7 Best Colleges and Universities Near Des Moines, IA

Students looking for high-quality, affordable degrees should consider colleges near Des Moines, Iowa.

Des Moines is the largest city in the state of Iowa and offers excellent choices to students looking to complete a degree in the Midwest.

Modern degree programs are more accessible and often allow busy students to continue working while they earn their degrees.

Featured Colleges in Des Moines, IA

Here are some of the best colleges near Des Moines, Iowa.

1. Drake University

Students looking for colleges near Des Moines, Iowa, should be sure to check out Drake University.

Drake University is a private university that emphasizes experiential learning and maintains an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Within six months of graduation, 98% of graduates are employed or earning an advanced degree.

The university offers a range of institutional aid packages, and all incoming students receive the President's Scholarship.

2. Grand View University

Grand View University (GVU) is a great choice for a liberal arts degree in Des Moines, Iowa.

GVU offers 35 undergraduate majors and seven graduate programs on a beautiful campus with a diverse and welcoming student body.

A helpful financial aid team will find students all possible sources of funding including a President's Scholarship worth $20,000.

Students can also access academic support services such as tutoring.

3. Des Moines University

Des Moines University (DMU) is one of the top medical and health sciences schools in the region.

Students can earn a range of health-related degrees in three colleges:

• College of Osteopathic Medicine
• College of Health Sciences
• College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

DMU has a state-of-the-art campus with the technology and infrastructure to support active learning. Students will be able to connect and relax on the scenic 88-acre campus.

4. Simpson College

Simpson College is an innovative private college located near Des Moines, Iowa. The college seeks to stand out through better experiences, better skills, and better attention.

Students will benefit from internships and experiential learning, challenging and empowering training, and passionate instructors.

Simpson College supports a diverse student body and offers No InterWiki reference defined in properties for Wiki called "accelerated and flexible learning formatshttps"! for busy adult learners.

5. Mercy College of Health Sciences

Mercy College of Health Sciences is a fantastic option for associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in health-related fields. Expert faculty have years of clinical experience and will personally guide students on their healthcare learning journey.

Located on an eight-acre campus in downtown Des Moines, students will be able to walk to class and nearby attractions.

Mercy College has many industry partners that often employ graduates and may offer student loan repayment programs.

6. University of Iowa Des Moines

Students living in Des Moines can stay local with the University of Iowa's Des Moines Campus or online degree options.

The University of Iowa's Des Moines campus is home to the Pappajohn Education Center.

The University of Iowa allows students to earn a high-quality degree at a respected public university.

Tuition costs for Iowa residents are only $10,964 and students can find multiple financial aid options to further decrease the cost of their degrees.

7. Upper Iowa University Des Moines

Upper Iowa University (UIU) is another respected institution with a campus in Des Moines, Iowa.

Students can earn degrees such as business, accounting, psychology, marketing, criminal justice, and more at the Des Moines campus. They will benefit from an innovative accelerated learning design and access to personalized tutoring and academic support.

UIU has agreements with many local community colleges and students can transfer up to 90 credits.

Other Colleges Near Des Moines, Iowa

Grinnell College

Grinnell College seeks to support students' intellectual freedom by supporting their curiosity and desire to learn.

An inquiry-based curriculum helps students dive deeper into topics of interest and has supported high-level research in many fields.

Grinnell College empowers its students through a range of innovative self-governance programs.

The student body is diverse and allows each student to embrace their unique traits and abilities.

Central College

Central College is a cozy institution located on a residential campus in the charming town of Pella, Iowa.

Central College degrees are highly customizable so students can choose from 70 different programs and concentrate on areas of interest.

Tuition costs $20,988 and each student is guaranteed a $1,000 Journey Scholarship.

The college has won awards for the value of its degrees and the median income of graduates six years after graduation exceeds the national average.

Iowa State University

Iowa State University is a large public university that can help prepare students for professional success.

Students can choose from over 100 majors and minors to create a degree that will support their goals and career aspirations.

The university is committed to the success of each student and offers career counseling services that can help students find exciting job prospects.

The many industry partnerships established by the university help students find job placements after graduation.

What Is the Biggest School Near Des Moines, Iowa?

The biggest university in the city of Des Moines is Drake University with an enrollment of 4,884. Drake University is a mid-sized private university located in the heart of Des Moines.

How To Choose the Right College Near Des Moines, Iowa

Different factors will be important to each student but degree options, campus atmosphere, facilities, and tuition costs are important things to consider when selecting a college near Des Moines, Iowa.

Visiting the campus can be a helpful step in finding a college that fits your needs and goals.

Paying for Your Degree Near Des Moines, Iowa

The two major factors in out-of-pocket costs are initial tuition fees and financial aid.

Students can typically find lower tuition rates at public universities with in-state tuition rates.

Filling out the FAFSA form and maximizing both need-based and merit-based forms of financial aid will also lower tuition costs.

Start Your Degree Near Des Moines, Iowa Today

The college experience can help students gain new skills and benefit from increased career opportunities. Find the perfect college near Des Moines, Iowa and get started today.