Des Moines Area Community College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
The notable number here is not the 69% acceptance rate. It is the 63% freshman retention rate. DMACC is accessible, so your goal should be to enter with a strong first-year plan, and since testing is optional, submit SAT or ACT scores only if they clearly strengthen your academic picture.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Des Moines Area Community College facts and stats
Des Moines Area Community College enrolls 23,697 undergraduate students. DMACC has a freshman retention rate of 63%. The college is located in a suburban setting, with a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Ankeny, IA

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Key Des Moines Area Community College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
April 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because DMACC is test-optional, follow this timeline only if you choose to submit scores. Take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall for retakes or superscoring opportunities. DMACC does not list an ED, EA, or Regular Decision deadline, so time any fall retakes around other test-using colleges on your list.
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What you'll actually pay
DMACC is a public college with in-state tuition of $5,790 and out-of-state tuition of $6,690. About 48% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $1,186. Submit the FAFSA by the April 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

At DMACC, out-of-state tuition is $6,690, compared with $5,790 in-state, and room and board is estimated at $8,244. About 48% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $9,891. Merit awards average $1,186 for students who receive them. Average debt at graduation is $0.
Student life at Des Moines Area Community College
Freshman housing: No guarantee
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Allen College
Waterloo, IAOrion Technical College
Davenport, IAAcceptance rate: 100%
Briar Cliff University
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Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IAAcceptance rate: 77.6%
ACT: 19–26
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