- 06 Mar, 2024: New edition of Scimago Institutions Rankings. Drake University in position #3693.
- 17 Sep, 2023: Publication of US News Best National Universities. Drake University ranked #178.
- 31 Jul, 2023: Webometrics published most recent results of Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities. Includes 4 universities from Des Moines.
- 30 Aug, 2022: Publication of Forbes: America's Top Colleges. Drake University ranked #243.
Des Moines is the capital and most densely populated city in the state of Iowa. Living in Des Moines, one can expect to have an abundance of outdoor activities on your doorstep, as well as some of the most affordable rent costs in the nation.
The job market is also known for being not just active, but also highly varied which is a rarity in many US cities. All this means that there’s sure to be a way for students coming to Des Moines to find a part-time job for pairing with their studies, making the city an extremely viable option as a first place to live by yourself.
Rankings of universities in Des Moines, USA 2024
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Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings
[Published 14 September, 2021] |
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Scimago Institutions Rankings
[Published 06 March, 2024] |
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
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Show 7 more rankings of Drake University and subject specific rankings for 5 subjects |
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
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Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (All Alumni)
[Published 11 November, 2021] |
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MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value
[Published 16 May, 2022] |
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Show 1 more rankings of Grand View University and subject specific rankings for 1 subjects |
Des Moines University
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
Mercy College of Health Sciences
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Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities
[Published 31 July, 2023] |
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Highest subject rankings of universities in Des Moines
Student Opinions About Studying in Des Moines
“The pace of life here is considerably slower than what you can find in bigger cities, and for me personally that’s a good thing, but I understand that it’s not for everyone. Living without huge crowds and traffic congestion is a definite plus for everyone, though.”
“I’ve been living here for around 2 years now and while there isn’t exactly a lot of things to do, the city does offer all of the comforts that you can find anywhere else, like shopping and entertainment like Fleur cinema.”
“Downtown is the best place to spend your time in most cases, especially if you’re a young person or a student. There you can find all kinds of great dining options, as well as festivals like 515Alive, Des Moines Art Festival, and 80\/35.”
Des Moines Key Facts for International Students
PROS
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One of the most obvious advantages of living in Des Moines is its cost of living. The average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment in this city is $862, which some people might even choose to pay by themselves, but when divided with a roommate becomes a very easy cost to assume.
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This city has a good job market in terms of both quantity and variety of jobs available. Some of the most prominent employers in Des Moines are Hy-Vee, UPS, and Drake University.
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Some of the best Des Moines has to offer is its outdoor activities, including camping, hiking. Popular locations include Clive Greenbelt Trail, Saylorville Trail, and Brown's Wood.
CONS
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The weather during the winter months can be challenging for many people in Des Moines, as the snow tends to pile up very high, and from late December through all of January residents can expect sub-zero temperatures, and very short days.
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Although there certainly are things to do and see in Des Moines, those living here can soon run out of activities to try. It’s recommended that newcomers take up a hobby.
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Many residents express that there is a lack of cultural diversity in the city, which they hope improves in the coming years.
4 out of 4 Universities in Des Moines Ranked in at least one ranking
10 Different Rankings list Universities in Des Moines (6 institution and 4 subject rankings)
Population: 211000
Elevation: 266 m. above sea level
Time: GMT -6
District/province: Iowa, Polk County
* 100 = prices in London
- Living costs without accommodation 81* (19% cheaper than London)
- All costs including accommodation 64* (36% cheaper than London)
- Meals (grocery & lower cost restaurants) 80* (20% cheaper than London)
- Average Big Mac price 5.15 US$
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- Residential voltage: 120 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
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- Residential voltage: 120 V
- Frequency: 60 Hz
Map with location of universities in Des Moines
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Best rated student accommodation in Des Moines
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FAQ
Ranking publishers
Forbes
- Universities:
- 1098
- Published:
- 30 August, 2022
Kiplinger
- Universities:
- 500
- Published:
- 31 July, 2019
- Criteria used in ranking -Kiplinger's Best College Values:
Quality Criteria 55% Cost Criteria 45%
MONEY
- Universities:
- 1362
- Published:
- 16 May, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -MONEY Best Colleges in America, ranked by value:
Quality of education 33.33% Affordability 33.33% Outcomes 33.33%
Payscale
- Universities:
- 2688
- Published:
- 11 November, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -Payscale College Salary Report - Best Universities (Bachelors only):
Ranking is based on ROI
- Universities:
- 3158
- Published:
- 11 November, 2021
Scimago Institutions
- Universities:
- 21682
- Published:
- 06 March, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -Scimago Institutions Rankings:
Research 50% Innovation 30%
Societal 20%
Us News
- Universities:
- 3255
- Published:
- 17 September, 2023
Wallstreet Journal USA & THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Universities:
- 1593
- Published:
- 14 September, 2021
- Criteria used in ranking -Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education US College Rankings:
Outcomes 40% (employability) Resources 30% Engagement 20% (teaching) Environment 10% (diversity)
Washington Monthly
- Universities:
- 1222
- Published:
- 28 August, 2022
- Criteria used in ranking -Washington Monthly - National Universities:
Social Mobility 33.33%
Research 33.33%
Community and National Service 33.33%
Webometrics
- Universities:
- 60012
- Published:
- 31 July, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities:
Visibility 50% Excellence 35% Transparency 10% Presence 5%