5 Best Colleges in Des Moines
A definitive 2026 intelligence report on higher education in Des Moines, covering tuition transparency, career outcomes, and academic excellence.
City DNA: Educational Specialization
STEM & Innovation
Technical and scientific excellence programs across local campuses.
Business & Law
Strategic leadership and management concentrations in Des Moines.
Health & Medicine
Vital healthcare and medical training opportunities locally.
Outcome Matrix: Career Momentum
Market Yield Report
Median earnings for Des Moines graduates reach $53,191 within 10 years.
Investment Matrix
Tuition levels range from $17,328 to $49,944.
Detailed economic breakdown of in-state versus private institutional costs across the city.
View Lowest TuitionDrake University
Annual Tuition
$49,944
Early Salary
$71,901
Acceptance Matrix
64.1%
Grand View University
Annual Tuition
$33,450
Early Salary
$52,824
Acceptance Matrix
98.4%
UnityPoint Health-Des Moines School of Radiologic Technology
Annual Tuition
TBD
Early Salary
TBD
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Iowa School of Beauty-Des Moines
Annual Tuition
$10,298
Early Salary
$25,803
Acceptance Matrix
Open Admissions
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Annual Tuition
$17,328
Early Salary
$62,234
Acceptance Matrix
98.8%
Choosing a College in Des Moines
01
Academic Diversity
Des Moines offers a remarkable range of educational pathways. The city is home to Drake University, Grand View University, UnityPoint Health-Des Moines School of Radiologic Technology and other specialized institutions. From large-scale research universities to specialized technical colleges, students in Des Moines can find programs tailored to virtually any career path.
02
Financial Outlook & ROI
The financial return on investment for Des Moines graduates is notably strong. Institutions like Drake University lead the way with median starting salaries reaching as high as $71,901. Combined with competitive local tuition rates, pursuing a degree here represents a strategic long-term investment in your professional future.
03. Expanding Your Search
While Des Moines has an incredible local selection, students often find additional value by exploring nearby educational hubs. We recommend also researching colleges in Mt. Pleasant, Johnston, Sioux Center to broaden your options and find the perfect institutional fit within the Iowa landscape.
City Intelligence Hub
Local Program Hub: Des Moines
Nearby Career Hubs
Choosing a College in Des Moines, IA
Selecting a college in Des Moines provides a unique blend of local community and academic excellence. Currently, there are 5 institutions within or near the city limits of Des Moines, Iowa. This local directory is designed to help you navigate these options by providing a clear overview of what each school offers.
Educational opportunities in Des Moines cater to a variety of student needs, from community colleges offering associate degrees to specialized vocational schools and comprehensive universities. By focusing your search on the Des Moines area, you can find institutions that offer the specific programs and campus culture you desire while staying connected to the vibrant atmosphere of Iowa.
Our data for Des Moines, IA colleges includes critical information such as average SAT/ACT scores for admissions, the net price after financial aid, and the expected median salary for graduates. We encourage you to use our comparison tools to evaluate how these schools stack up against each other and institutions across the rest of Iowa.