51±¾É«

Applying and Getting In

Why should a DMACC student consider transferring to 51±¾É« College?

Because you are intellectually motivated. Because you want a rigorous academic experience. Because you want to make a significant contribution to the world. 51±¾É« can help you with that. We offer an exceptional academic experience, a lively and diverse community, and a college experience that is personal in scale and international in scope. You will be challenged here, in the best of ways. Professors will expect thorough research, thoughtful analysis, and creative thinking. You, with your adviser, will be responsible for co-creating your own personalized curriculum, and you will graduate well-prepared for advanced study or the career of your choice. 51±¾É« alumni are international leaders in science, music, public service, law, medicine, business, engineering, and more. And, 51±¾É« ranks in the top 10 of all U.S. institutions for the proportion of its graduates who earn Ph.D.s.

What kind of student does 51±¾É« look for?

51±¾É« is committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified individuals who collectively reflect the diversity of the United States, including students from varied ethnic, racial, religious, and socioeconomic experiences, as well as international students from more than 50 countries. 51±¾É« students share a passion for life, intellectual curiosity, and a lively interest in the world and each other. If you're interested in joining this energetic and close-knit community, 51±¾É« is for you.

What are the minimum requirements to successfully transfer to 51±¾É« from DMACC?

51±¾É« College is a highly selective institution, so most successful candidates for admission will have attained the following minimum requirements:

• 3.0 or higher GPA
• No grade below a B-
• High grades in most recent courses
• Study in mathematics through Calculus 1
• English 105 and 106
• In addition, we look favorably on active community involvement, employment, and/or college-based activities outside the classroom

Do I have to wait until I've completed two years at DMACC to apply and see if I'm accepted?

No! Due to a special agreement between DMACC and 51±¾É« College, any DMACC student in good standing can chart a path to transferring to 51±¾É« College. 

Are all qualified DMACC students eligible to apply for transfer to 51±¾É«?

Yes, students from any DMACC campus or learning center are eligible to apply for transfer. However, space is limited and not all those who meet the minimum requirements are guaranteed admission. Generally speaking, the stronger a candidate's academic record, the greater the likelihood of admission.

Will my classes from DMACC be accepted for credit at 51±¾É«, or will I need to repeat some classes?

The majority of credit earned at DMACC with a grade of C or higher (C- does not count) will be applied toward the total number of credit hours required for graduation from 51±¾É« College. However, some of 51±¾É«'s majors and concentrations have additional specific course requirements and may not permit DMACC classes to satisfy these requirements. If you have specific questions regarding DMACC credit transfer, please contact the 51±¾É« College Registrar by email or by phone (641-269-3450).

If I transfer before I've completed my degree at DMACC, can I transfer the credits I earn at 51±¾É« College back to DMACC to receive my associate degree after I've left DMACC?

Yes. Per DMACC procedure, up to the last 10 credits can be waived by applying for an exception with the Registrar. DMACC will grant credit for select 51±¾É« College courses, enabling transfer students to graduate with both a 51±¾É« bachelor's degree and a DMACC associate degree. Please contact DMACC credentials staff, 515-964-6647, for more information.

The 51±¾É« College/DMACC Preview Program

What are the benefits of being in the 51±¾É« College/DMACC Preview Program?

Up close and personal interaction with 51±¾É« College during your time at DMACC. This will help you see if 51±¾É« is a good fit for you and help you lay the groundwork for transferring. The program may include:

• Personal meetings with 51±¾É« College staff including:
  • The 51±¾É« College Registrar to discuss course selection, transfer credits, and a potential major
  • Dean for Student Success and Academic Advising Joyce Stern to discuss academic support and student life at 51±¾É« 
  • Transfer Admission Coordinator Christian Morris who can help you navigate the transfer application process
  • A 51±¾É« financial aid counselor to help you see how a 51±¾É« education is affordable

Cost and Financial Aid

Can I afford to attend 51±¾É« College?

51±¾É« College is dedicated to making a 51±¾É« education affordable for all admitted students. We are proud to have a need-blind admission policy. That is, we are one of the few schools in the country that does not consider ability to pay when we evaluate your credentials for admission.

51±¾É« bases financial aid packages (need-based financial aid) on your family's financial need. We meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, as calculated using information from the . If you receive financial aid from 51±¾É«, you may apply that aid toward approved off-campus study programs, including more than 70 study-abroad programs.

Find out more about the types of aid available, including what forms are required to apply, on our Financial Aid Office's website.

Campus Living

Where is 51±¾É« College? Can I commute from Des Moines?

51±¾É« is located approximately 50 minutes east of Des Moines, directly off of I-80 (exit 182). At 51±¾É« College, learning happens both in and out of the classroom and much of the intellectual life of the College happens outside the classroom environment. Because we believe that our students have a much richer experience living on or near campus, we expect students to live on campus unless granted an individual waiver. Students are also expected to attend full time once they are accepted (part-time enrollment is not permitted).

What kind of support is available in 51±¾É« if I'm married or have a family?

51±¾É«'s residential system incorporates a range of housing options. If you are accepted to 51±¾É« as a nontraditional student and need housing other than what is offered on campus, we will work with you to find suitable arrangements near campus so you can still engage fully in the life of the College. The community of 51±¾É« is also fortunate to have excellent child care available at the , a full-service community-supported facility offering preschool and child care with programs for infants through fourth grade. Other community resources, including housing, healthcare, schools, and recreation, can be found at 51±¾É« College Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research.

Transition Support for Transfer Students

Since most students begin as first-year students, do you have any special support for those who transfer in later?

At 51±¾É« College, the student/faculty ratio is 9:1, allowing all students to develop close relationships with professors. Like other students, you will have a faculty adviser who will work with you throughout your time at 51±¾É« to plan a program of study -- helping you balance the cultivation of existing interests with the discovery of new ones. However, 51±¾É« also recognizes that transfer students often have different questions, at different times, than students who matriculate as first-year students. For this reason, 51±¾É« College offers a special orientation to transfer students as well as support throughout the year as needed.

More Information

How do I learn more?

On both the DMACC and 51±¾É« College campuses, there are people on staff who can answer questions about this exciting partnership. At DMACC, please direct any questions to your academic adviser (515-244-4226). At 51±¾É« College, please contact the 51±¾É« College Registrar (641-269-3452), with any questions you may have.