College Cost Planning in Des Moines, IA 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Des Moines, Iowa. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Des Moines as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,977
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,388
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$975
per month
Local Cost Market
10
benchmark points
Des Moines Overview
Population
214,133
Student Population
10,483 (4.9%)
Cost of Living Index
92 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
67/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
6.9%
College Cost Calculator for Des Moines
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$70,540
Total After Financial Aid
$70,540
Annual Cost
$17,635
Annual After Aid
$17,635
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $70,540 |
| Monthly Payment | $801 |
| Total Interest | $25,576 |
| Total Loan Cost | $96,116 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Des Moines
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
10
Public tuition
$8,977
Private tuition
$38,388
Community college
$5,064
Cost of Living in Des Moines vs. National Average
| Category | Des Moines | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,977 | $10,940 | -$1,963 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $975 | $1,050 | -$75 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 100 | -8 |
Des Moines's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Des Moines
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
10,483 students
Des Moines has a total population of 214,133, with approximately 10,483 college students (4.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Des Moines offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Des Moines
$46,931
Starting Salary
6.9%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~5.9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Des Moines earn a median starting salary of $46,931, which is $11,931 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 5.9 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $9,739 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
Other Cities in Iowa
Cedar Rapids
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,781
Davenport
6 colleges · Avg tuition $8,885
Sioux City
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,833
Ames
8 colleges · Avg tuition $9,596
Iowa City
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
West Des Moines
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Ankeny
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Waterloo
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Council Bluffs
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Dubuque
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Urbandale
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Marion
2 colleges · Avg tuition $9,600
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Des Moines
How we compile Des Moines college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Des Moines institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Des Moines's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Des Moines, IA?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Des Moines is $8,977. Private university tuition averages $38,388, and community college tuition averages $5,064. When room and board ($8,658/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $17,635.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines uses approximately 10 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 10,483, which represents 4.9% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Des Moines?
The average rent near college campuses in Des Moines is approximately $975 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 92 (national average is 100), a walk score of 67, and a public transit score of 25. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Des Moines?
College graduates in Des Moines earn a median starting salary of $46,931. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%. With an average financial aid package of $9,739 per student and a 56% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Des Moines, IA?
With a median starting salary of $46,931 and an average 4-year public university cost of $70,540 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 5.9 years. The 56% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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