Student Life in Des Moines, Iowa
Overview
Des Moines is Iowa's capital and largest city, serving as the state's primary hub for government, business, healthcare, and culture. Unlike Iowa City and Ames, Des Moines is not defined primarily by a single university but rather functions as an urban center with multiple institutions serving different academic missions.
The city has experienced notable growth and development in recent years, with a revitalized downtown, expanding arts scene, and growing technology and professional services sectors. Students in Des Moines benefit from broader professional opportunities and a more urban lifestyle relative to other Iowa study locations.
Des Moines offers a range of neighborhoods from historic residential areas to modern apartment developments. The city's infrastructure supports student commuting, though a personal vehicle is more commonly necessary than in Iowa City or Ames.
Universities & Student Population
Drake University
A private university located in a residential neighborhood northwest of downtown Des Moines. Drake offers undergraduate and graduate programs across colleges including law, pharmacy, business, arts and sciences, education, and journalism. The university is recognized for its law school and pharmacy program.
Grand View University
A private liberal arts university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, offering undergraduate and some graduate programs in health sciences, business, education, and the arts.
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
A large public community college system with campuses in Ankeny, Des Moines, Boone, Carroll, and other locations. DMACC serves students seeking associate degrees, technical certifications, and transfer pathways.
Des Moines also hosts professional and specialized institutions in healthcare, legal studies, and business. The distributed nature of higher education in the city means students are integrated into the broader urban community rather than concentrated in a single campus district.
Cost of Living
Des Moines has a higher cost of living than Iowa City or Ames, but remains affordable compared to most major U.S. cities. Housing costs vary significantly by neighborhood and distance from university campuses.
Housing
On-Campus Housing (Drake): $700 - $1,200/month depending on room type
Shared Off-Campus Apartment: $450 - $800/month per person
Studio/1-Bedroom Apartment: $800 - $1,400/month
Downtown Des Moines and areas near Drake University command higher rents. Surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs offer more affordable options.
Food & Groceries
Groceries: $220 - $370/month for self-catering
Dining Out (occasional): $12 - $22 per meal at casual restaurants
Campus Meal Plans: $300 - $500/month where available
Overall Monthly Budget
Conservative: $1,300 - $1,800/month
Moderate: $1,800 - $2,600/month
Budgets include housing, food, transportation, utilities, and personal expenses.
For comprehensive cost information, visit Cost of Studying in Iowa.
Transportation
DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit)
DART operates the public bus network across the Des Moines metropolitan area. Routes connect major neighborhoods, university campuses, employment centers, and suburban communities. Service frequency varies by route and time of day.
Personal Vehicles
Unlike Iowa City and Ames, Des Moines is a more car-oriented city. Personal vehicles are commonly used by students, particularly for accessing locations outside the downtown core and for commuting between campuses and residential areas.
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) provides domestic flight connections to major U.S. cities, facilitating travel for students from other states or countries.
Biking
Des Moines has been developing cycling infrastructure, including an expanding trail network. However, the dispersed urban layout makes cycling less practical for all purposes compared to Iowa City's more compact environment.
Cultural & Social Life
Museums & Cultural Institutions
Des Moines hosts several notable cultural institutions including the Des Moines Art Center, the Science Center of Iowa, the State Historical Museum of Iowa, and the Iowa State Capitol. The city's cultural offerings are among the most diverse in the state, reflecting its role as the regional urban center.
Downtown & East Village
The revitalized downtown and East Village neighborhoods offer a concentration of restaurants, bars, independent shops, music venues, and galleries. The area serves as a social destination for students and young professionals throughout the year.
Sports & Recreation
Des Moines hosts minor league baseball (Iowa Cubs), the Des Moines Marathon, and the RAGBRAI cycling event. The Greater Des Moines area offers parks, recreational trails, and access to Iowa's natural landscapes for outdoor activities.
Professional Environment
Des Moines is the national hub for insurance and financial services, and a growing center for technology companies. This creates substantial internship and professional development opportunities for students, particularly those in business, finance, technology, law, and healthcare programs.
Working While Studying
On-Campus Employment
Drake University and other Des Moines institutions offer part-time positions in administrative support, library services, student programming, and academic departments. Graduate students may have access to assistantship and fellowship opportunities.
International students on F-1 visas are generally limited to on-campus employment during their first academic year, subject to visa regulations.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Des Moines' insurance, finance, healthcare, technology, and government sectors create diverse part-time and internship opportunities. Many major employers in these industries recruit from Drake University and other area institutions.
Students typically limit work hours to 10-20 per week during active semesters to balance academic demands.
Work Regulations for International Students
International students must comply with visa work authorization regulations. F-1 students may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during breaks. Off-campus employment generally requires CPT or OPT authorization. Students should consult their university's international student office for specific guidance.
Information on this page represents general patterns and publicly available data about Des Moines. Individual experiences vary by university, program, and personal circumstances. Students should verify details directly with institutions and explore neighborhoods before making housing decisions.
Last reviewed: January 2026