The Best Des Moines Private Colleges

Des Moines, Iowa area Colleges

There are 2 ranked private colleges within the Des Moines city limits and 5 private colleges within a 50 mile radius. Area colleges collectively enroll a total of 10,333 students. If you're looking for a large school, Drake University enrolls the most students with 1,796 currently taking classes. In terms of affordability, Central College offers the lowest tuition for private colleges in the Des Moines area at $20,988 per year.

The top rated private college in the area is Grinnell College in Grinnell which is ranked #55 in the nation by CollegeSimply.

The Des Moines area is home to popular nationally ranked private institutions like Grinnell College, Drake University and Simpson College.


5 results

Grinnell College
G
Grinnell, IA

Grinnell College

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

#1 Best Value in Iowa

  • 1,775enrollment
  • $33,446net price
  • 13%acceptance rate
  • 1418-1550SAT range
  • 31-34ACT range
  • 3.89Estimated Avg GPA

Applications Due Jan 15

48 miles from Des Moines

Drake University
D
Des Moines, IA

Drake University

Private 4 Year

2 reviews

#2 Best Colleges in Iowa

  • 4,504enrollment
  • $30,886net price
  • 64%acceptance rate
  • 1190-1390SAT range
  • 24-30ACT range
  • 3.7Avg GPA

3 miles from Des Moines

Simpson College
S
Indianola, IA

Simpson College

Private 4 Year

1 reviews

#6 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 1,163enrollment
  • $23,637net price
  • 89%acceptance rate
  • 890-1280SAT range
  • 20-27ACT range
  • 3.62Avg GPA

Applications Due Aug 15

15 miles from Des Moines

Central College
C
Pella, IA

Central College

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#10 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 1,095enrollment
  • $22,499net price
  • 79%acceptance rate
  • 935-1205SAT range
  • 19-25ACT range
  • 3.52Avg GPA

38 miles from Des Moines

Grand View University
G
Des Moines, IA
 

Grand View University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#16 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 1,796enrollment
  • $22,296net price
  • 98%acceptance rate
  • 920-1080SAT range
  • 17-22ACT range
  • 3.3Avg GPA

Applications Due Aug 15

3 miles from Des Moines