2025 Compare Cities Education:
West Des Moines, IA vs San Marcos, CA

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Highlights
- San Marcos spends 14.4% more per student than West Des Moines.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 45.8% higher in San Marcos than in West Des Moines. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- San Marcos had 9.1% fewer residents who had graduated High School compared to West Des Moines
 West Des Moines, IASan Marcos, CAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$16,358$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$11,894  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$8,084$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio15.53  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock187444573
 Students per Counselor362  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock6.8%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.2.1%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock87.8%88.9%
 Some College Educ.17.1%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock8.4%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.53.7%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock10.2%9.3%
 Professional Degree4.1%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.7%1.5%
Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

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Over 16 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

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We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  More

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Reviews for San Marcos    5 Reviews

Just an amazing place to live. I have lived in 7 states and almost countless cities. Sam Marcos is one of the best. This is literally the longest place I have lived  More

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Over 15 years ago

Is this area to expensive for the average income retired  More

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Over 18 years ago

Beautiful Mediterranean climate with bright sunshine and ocean breazes. City is just 15 minutes away from the  More

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