When budgeting for graduate school you need to factor in the cost of tuition and the cost of living. To figure out what you'll need, we've created a budget. We took tuition, added in the average cost of living in Des Moines, the cost of books and equipment, health insurance, food, transportation and other personal expenses. We used federal guidelines, so the amount represents the maximum funding you can receive.
Keep in mind, the budget is designed for just you, the student (not your family) and is only for the months that school is in session.
Cost of Attendance Budget Information by Program
When budgeting for graduate school you need to factor in the cost of tuition and the cost of living. To figure out what you'll need, we've created a budget. We took tuition, added in the average cost of living in Des Moines, the cost of books and equipment, health insurance, food, transportation and other personal expenses. Each student is allowed to receive funding (from all resources, e.g., loans, scholarships, etc.) up to the budget. We used federal guidelines, so the amount represents the maximum funding you can receive. Budgets are adjusted each academic year to reflect any necessary changes.
Des Moines University is a private institution and has the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.
Academic Year 2023-24*
| Summer 2023 Thesis Track Only (2 mo.) |
Fall/Spring Full-time (5 mo.) |
Fall/Spring Half-time (5 mo.) |
|
| Living Expenses | |||
| Housing (1100/mo) | $2,200 | $5,500 | $2,750 |
| Utilities (125/mo) | $250 | $625 | $313 |
| Phone & Internet (73/mo) | $146 | $365 | $183 |
| Food (424/mo) | $848 | $2,120 | $1,060 |
| Personal (300/mo) | $600 | $1,500 | $750 |
| Health Insurance | — | $1,650 | $1,650 |
| Transportation and Travel | |||
| Transportation (251/mo) | $502 | $1,255 | $628 |
| Des Moines/Home | $170 | $513 | $256 |
| Educational Supplies | |||
| Books & Equipment | — | $867 | $434 |
| Tuition/Fees | |||
| Tuition** | $3,910 | $7,038 | $3,910 |
| Estimated Fees withheld from Loans | $91 | $581 | $180 |
| Total Cost of Attendance Budget | $8,717 | $22,014 | $12,114 |
* Budget subject to change
** Tuition based on 9 credit hours for full-time and 5 credit hours for half-time. If a student takes additional credits, the tuition charge will be higher. Contact the financial aid office.
The total cost of attendance budget is the maximum amount of resources (e.g., scholarships, loans, grants, etc.) that a student may receive. If a student receives a late award (loan, scholarship, grant, etc.), the financial aid package is recalculated. If possible, second disbursements are lowered; if not, the late award is sent to the lender to reduce the amount of loans.
For new students, relocation to Des Moines is an expense incurred prior to the program and cannot be included in this budget. You should budget $1,250 for a single student to $1,800 or more for a family.
Keep in mind that according to federal regulations, the budget is constructed for a single student only.
Daycare for dependent children can be claimed as an expense for each child (see Daycare Expense Form). Spouse must be employed or in school full time. Budget increase for additional loan funds may be subject to credit approval. Contact the financial aid office.
Past Year
Academic Year 2023-24*
| Fall/Spring Full-time (5 mo.) |
Fall/Spring Half-time (5 mo.) |
Summer 2024 (2 mo.) |
|
| Living Expenses | |||
| Housing (1100/mo) | $5,500 | $2,750 | $2,200 |
| Utilities (125/mo) | $625 | $313 | $250 |
| Phone & Internet (73/mo) | $365 | $183 | $146 |
| Food (424/mo) | $2,120 | $1,060 | $848 |
| Personal (300/mo) | $1,500 | $750 | $600 |
| Health Insurance | $1,650 | $1,650 | — |
| Transportation and Travel | |||
| Transportation (251/mo) | $1,255 | $628 | $502 |
| Des Moines/Home | $513 | $256 | $170 |
| Educational Supplies/Rotations | |||
| Books | $885 | $443 | — |
| Tuition/Fees | |||
| Tuition ** | $7,038 | $3,910 | $3,910 |
| Estimated Fees withheld from Loans | $582 | $180 | $365 |
| Total Cost of Attendance Budget | $22,033 | $12,123 | 8,991 |
* Budget subject to change
** Tuition is based on 9 credit hours for full-time and 5 credit hours for half-time. If a student takes additional credits, the tuition charge will be higher. Contact the financial aid office.
The total cost of attendance budget is the maximum amount of resources (e.g., scholarships, loans, grants, etc.) that a student may receive. If a student receives a late award (loan, scholarship, grant, etc.), the financial aid package is recalculated. If possible, second disbursements are lowered; if not, the late award is sent to the lender to reduce the amount of loans.
For new students, relocation to Des Moines is an expense incurred prior to the program and cannot be included in this budget. You should budget $1,250 for a single student to $1,800 or more for a family.
Keep in mind that according to federal regulations, the budget is constructed for a single student only.
Daycare for dependent children can be claimed as an expense for each child (see Daycare Expense Form). Spouse must be employed or in school full time. Budget increase for additional loan funds may be subject to credit approval. Contact the financial aid office.
Past Year
Academic Year 2023-24*
| Fall/Spring Full-time (5 mo.) |
Fall/Spring Half-time (5 mo.) |
|
| Living Expenses | ||
| Housing (1100/mo) | $5,500 | $2,750 |
| Utilities (125/mo) | $625 | $313 |
| Phone & Internet (73/mo) | $365 | $183 |
| Food (424/mo) | $2,120 | $1,060 |
| Personal (300/mo) | $1,500 | $750 |
| Health Insurance | $1,650 | $1,650 |
| Transportation and Travel | ||
| Transportation (251/mo) | $1,255 | $628 |
| Des Moines/Home | $513 | $256 |
| Educational Supplies/Rotations | ||
| Books | $367 | $184 |
| Tuition/Fees | ||
| Tuition ** | $7,641 | $7,641 |
| Estimated Fees withheld from Loans | $586 | $327 |
| Total Cost of Attendance Budget | $22,122 | $15,742 |
* Budget subject to change
Tuition will be waived and students receive a $32,800 annual stipend.
The total cost of attendance budget is the maximum amount of resources (e.g., scholarships, loans, grants, etc.) that a student may receive. If a student receives a late award (loan, scholarship, grant, etc.), the financial aid package is recalculated. If possible, second disbursements are lowered; if not, the late award is sent to the lender to reduce the amount of loans.
For new students, relocation to Des Moines is an expense incurred prior to the program and cannot be included in this budget. You should budget $1,250 for a single student to $1,800 or more for a family.
Keep in mind that according to Federal regulations, the budget is constructed for a single student only.
Past Year
Download the 2022-2023 Cost of Attendance Budget
The M.H.A./M.P.H. student cost of attendance budget is based on an academic year that consists of three terms. Your financial aid is determined by your course load each term and your enrollment status. You must maintain at least a half-time status for financial aid eligibility and each term you must apply for funds.
Each student can receive funding (from all resources i.e.: loans, scholarships, etc.) up to the budget. Federal guidelines were utilized and the amount represents the maximum funding you can receive. See term budget below.
To be eligible for financial aid, you must register for at least 5 credit hours per term. Financial aid awards cannot be estimated until you have registered for courses.
Des Moines University is a private institution and has the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.
Academic Year 2023-24*
| Academic Term | Full Time | Half Time | Summer Half Time |
| (4 mo.) | (4 mo.) | (2 mo.) | |
| LIVING EXPENSES | |||
| Housing (1,100/mo) | $4,400 | $2,200 | $1,100 |
| Utilities (125/mo) | $500 | $250 | $125 |
| Phone/Internet (73/mo) | $292 | $146 | $73 |
| Food (424/mo) | $1,696 | $848 | $424 |
| Personal (300/mo) | $1,200 | $600 | $300 |
| TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL | |||
| Transportation (251/mo) | $1,004 | $502 | $251 |
| EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES | |||
| Books | $375 | $250 | $250 |
| TUITION/FEES** | |||
| Tuition | $7,416 | $4,120 | $4,120 |
| Estimated fees withheld from loans | $178 | $94 | $70 |
| TOTAL COST OF ATTENDANCE BUDGET | |||
| $17,061 | $9,010 | $6,713 | |
* Budget subject to change
**Tuition is based on 9 cr. hrs. for full time and 5 cr. hrs. for half time. If a student takes additional credits the tuition charge will be higher. Contact the financial aid office.
If a student is only enrolled in one module for fall or spring terms, the budget is only for 2 months. Refer to the summer budget amount.
The total cost of attendance budget is the maximum amount of resources (scholarships, loans, grants, etc.) that a student may receive. If a student receives a late award (loan, scholarship, grant, etc.) the financial aid package is recalculated. The late award will be sent back to the lender to reduce the amount of loans.
Keep in mind that according to Federal regulations, the budget is constructed for a single student only.
Academic Year 2023-24*
| Year 1 - Class of 2026 | Year 2** | Year 3** | |||
| (10 mo.) | (2 mo.) | (10 mo.) | (2 mo.) | (10 mo.) | |
| Living Expenses | |||||
| Housing (1100/mo) | $11,000 | $2,200 | $11,000 | $2,200 | $11,000 |
| Utilities (125/mo) | $1,250 | $250 | $1,250 | $250 | $1,250 |
| Phone & Internet (73/mo) | $730 | $146 | $730 | $146 | $730 |
| Food (424/mo) | $4,240 | $848 | $4,240 | $848 | $4,240 |
| Personal (300/mo) | $3,000 | $600 | $3,000 | $600 | $3,000 |
| Health Insurance (Annual) | $3,300 | $0 | $3,300 | $0 | $3,300 |
| Transportation and Travel | |||||
| Transportation (251/mo) | $2,510 | $502 | $2,510 | $502 | $2,510 |
| Des Moines/Home (Annual) | $1,025 | $170 | $855 | $170 | $855 |
| Educational Supplies/Rotations | |||||
| Books & Equipment | $2,281 | $712 | $706 | $50 | $50 |
| Clinical Rotation Expenses | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,275 | $1,275 |
| Tuition/Fees | |||||
| Tuition | $41,750 | $8,350 | $33,400 | $8,350 | $33,400 |
| AOTA Membership Dues | $75 | $0 | $75 | $0 | $75 |
| IOTA Membership Dues | $25 | $0 | $25 | $0 | $25 |
| Drug Screen Fee | $0 | $0 | $29 | $0 | $0 |
| Background Check | $60 | $0 | $60 | $0 | $60 |
| Estimated Fees withheld from Loans | $2,362 | $145 | $2,378 | $152 | $2,423 |
| Total Cost of Attendance Budget | $73,608 | $13,923 | $63,558 | $14,543 | $64,193 |
* Budget subject to change
**Year 2 and Year 3 are estimates and are based on 23-24 costs. Tuition and all COA components will be reviewed and adjusted annually to reflect academic year costs.
The total cost of attendance budget is the maximum amount of resources (e.g., scholarships, loans, grants, etc.) that a student may receive. If a student receives a late award (loan, scholarship, grant, etc.), the financial aid package is recalculated. If possible, second disbursements are lowered; if not, the late award is sent to the lender to reduce the amount of loans.
For new students, relocation to Des Moines is an expense incurred prior to the program and cannot be included in this budget. You should budget $1,250 for a single student to $1,800 or more for a family.
Keep in mind that according to federal regulations, the budget is constructed for a single student only.
Daycare for dependent children can be claimed as an expense for each child (see Daycare Expense Form). Spouse must be employed or in school full time. Budget increase for additional loan funds may be subject to credit approval. Contact the financial aid office.
Academic Year 2023-24*
| Year 1 - Class of 2027 | Year 2 - Class of 2026 | Year 3 - Class of 2025 | Year 4 - Class of 2024 | ||
| (10 mo.) | (10 mo.) | (10 mo.) | (2 mo.) | (10 mo.) | |
| Living Expenses | |||||
| Housing (1100/mo) | $11,000 | $11,000 | $11,000 | $2,200 | $11,000 |
| Utilities (125/mo) | $1,250 | $1,250 | $1,250 | $250 | $1,250 |
| Phone & Internet (73/mo) | $730 | $730 | $730 | $146 | $730 |
| Food (424/mo) | $4,240 | $4,240 | $4,240 | $848 | $4,240 |
| Personal (300/mo) | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $600 | $3,000 |
| Health Insurance (Annual) | $3,300 | $3,300 | $3,300 | — | $3,300 |
| Transportation and Travel | |||||
| Transportation (251/mo) | $2,510 | $2,510 | $2,510 | $502 | $2,510 |
| Des Moines/Home (Annual) | $1,025 | $1,025 | $1,025 | $171 | $854 |
| Educational Supplies/Rotations | |||||
| Books & Equipment | $3,846 | $1,816 | $550 | — | — |
| Clinical Rotation Expenses | — | — | $3,039 | $761 | $3,044 |
| National Boards | — | $715 | $715 | — | — |
| CCA Week | — | — | — | $1,042*** | — |
| Residency Expenses | — | — | — | — | $2,000 |
| Tuition/Fees | |||||
| Tuition | $61,304 | $61,304 | $61,304 | $12,262 | $49,042 |
| Drug Screen Fee | $29 | $29 | $29 | — | — |
| Background Check | $60 | $60 | $60 | — | — |
| Estimated Fees withheld from Loans | $2,547 | $2,492 | $2,567 | $199 | $2,530 |
| Total Cost of Attendance Budget | $94,841 | $93,471 | $95,319 | $18,981 | $83,500 |
* Budget subject to change
*** Travel for CCA Week/assessment back at DMU
The total cost of attendance budget is the maximum amount of resources (e.g., scholarships, loans, grants, etc.) that a student may receive. If a student receives a late award (loan, scholarship, grant, etc.), the financial aid package is recalculated. If possible, second disbursements are lowered; if not, the late award is sent to the lender to reduce the amount of loans.
For new students, relocation to Des Moines is an expense incurred prior to the program and cannot be included in this budget. You should budget $1,250 for a single student to $1,800 or more for a family.
Keep in mind that according to federal regulations, the budget is constructed for a single student only.
Daycare for dependent children can be claimed as an expense for each child (see Daycare Expense Form). Spouse must be employed or in school full time. Budget increase for additional loan funds may be subject to credit approval. Contact the financial aid office.
Past Year
Academic Year 2023-24*
This schedule reflects rates for the academic year 23-24 only. Due to curriculum changes effective with incoming class of 23-24, total program cost for that cohort will be reallocated over the remaining terms/years in the program.
| Year 1 - Class of 2025B | Year 2 - Class of 2025 | Year 3 - Class of 2024 | |||
| (10 mo.) | (2 mo.) | (10 mo.) | (2 mo.) | (10 mo.) | |
| Living Expenses | |||||
| Housing (1100/mo) | $11,000 | $2,200 | $11,000 | $2,200 | $11,000 |
| Utilities (125/mo) | $1,250 | $250 | $1,250 | $250 | $1,250 |
| Phone & Internet (73/mo) | $730 | $146 | $730 | $146 | $730 |
| Food (424/mo) | $4,240 | $848 | $4,240 | $848 | $4,240 |
| Personal (300/mo) | $3,000 | $600 | $3,000 | $600 | $3,000 |
| Health Insurance (Annual) | $3,300 | — | $3,300 | — | $3,300 |
| Transportation and Travel | |||||
| Transportation (251/mo) | $2,510 | $502 | $2,510 | $502 | $2,510 |
| Des Moines/Home (Annual) | $1,025 | $170 | $855 | $170 | $855 |
| Educational Supplies/Rotations | |||||
| Books & Equipment | $2,679 | — | $627 | — | $165 |
| Clinical Rotation Expenses | $639 | $212 | $1,061 | $424 | $2,122 |
| Tuition/Fees | |||||
| Tuition | $35,126 | $7,026 | $28,100 | $7,026 | $28,100 |
| APTA Membership Dues | $80 | — | $80 | — | $80 |
| IPTA Membership Dues | $15 | — | $15 | — | $15 |
| Drug Screen Fee | $29 | — | $29 | — | — |
| Background Check | — | — | $60 | — | $60 |
| Estimated Fees withheld from Loans | $2,124 | $126 | $2,137 | $129 | $2,168 |
| Total Cost of Attendance Budget | $67,747 | $12,080 | $58,994 | $12,295 | $59,595 |
*Budget subject to change
The total cost of attendance budget is the maximum amount of resources (e.g., scholarships, loans, grants, etc.) that a student may receive. If a student receives a late award (loan, scholarship, grant, etc.), the financial aid package is recalculated. If possible, second disbursements are lowered; if not, the late award is sent to the lender to reduce the amount of loans.
For new students, relocation to Des Moines is an expense incurred prior to the program and cannot be included in this budget. You should budget $1,250 for a single student to $1,800 or more for a family.
Keep in mind that according to federal regulations, the budget is constructed for a single student only.
Daycare for dependent children can be claimed as an expense for each child (see Daycare Expense Form). Spouse must be employed or in school full time. Budget increase for additional loan funds may be subject to credit approval. Contact the financial aid office.
Past Year
Academic Year 2023-24*
This schedule reflects rates for the academic year 23-24 only. Due to curriculum changes effective with incoming class of 23-24, total program cost for that cohort will be reallocated over the remaining terms/years in the program.
| Year 1 - Class of 2025 | Year 2 - Class of 2024 | |||
| (2 mo.) | (10 mo.) | (2 mo.) | (10 mo.) | |
| June-July | Aug-May | June-July | Aug-May | |
| Living Expenses | ||||
| Housing (1100/mo) | $2,200 | $11,000 | $2,200 | $11,000 |
| Utilities (125/mo) | $250 | $1,250 | $250 | $1,250 |
| Phone & Internet (73/mo) | $146 | $730 | $146 | $730 |
| Food (424/mo) | $848 | $4,240 | $848 | $4,240 |
| Personal (300/mo) | $600 | $3,000 | $600 | $3,000 |
| Health Insurance (Annual) | $550 | $3,300 | — | $3,300 |
| Transportation and Travel | ||||
| Transportation (251/mo) | $502 | $2,510 | $502 | $2,510 |
| Des Moines/Home (Annual) | $170 | $855 | $170 | $855 |
| Education Supplies/Rotations | ||||
| Books & Equipment | $981 | $1,365 | — | — |
| Clinical Rotation Expenses | — | — | $146 | $4,241 |
| Professional Licensing Exam | — | — | — | $550 |
| Tuition/Fees | ||||
| Tuition | $9,476 | $37,904 | $9,476 | $37,904 |
| AAPA Membership Dues | — | $75 | — | — |
| IPAS Membership Dues | — | $25 | — | — |
| Background Check | — | $60 | — | — |
| Estimated Fees withheld from Loans | $166 | $2,658 | $152 | $2,751 |
| Total Cost of Attendance Budget | $15,889 | $68,972 | $14,490 | $72,331 |
* Budget subject to change
The total cost of attendance budget is the maximum amount of resources (e.g., scholarships, loans, grants, etc.) that a student may receive. If a student receives a late award (loan, scholarship, grant, etc.), the financial aid package is recalculated. If possible, second disbursements are lowered; if not, the late award is sent to the lender to reduce the amount of loans.
For new students, relocation to Des Moines is an expense incurred prior to the program and cannot be included in this budget. You should budget $1,250 for a single student to $1,800 or more for a family.
Keep in mind that according to federal regulations, the budget is constructed for a single student only.
Daycare for dependent children can be claimed as an expense for each child (see Daycare Expense Form). Spouse must be employed or in school full time. Budget increase for additional loan funds may be subject to credit approval. Contact the financial aid office.
Past Year
Academic Year 2023-24*
| Year 1 - Class of 2027 | Year 2 - Class of 2026 | Year 3 - Class of 2025 | Year 4 - Class of 2024 | ||
| (10 mo.) | (11 mo.)** | (10 mo.) | (2 mo.) | (10 mo.) | |
| Living Expenses | |||||
| Housing (1100/mo) | $11,000 | $12,100 | $11,000 | $2,200 | $11,000 |
| Utilities (125/mo) | $1,250 | $1,375 | $1,250 | $250 | $1,250 |
| Phone & Internet (73/mo) | $730 | $803 | $730 | $146 | $730 |
| Food (424/mo) | $4,240 | $4,664 | $4,240 | $848 | $4,240 |
| Personal (300/mo) | $3,000 | $3,300 | $3,000 | $600 | $3,000 |
| Health Insurance (Annual) | $3,300 | $3,300 | $3,300 | — | $3,300 |
| Transportation and Travel | |||||
| Transportation (251/mo) | $2,510 | $2,761 | $2,510 | $502 | $2,510 |
| Des Moines/Home (Annual) | $1,025 | $1,025 | $1,025 | $171 | $854 |
| Educational Supplies/Rotations | |||||
| Books & Equipment | $2,786 | $975 | $160 | — | — |
| Clinical Rotation Expenses | — | — | — | $761 | $3,044 |
| National Boards | — | $925 | — | $0*** | — |
| Residency Expenses | — | — | — | — | $2,000 |
| Tuition/Fees | |||||
| Tuition | $44,212 | $44,212 | $44,212 | $8,842 | $35,370 |
| APMSA | $75 | $75 | $75 | — | $75 |
| Drug Screen Fee | — | $29 | $29 | — | — |
| Background Check | $60 | $60 | $60 | — | — |
| DPM Instrument Fee | — | — | $75 | — | — |
| Estimated Fees withheld from Loans | $1,782 | $1,771 | $1,675 | $151 | $1,812 |
| Total Cost of Attendance Budget | $75,970 | $77,375 | $73,341 | $14,471 | $69,185 |
* Budget subject to change
**Includes 2nd year clinics that students participate in for four weeks in June or July.
*** APMLE Part II CSPE suspended by APMLE until further notice.
The total cost of attendance budget is the maximum amount of resources (e.g., scholarships, loans, grants, etc.) that a student may receive. If a student receives a late award (loan, scholarship, grant, etc.), the financial aid package is recalculated. If possible, second disbursements are lowered; if not, the late award is sent to the lender to reduce the amount of loans.
For new students, relocation to Des Moines is an expense incurred prior to the program and cannot be included in this budget. You should budget $1,250 for a single student to $1,800 or more for a family.
Keep in mind that according to federal regulations, the budget is constructed for a single student only.
Daycare for dependent children can be claimed as an expense for each child (see Daycare Expense Form). Spouse must be employed or in school full time. Budget increase for additional loan funds may be subject to credit approval. Contact the financial aid office.