Academic Programs & Learning
Student success metrics and academic quality indicators for Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, IA.
What About Academic Quality at Des Moines Area Community College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
21:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
63%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
47%
Part-time students continuing
How Des Moines Area Community College Compares
Retention at Des Moines Area Community College runs at 63%, fairly typical for the trade-college space. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio suggests an institution operating at familiar academic-quality benchmarks rather than pushing them.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 21:1 means there are approximately 21 students for every faculty member. This higher ratio may mean larger class sizes but can also indicate efficient resource utilization.
Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.
Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 19% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Des Moines Area Community College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
Des Moines Area Community College's teaching staff of 362 includes faculty at various academic ranks. Tenured professors make up 100% of instructional staff. The mix of ranked faculty and instructors supports diverse learning experiences.
Where Do Online Students at Des Moines Area Community College Come From?
Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)
Where exclusively-online students are located
About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.
88% of Des Moines Area Community College's exclusively online students are located in IA. An additional 12% study from other US states.
What Is the Academic Load at Des Moines Area Community College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:57.6% FTE ratio indicates many students attend part-time
Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.
At Des Moines Area Community College, the FTE metric combines full-time and part-time enrollment into a single number, making it easier to compare with other institutions.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Des Moines Area Community College?
Student Enrollment Intensity
The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.
Significant part-time enrollment, ideal for working professionals and students with other responsibilities.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
A 0.58 FTE-to-headcount ratio at Des Moines Area Community College reflects the mix of full-time and part-time enrollment. Higher values indicate more full-time students.
Academic Support & Resources
Academic Advising
Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.
Student Success Services
Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.
For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact Des Moines Area Community College directly at 5159646200 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1 supports personalized learning
- 362 instructional staff with 100% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students from IA and beyond (12% out-of-state)
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Des Moines Area Community College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.