College Costs in Des Moines, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Des Moines, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$40,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,578
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Des Moines Overview
Population
32,888
Student Population
2,675 (8.1%)
Cost of Living Index
104.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Des Moines
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,012
Total After Financial Aid
$101,012
Annual Cost
$25,253
Annual After Aid
$25,253
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,012 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,147 |
| Total Interest | $36,624 |
| Total Loan Cost | $137,636 |
Universities in Des Moines
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines State University | Public | $11,069 |
| Des Moines Community College | Community | $5,885 |
Des Moines has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Des Moines vs. National Average
| Category | Des Moines | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,800 | $10,940 | +$860 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,578 | $1,050 | +$528 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104.9 | 100 | +4.900000000000006 |
Des Moines's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Des Moines
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,675 students
Des Moines has a total population of 32,888, with approximately 2,675 college students (8.1% of the population). Des Moines has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Des Moines
$49,367
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
45%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Des Moines earn a median starting salary of $49,367, which is $14,367 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,012 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,024 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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