Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Des Moines, IA

Osteopathic Medical Schools | Private Non-Profit

Osteopathic Medical Schools Private Non-Profit

🩺 School Overview

Tuition (In State): $64,370

Tuition (Out of State): $64,370

Accreditation Status: N/A

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Total Enrollment: 227

Degrees: DO

Founding Year: 1898

Accreditation Year: N/A

Website: http://www.dmu.edu/com/

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📄 Application Information

Applications Received: N/A

Interviews Granted: N/A

Admitted: 232

Average MCAT: 507

Average GPA: 3.71

Male: 437

Female: 431

Underrepresented:61

Interview Feedback Summary

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 19% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did well.

School Review Summary

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5 Most Common Secondary Essay Questions for DMU-COM

1. Motivation and Fit – Please describe your exposure to osteopathic medicine, including experiences with physicians in primary care or rural practice within the U.S. How have these experiences impacted you and your pursuit...
2. Career Goals and Future Aspirations – What activities are you currently or planning to pursue leading up to potential matriculation?
3. Motivation and Fit – Please describe your exposure to osteopathic medicine, including, but not limited to, experiences with physicians in primary care or rural practice within the U.S. How have these experiences...

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About the School

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DMU-COM), established in 1898, is Iowa's largest medical school. It ranks among the nation's top 25 accredited osteopathic or allopathic medicine institutions. The college emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, integrating cutting-edge facilities like cadaver dissection labs, surgical and medical skills labs, and a state-of-the-art Simulation Center to provide hands-on learning experiences. DMU-COM boasts a nearly 100% match rate for its D.O. graduates, reflecting its commitment to producing competent and compassionate osteopathic physicians.

Curriculum

The first year of the osteopathic medicine curriculum focuses on fundamental scientific principles that form the foundation of medicine. The second year builds on the science foundation and follows an integrated organ system approach encompassing basic and clinical sciences. The curriculum combines lectures, case-based and small-group discussions, and laboratory exercises. During the third and fourth years, students are fully immersed in clinical training with clinical rotations at hospitals and clinics.

Facilities

In the summer of 2023, Des Moines University (DMU) opened its new, state-of-the-art medical and health sciences campus, marking a bold step forward in education and training. Situated on 88 acres in West Des Moines, Iowa, the campus is designed to foster expertise, engagement, and collaboration. Students learn in flexible, modern spaces that support a range of teaching methods—from traditional lectures to active learning and small group work. The campus also features cutting-edge simulated healthcare environments that reflect real-world clinical settings, giving students a high-quality, hands-on experience in patient care.

Demographics

For the 2023–2024 academic year, Des Moines University (DMU) enrolled 873 medical students. The student body includes 437 men and 431 women. Among the 227 first-year matriculants, 130 are male, and 97 are female. Most of these 189 students come from out of state, while 38 are Iowa residents.

Regarding academic background, 88.3% of first-year students majored in science, while 11.7% pursued non-science majors. Additionally, 7% entered with graduate degrees. The class reflects racial and ethnic diversity, with 62.6% identifying as White, 23.3% as Asian, 5.7% as Hispanic/Latino, 5.7% as multiracial, 0.9% as Black or African American, and 0.4% as American Indian or Alaska Native. Data for Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders and undisclosed categories were not reported.

SDN Insights

Our analysis of DMU-COM:

💰

Student Loan Burden: $443,201

A student taking student loans for all 4 years of medical school at DMU-COM, including tuition, fees, locally adjusted cost of living expenses, incidentals, and interest, can expect to have total student loans of $443,201. Estimate repayment with the SDN School Loan Repayment Calculator.

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Cost of Living: Equal to National Average

The cost of living at DMU-COM is approximately equal to the average cost of living at medical schools nationwide. While planning your finances, you can expect typical expenses comparable to most medical institutions.

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Environment: Urban

While the neighborhood around DMU-COM is primarily car-oriented, biking can be a viable option for certain trips. Students living nearby may appreciate the tranquility of the area, though access to shops and services is limited without a vehicle.

School Address: 3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312

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Why no Tier Rankings?

Although we could tier rank, over the past 25 years we've found no compelling benefit for ranking schools. Students are most successful when they prioritize personal and academic fit over school rank.