Colleges in West Des Moines, Iowa
2 colleges and universities — federal Scorecard data.
There are 2 colleges and universities in West Des Moines, Iowa (1 Private nonprofit, 1 Private for-profit). The figures below are pulled from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard — the same federal dataset colleges are required to report to.
Across all 2 institutions, the median net price after grants and scholarships works out to about $18,552 per year, the median 6-year graduation rate is 87.5%.
The median net price in West Des Moines runs about $822 higher than the Iowa statewide median of $17,731.
Whether you're comparing in-state public tuition, looking for a private nonprofit with strong outcomes, or trying to find the right program in West Des Moines, the table below lets you sort every institution side-by-side on cost, admissions, graduation rate, and size.
Median net price
$18,552
After aid
Median grad rate
87.5%
6-year
Median admission rate
Not available
Median enrollment
244
Undergrad
All colleges in West Des Moines
Sorted by enrollment.
| School | State | Type | Net price | Grad rate | Admission | Size | Data | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aveda Institute-Des Moines West Des Moines, IA | IA | Private for-profit, <2-year | $18,552 | 87.5% | Not available | 244 | Partial | |
| Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center West Des Moines, IA | IA | Private nonprofit, 4-year | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Missing |
By institution type
Private nonprofit (1)
Private nonprofit colleges in West Des Moines are mission-driven institutions — often religiously affiliated or research-focused — that reinvest tuition into academics and aid rather than distributing profit.
- Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical CenterNet price: Not availableGrad: Not available
Private for-profit (1)
Private for-profit colleges in West Des Moines operate as businesses, generally focused on career-oriented and online programs with rolling admissions.
- Aveda Institute-Des MoinesNet price: $18,552Grad: 87.5%
Top programs in West Des Moines
Most-completed programs across West Des Moines colleges, weighted by enrollment.
- Personal services99.6% of degrees
Frequently asked questions about colleges in West Des Moines
Q.How many colleges are in West Des Moines, Iowa?
There are 2 colleges and universities in West Des Moines, Iowa that report to the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard — 1 Private nonprofit, 1 Private for-profit.
Q.What is the largest college in West Des Moines?
By undergraduate enrollment, Aveda Institute-Des Moines is the largest institution in West Des Moines with roughly 244 undergraduates.
Q.What is the cheapest college in West Des Moines?
Based on average net price after aid, Aveda Institute-Des Moines is the most affordable institution in West Des Moines at $18,552 per year.
Q.Which West Des Moines college has the highest graduation rate?
Aveda Institute-Des Moines reports the highest 6-year graduation rate among West Des Moines institutions at 87.5%.
Q.What is the average tuition in West Des Moines?
The median net price across all 2 colleges in West Des Moines is $18,552 per year after grants and scholarships.
Q.What are the most popular college majors in West Des Moines?
Across West Des Moines colleges, the most-completed programs by share of degrees awarded are Personal services.
Q.Are there community colleges in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines does not have public 2-year community colleges in the federal dataset; nearby cities in Iowa may offer additional options.
Other cities in Iowa
Data on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard and IPEDS. Medians are computed across institutions in West Des Moines that report each metric. Net price, graduation rate, and earnings figures reflect the latest available federal release. Always verify current tuition and program availability directly with each institution.