Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine Admissions, Tuition & Student Feedback

School Overview

Degrees: DO
Ownership: Private Non-Profit
Program Length: 4 years
Total Enrollment: 229
Accreditation Status: Accreditation
Founding Year: 1898
Accreditation Year: 2021

Has any information changed? Report an update.

SDN Insights

Cost of Attendance: $430,702

Estimate repayment

Estimated loan burden for DMU-COM using 4 years of in-state tuition, $1,500 annual fees, $3,000 monthly living expenses, government-derived local cost-of-living adjustment, $1,000 loan fees, and an 8.5% interest assumption.

Cost of Living: Below national average cost of living

Des Moines, IA is about 0.92x the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment lowers the living allowance from $3,000 to about $2,760 per month. Local rent and commuting choices can still move your actual budget meaningfully.

Environment: Urban

Situated in a moderately accessible neighborhood, DMU-COM offers a mix of walking and biking options. Students may find that many daily needs are reachable without a car, though longer trips still benefit from alternative transportation.

Interview Feedback

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

Read Feedback Interview Prep Add Feedback

Secondary Essays 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...

Read More Essay Questions Add Essay Questions

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.

Last Updated: Nov 30, 2025