Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA, USA

Reviews

Des Moines Area Community College

Sam from Clive, IA

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
Each class I have taken has taught me a little bit about myself. College is so much about self discovery and that is one of the great qualities of DMACC. Not only am I learning about myself, my likes and dislikes, and who I am as a person, I am learning so much about each of the subjects I am taking. Even if a class does not directly relate to my area of study I can always take some part of it to apply to my major. This school does a great job of crossover education.
Am enjoying being here
Each campus is a little different and it took me a while to find my niche. Now that I have found the campus I like, I am around students and faculty that I enjoy being around. It is a great atmosphere to learn and is a great transition from high school to college life.
Bang for the buck
The education here is of great quality for so little money. It also opens up many opportunities. Just make sure you are looking for them.
Tips for prospective students
Be open minded and willing to try new things. Most importantly, find an academic advisor to help you plan out your two years. It's very easy to get lost in all the classes and be confused about where you would like to go. The advisors are there to help you figure things out. Use them to your advantage.
Great for these types of students
This school is wonderful for students who don't quite know what they want to do. It gives them the opportunity to discover more about themselves through taking a wide variety of classes. It's also wonderful for students who are working toward saving money for a university or private college.

Andrea from Pella, IA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Tips for prospective students
You don't have to worry about too large class sizes, DMACC classes are built upon classes where teachers know who you are, you're not a number to them.
Academic Rigor
Classes are quick paced and teachers are there to help you with everything from tests to homework to studying. If you're stuck, someone is there to help you no matter what!
Dorm Life
Living in a dorm or off campus, DMACC works with you to make sure that you're comfortable and in a safe situation.
Food and Dining
I love always going to see what is for lunch for the day- they have so many options, and as someone with many allergies, always being able to find something to eat is great!

Sean - Adel, IA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Bang for the buck
LOcated in the heart of Iowa, DMACC offers all of the gen eds you will need to complete an associate degree or transfer to a 4-year program at most universities. The classes are more rigorous than expected for a community college and quite enjoyable. I found my passion here.

dmacc student

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
best affordable option with small classroom sizes and teachers that are, for the most part, enthusiastic about teaching and care about your learning. urban campus has a very diverse and welcoming student body, highly contrasting the ankeny campus, which has more of the stereotypical "college" feel to it. i've never had a bad experience at either one - but i prefer urban more, because of how colorful it is, and how willing classmates are to help one another, and equally hardworking.
Tips for prospective students
go to class, even if you think it's a waste of time - sometimes you'll hear something new, or get extra credit or answers to tests/homework. get to know your teachers. even if you're a shy or quiet person, say a few things to at least participate. teachers and classmates are generally warm and will try to involve you in the learning process, which can help make the experience so much better.
Academic Rigor
classes will help you grow, and that involves challenges. be prepared to buckle down. nothing comes easy. if you fall behind or don't understand something, reach out - teachers will help.
Dorm Life
i live at home and don't use the dorms, so i don't know.
Food and Dining
urban and ankeny campuses have convenient vending machines, and are located near pretty cool, affordable options.
What to do for fun
clubs!
Bang for the buck
affordable, no surprise or extra fees. parking is free, you just have to ask for a sticker. tuition is as listed, which i really like. textbooks are a nightmare, but that's normal for every school.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
easy to get lost on ankeny campus if you aren't familiar with the layout. feels like buildings are everywhere.
Great for these types of students
students who don't have a preference on where they start out, are looking to further their career, want to save money/build up gpa, or just want a 2-year/technical degree.
Campus Safety
security guards are always present and pleasant to be around. well-lit, and if not, cozy enough to feel safe.

Megan from Ankeny, IA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
As an undergraduate traditional student looking for a college for an affordable price with the feel of a university in regards to campus involvement, I was able to achieve this mission at Des Moines Area Community College. Des Moines Area Community College prepares you for the real world and uses real life applications in a way college students can understand. The resources at Des Moines Area Community College are endless.
Tips for prospective students
My biggest tip is to become involved and become a part of some student club, organization, housing unit or even work study program. There is absolutely no better way to network than to become involved on a campus. Attend job fairs and college fairs, it really is all about your involvement, hard work and the people you know.
Academic Rigor
Absolutely would recommend Des Moines Area Community School to anyone and everyone. The professors are very accommodating and professional and know what they are teaching.
Dorm Life
The trick to dorm life is staying involved enough- but not to the point where you don't have enough time to relax to yourself. I was lucky to have great roommates who were there for me to vent to and relax with. I also can't stress the importance of living on campus, especially your first year!!
Food and Dining
The only reason I give food and dining a three star is because there is a new rec center going up as of now which leaves limited food and dining. I absolutely love our bistro in the culinary arts building! Attend the bistro with friends or family and you will not be disappointed with the amazing service and the taste of the food!
What to do for fun
Ankeny and Des Moines are both great locations for adventurous college students. Ankeny is also in a position that is close to Minneapolis and even Kansas City. At Des Moines Area Community College, the Student Activities Council works very hard to get us students discounted tickets to events around the area. There are always discounted movie theater tickets, discounted tickets to events at the Wells Fargo Arena as well as free concert ticket giveaways!
Bang for the buck
Des Moines Area Community College is one of the cheapest community colleges in Iowa and also leads with enrollment numbers. The campus and community is always accommodating to meet the needs and wants of the students to make sure the experience is as exceptional as a student at a private school. Des Moines Area Community College offers many online classes, night classes, has many different campus locations and is always renovating the campuses to meet new and exciting wants as well as safety.
Great for these types of students
Great for students who are coming from small schools who want the transition from a small school to a smaller college campus and class size. Also great for students who can choose to become involved or not and for students who would like to stay around the Des Moines area.
Clubs and Activities
Our clubs and activities are always thriving and new clubs pop up all of the time. Any student is allowed to start a new club or activity as long as it is approved by the Student Activity Council. All activities around the area are posted around campus and each student housing has their own activities.
Campus Safety
I have never felt unsafe on campus, even walking in the dark after night classes. There are security guards on campus 24/7 and you can even call on Christmas! All of the security guards have been former police officers and they also have a great relationship with the Ankeny Police Department. Any student that feels unsafe is urged to contact security and escorts can be put into action. All buildings have cameras on the inside of the building as well as the outside.

Krista from Urbandale, IA

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I am currently attending my second year at DMACC. I have learned a lot from my classes, teachers, and peers not only about class material but about myself. When I first came to this college, I did not know what I wanted to major in. I decided to take a variety of different classes to see what I liked or disliked and thought that hopefully I would get a feel of what I would want to have a career in. Through this process and through the people I met, I made a decision by my second year and started to direct my classes towards that major. College isn't just about getting a degree, but it's about finding out who you are and who you want to be.
Am enjoying being here
I do enjoy being here. One thing I really like about this college is that the teachers seem to really care about their students and are willing to take the time to help individual students if they need it. There are many resources that they offer for students to receive extra help for certain subject areas too. Students can also choose from a few different campuses to where they would want to attend. I have had classes at Ankeny and Urban. Personally, I would recommend going to Ankeny, which is the main campus. It's a little bigger (including the campus, student size, library, cafeteria, student lounge, etc.) and they offer a few more classes than at Urban. It all depends on what your preferences would be though. I also think that Des Moines is a good place to be and has a lot to offer. From Ankeny campus, it's probably about a 15 minute drive and the Urban campus is located near downtown.
Bang for the buck
Definitely worth the money. Tuition is much cheaper than many colleges, which is awesome. Don't think that you won't get a good education because it's a cheap community college. I have learned a lot in the past few semesters here and the teachers I have had in my classes have been extremely helpful in my learning experience. They care and want what's best for each of their students.
Tips for prospective students
There are many resources that are offered for students, so use them to your advantage. If you ever are struggling in a certain class, seek out some extra help. The Academic Achievement Center at DMACC can help out with a lot of different subject areas including math, writing, science, and other areas. Also, do the best you can. It's easy to slack off sometimes, but if you put your all into it, you'll get the most out of your education and be able to use what you have learned beyond the classroom.
Great for these types of students
If you are unsure of what you would like to major in, I highly suggest going to this college. It's a great way to get your generals done and by taking a variety of classes, maybe you can narrow down your decision by seeing what you like/dislike. If you are thinking about transferring to a four year college after going to a two year, DMACC offers a few 2+2 programs that will help make a smooth transfer. It will also be cheaper than many other colleges.

Angela from Nevada, IA

a current student here
0 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The staff at DMACC is knowledgeable, compassionate and extremely committed to the students. The Academic Achievement Center provides students with many resources which contribute to their success. The cost is very economical and well worth the investment.
Tips for prospective students
Immerse yourself in the DMACC experience. The more connected you are to instructors and students, the higher the probability that you will be successful.
Academic Rigor
The expectations are achievable if a student attends class, completes assignments and studies.
Dorm Life
Does not apply in my case.
Food and Dining
The Ankeny area has a plethora of eateries near DMACC.
Bang for the buck
Very economical. The small class size and low tuition costs combine to make DMACC an exceptional value.
Great for these types of students
A great place to begin post-high school education, especially if you are still exploring career choices.
Clubs and Activities
DMACC offers quite a variety of clubs and activities and the SAC sponsors many fun and educational activities.
Campus Safety
These folks are helpful, friendly and they will take the time to help in any way they can!

Dillon from Cambridge, IA

accepted here and planning to attend soon
0 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
DMACC is one of the best community colleges to help students with their dreams. They have so many resources and ideas to help you. They have a dorm and child daycare that is amazing.
Tips for prospective students
Stay focus on your education. Don't mess around on your classes. Also, Don't take classes you cant do.
Academic Rigor
They have so many classes to take. Also, many opportunities to take for career life.The instructors are helpful.
Food and Dining
Has varities of foods to pick from. they have lots of healthy choices to eat.
What to do for fun
They have study rooms and game rooms. They also have a gym to workout in. They have areas to just sit and relax, while socializing with others.
Bang for the buck
The education is cheap and affordable. The books can be cheap and the dorm rent can be to. The food is cheap too.

DMACC student

a current student here
0 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
From my personal experiences at DMACC, I have discovered how great it is to start out at the community college level. The professors are very helpful and they have made me feel more confident on finishing my degree. DMACC is a wonderful place to get a general education at a very low cost.
Tips for prospective students
If you wish to enroll at DMACC, be sure to contact your instructor at some point when your course begins and get an idea of what they expect from you. Keeping a casual acquaintanceship with your professor can better your chances of success in the class.
Academic Rigor
As long as I keep up on my reading and writing, i have no problem with DMACC. I have had a few math courses online that take awhile to finish, but they are relatively easy.
Dorm Life
I live at home so I don't need to rent a dorm or an apartment.
Food and Dining
My parents cook for me sometimes, but I can usually cook for myself.
What to do for fun
I usually ride my bike around campus. There are a lot of extracurricular activities such as plays, sports, religious groups, and all sorts of other clubs.
Bang for the buck
The education that you receive is totally worth it in the long run. It is very affordable and most of the credits transfer to four-year universities.

Audrey from Ames, IA

a current student here
0 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I'm a enrolled as a graphic design student here and when I looking at school I had asked my art teacher what school she recommend and she said DMACC. So I applied and since being I have learned a lot. Plus our teachers goals are to teach you what you will need to know in the industry and not a whole bunch of other stuff they do not use. what they do is go out and talk to professionals in the industry about what they want students to know when they come out school. Then when they find this out this is what they end up teaching us.
Tips for prospective students
Teachers here are great and you get one on one attention from the teacher since your classes sizes aren't more then 20 to 30 students per class.
Great for these types of students
It's a great place for people who are low income, want to get a degree, but don't want to take 4 year, and people who want to get there basic classes done and then move on to a 4 year school.