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Colleges in Des Moines, IA
4 colleges in Des Moines, Polk County · Data as of 10/15/2026
Colleges on this page
Colleges in Des Moines at a glance
- There are 4 colleges in Des Moines, or roughly one for every 53,105 people.
- That is 18% fewer per resident than the Iowa average of 0.23 per 10,000.
- By count, it is 5th of 42 in Iowa.
- The most common type is Private College (3, 75%), followed by Trade and Career School (1).
- Nearby, Ankeny (2), Urbandale (2) and West Des Moines (2) also have colleges listed.
Colleges in Des Moines
Largest enrollment first
- Drake UniversityPrivate College · 4,303 students · Net price $29,415Des Moines, IA
- Grand View UniversityPrivate College · 1,842 students · Net price $21,705Des Moines, IA
- Mercy College of Health SciencesPrivate College · 869 students · Net price $25,670Des Moines, IA
- UnityPoint Health-Des Moines School of Radiologic TechnologyTrade and Career School · 16 studentsDes Moines, IA
Frequently asked questions
- How many colleges are in Des Moines, IA?
- There are 4 colleges in Des Moines as of 10/15/2026, including 3 private colleges, 1 trade and career school.