Iowa’s Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
With a national growth rate of 6%, there has never been a better time to go into nursing. According to the Iowa Board of Nursing, the number of active registered nurse (RN) licenses increased from 46,283 in 2011 to 59,252 in 2021, which is a total growth of 28%. Iowa projection reports show that RNs will grow at an annual rate of 1.2% from 2020-2030.
Iowa is one of the safest places to live, with a crime rate lower than the national average. It is also one of the more affordable places to live, with the cost of living and the average price of homes being lower than the national average.
The outdoors in Iowa has a lot to offer. You can find scenic bluffs with panoramic views, twisting caves to explore, rock-climb the cliffs in Backbone State Park, hike at Pikes Peak State Park to see majestic views of the Mississippi River, walk or bike on the
33-mile Sauk Rail Trail, or glide through the snow on cross-country skis on the Cedar Prairie Loop in Cedar Falls during the winter. You’ll experience all four seasons in Iowa and will surely find something for everyone to enjoy.
Iowa also has ample job opportunities. Many job industries are growing, including an increased need for RNs in the state. If you want to start a nursing career, Iowa is an excellent choice.
The Best Nursing Schools in Iowa
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Iowa to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Iowa based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Iowa Board of Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Iowa ADN Nursing Program
Kirkwood Community College
Kirkwood Community College, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offers an ADN program that functions as a piece of the nursing ladder program where students complete their Practical Nursing (PN) diploma in the first two semesters of the program and then complete their ADN in the last two semester of the program.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,308
Out-of-State: $7,072
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,308 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$7,072 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2021 |
97.45% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019-2020 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
12,604 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) |
#2 Iowa ADN Nursing Program
Indian Hills Community College
Indian Hills Community College, located in Ottumwa and Centerville, Iowa, offers an ADN program that can be completed in 21 months. Before entering the ADN program, students must complete the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program and then continue to the ADN program. Once the four-term LPN program is finished, the ADN program can be completed in three more terms. All students must also take a 75-hour certified nursing assistant (CNA) course and successfully pass the written and skills examination for the State of Iowa.
Average Tuition
In-State: $4,560
Out-of-State: $6,000
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$4,560 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$6,000 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
95% |
| Program Completion Rate 2020 |
Not given |
| Job Placement 2019 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
3,385 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Iowa Board of Nursing |
#3 Iowa ADN Nursing Program
North Iowa Area Community College
North Iowa Area Community College, located in Mason City, Iowa, offers an ADN program designed to prepare students for general staff RN positions involving direct patient care. Students can enter the program with no healthcare experience or can join the program partway through with their LPN. To be accepted into the program, students must have a high school diploma, an ACT composite score of 19 OR an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college with a minimum GPA of 2.5 OR a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students must also successfully complete a CNA course before admission into the ADN program.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,971
Out-of-State: $8,547
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,971 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$8,547 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2021 |
93.62% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
75% |
| Job Placement 2021 |
100 |
| Students Enrolled |
3,499 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
19% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
BSN Programs:
#1 Iowa BSN Nursing Program
Coe College
Coe College, located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offers a BSN program that can be completed in three full terms of 1:1 clinical practice with a registered nurse and meetings on-site with faculty to discuss your clinical experience. Nursing class sizes are small, and classrooms are highly interactive to promote critical thinking. A free comprehensive review course to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam and procedures is also offered to students enrolled in the BSN program.
Average Tuition
In-State: $48,822
Out-of-State: $48,822
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$48,822 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$48,822 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2021 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
80% |
| Retention Rate |
74% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,449 |
| Institution Type |
Private College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
6% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Iowa BSN Nursing Program
University of Dubuque
The University of Dubuque, located in Dubuque, Iowa, offers a BSN program that educates students in nursing knowledge, theory, and research. Upon graduation, students will be ready to build a career in a variety of roles across all environments, where they will monitor and manage all aspects of care. Students will have hands-on learning experiences in the skills and simulation labs in addition to clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $36,010
Out-of-State: $36,010
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$36,010 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$36,010 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2021 |
100% |
| Admission Rate |
76.4% |
| Retention Rate |
66% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,594 |
| Institution Type |
Private University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 Iowa BSN Nursing Program
Allen College
Allen College, located in Waterloo, Iowa, offers a BSN accelerated and traditional options and an RN to BSN program. Allen College is known for its high NCLEX-RN pass rates, small class sizes, and rich tradition of excellence. Their program combines interactive classroom learning with extensive patient contact. Students are empowered to thrive in both theory and practice.
Average Tuition
In-State: $19,718
Out-of-State: $19,718
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$19,718 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$19,718 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
98.35% |
| Admission Rate |
65% |
| Retention Rate |
62% |
| Students Enrolled |
656 |
| Institution Type |
Private College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Iowa
When choosing a nursing program in Iowa, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to complete your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Programs that have undergone the accreditation process must meet specific standards, and some state boards of nursing may only accept accredited programs. If you are considering continuing education, some schools may transfer the credits earned while receiving your RN. Some employers may only hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 34 ADN/ASN programs and 21 BSN programs in Iowa are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in Iowa
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing employment is predicted to grow by 6% nationwide. Iowa has seen a 28% growth in RNs from 2011-2021 and projects a 1.2% annual increase in RNs from 2020-2030.
According to the America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report, Iowa is ranked 15th in the nation for being one of the healthiest states. Iowa has seen fewer premature deaths and a lower percentage of low birthweight infants born. They also have seen an increase of 27% in mental health providers available and a decrease of 19% uninsured population, which means that more people in the community can receive the care they need.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Iowa earn an average annual salary of $69,370. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living and housing is also lower than the national average, making Iowa a more affordable state to live in.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Iowa
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in Iowa is $69,370, and it employs 34,050 nurses. Iowa also employs 2,610 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $128,180.
The nationwide employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031, with about 203,200 openings for registered nurses projected each year. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transferred to different occupations or who leave the labor workforce to retire.
| Top Paying Iowa Cities for RNs |
| Iowa City, IA |
$74,230 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA |
$71,060 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA |
$70,050 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Iowa
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Each nursing license has specific requirements that need to be met to maintain your licensure. To become a nurse in Iowa, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Iowa:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you’ve received your RN license for Iowa, you will need to renew it every three years. RN license renewal is due 30 days before the 15th of the licensee’s birth month. RNs must complete 36 contact hours of continuing education before license renewal. RNs who regularly examine, counsel, or treat dependent adults or children in Iowa must also complete training on identifying and reporting child/dependent adult abuse.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Iowa:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Iowa.
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Iowa.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- License renewal occurs every three years and is due 30 days before the 15th of the licensee’s birth month. APRNs do not need to complete any additional continuing education credits than what is required for their RN license. If they regularly examine, counsel, or treat dependent adults or children in Iowa, they must also complete training on identifying and reporting child/dependent adult abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Iowa
Is Iowa a good place for nurses to work?
Iowa is a great place to work as a nurse. The state is ranked the 15th healthiest in the nation. It also has shown increases in mental health providers and a decrease in uninsured patients, meaning that Iowa residents can receive the care they need.
Is Iowa a compact state for nursing?
Yes, Iowa is a compact state for nursing. This means that if you hold a compact nursing license for Iowa, you can practice nursing in other compact states.
What are the requirements for RNs in Iowa?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have your RN license, you must renew your license every three years, 30 days before the 15th of your birth month. RNs must complete 36 hours of continuing education hours every three years.
How much does an Iowa RN license cost?
The examination fee for Iowa RNs is $143.00. The RN license by endorsement fee is $169.00. License renewal costs $99.00 every three years, due 30 days before the 15th of the licensee’s birth month.
