221
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%
ITT Technical Institute-Clive (Closed 2016)
Private, for profit
1860 NW 118th St, Ste 110
Clive, IA 50325
(515) 327-5500
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 lower than the national average of 0.74 (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.
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