Find Your Dream Education At These 5 Colleges Near Des Moines

Seniors

A high school senior in a white dress leans on a brick wall while smiling after exploring colleges near des moines

This isn’t exactly breaking news, but where you decide to go to college is a pretty huge decision. This is going to determine your community for the next four years of your life. Not only will it teach you everything you need to know about your career, but it will also help you create a network that can help out once it’s time to start the job search. While some people prefer to use college as a chance to escape their hometowns, others prefer to stay home and commute. If you are looking for colleges near Des Moines, I have you covered! As an Iowa senior photographer, I spend a lot of time chatting with students at different schools. Here are the ones I always recommend! 

Find The Education Environment That Best Fits You At These Great Colleges Near Des Moines

Drake University

2507 University Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50311

Drake University is a private college with over 140 undergraduate programs in Des Moines. I love this school because it offers a robust student body without ever feeling too overwhelming. They take pride in their personal mentorship opportunities, pairing you with someone who will help you get the most out of their experience. They also have a great catalog of fully online classes! 

A high school senior in a white dress walks on the roof of a parking garage in downtown after visiting colleges near des moines

Grand View University

1200 Grandview Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50316

Grand View University is a private Luthern college with around 2,000 Des Moines students attending each year. They have 35 undergraduate majors as well as 8 graduate programs. Throughout your time here, you are going to find tons of amazing ways to get involved so you can have your ideal college experience! Additionally, they have a number of opportunities to study abroad. 

Des Moines University

8025 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266

While they do offer other career opportunities, Des Moines University has gained a reputation as one of the best medical colleges in the Midwest. They are constantly finding new ways to grow the doctors of the next generation. They use a collaborative approach to their classes, giving you the opportunity to learn from other students. The school has a schedule full of campus events that will keep you connected throughout your time here! 

DMACC

1100 7th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50314

If you aren’t totally set on your college or career, I highly recommend enrolling at DMACC and getting your gen-eds out of the way in Des Moines! This school has locations all across the greater Des Moines area, so you can find the school closest to home. The community college is going to give you an exceptional head start on college without racking up all the debt. They also have tons of ways to get involved throughout your time here! 

A happy high school senior wearing a white dress leans on a white picket fence smiling

Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa 50011

Last but certainly not least is Iowa State University! This public university is one of the largest in the state, with a campus that spans over 1,813. Many of their degree programs are science-based, but they also have an extremely impressive liberal arts center. Plus, they offer fraternities and sororities as well as a huge athletics program. 

You Don’t Need To Travel Far Away For A Great Education Thanks To These Colleges Near Des Moines

If you are looking for colleges near Des Moines you’ll love, hopefully, this list helps you out! And if you could use some added help saying goodbye to high school, just let me know! I am a Des Moines senior photographer, and I adore working with students to plan sessions that celebrate this accomplishment while showing off their personalities. If you would like to learn more about my sessions, send me a message so we can connect!