College Costs in West Des Moines, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in West Des Moines, Iowa. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$885
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
West Des Moines Overview
Population
68,923
Student Population
3,811 (5.5%)
Cost of Living Index
97.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
College Cost Calculator for West Des Moines
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$92,792
Total After Financial Aid
$92,792
Annual Cost
$23,198
Annual After Aid
$23,198
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $92,792 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,054 |
| Total Interest | $33,644 |
| Total Loan Cost | $126,436 |
Universities in West Des Moines
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| West Des Moines State University | Public | $9,503 |
| West Des Moines Community College | Community | $5,816 |
West Des Moines has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in West Des Moines vs. National Average
| Category | West Des Moines | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $885 | $1,050 | -$165 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97.5 | 100 | -2.5 |
West 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 West Des Moines
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,811 students
West Des Moines has a total population of 68,923, with approximately 3,811 college students (5.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, West Des Moines offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in West Des Moines
$50,379
Starting Salary
2.4%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in West Des Moines earn a median starting salary of $50,379, which is $15,379 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $92,792 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,382 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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