Board-reported · 2025
NCLEX Pass Rates — Iowa Nursing Schools (2025)
Iowa Board of Nursing — NCSBN 2025 RN NCLEX EOY Report 4. First-time RN, cohorts of 10 or more.
As of 2025, 30 Iowa schools reported first-time RN NCLEX pass rates of 66.7–100.0% , per Iowa Board of Nursing — NCSBN 2025 RN NCLEX EOY Report 4. Dataset average 86.7% (national reference 86.7%). Only display-eligible cohorts of 10+ first-time candidates are shown.
In line with national
30 schools · 13 at 90%+
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Partner listings — compare ADN and BSN pre-licensure programs for future RNs in Iowa. Use together with the board-reported pass-rate table below; board data remains the authoritative source for state licensure outcomes.
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Iowa NCLEX pass-rate ranking
30 of 30
| # | School | Credential | Pass rateNational 86.7% marked | N | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allen College | — | 100.0% | 34 | Board only |
| 2 | Iowa Lakes Community College | — | 100.0% | 24 | Board only |
| 3 | Luther College | — | 100.0% | 17 | Board only |
| 4 | Kirkwood Community College | — | 97.4% | 78 | On site |
| 5 | Mt Mercy University | — | 96.5% | 29 | Board only |
| 6 | Mount Mercy University | — | 95.2% | 62 | On site |
| 7 | University of Iowa | — | 93.8% | 97 | Board only |
| 8 | Des Moines Area Community College | — | 93.8% | 129 | Board only |
| 9 | Southeastern Community College | — | 93.3% | 30 | Board only |
| 10 | The University of Dubuque | — | 93.3% | 15 | Board only |
| 11 | Allen College | — | 92.9% | 98 | On site |
| 12 | University of Iowa | — | 91.7% | 156 | On site |
| 13 | North Iowa Area Community College | — | 91.4% | 35 | On site |
| 14 | Western Iowa Tech Community College | — | 89.7% | 29 | On site |
| 15 | Morningside College | — | 88.9% | 18 | Board only |
| 16 | St. Ambrose University | — | 88.1% | 84 | On site |
| 17 | Grand View University | — | 87.5% | 32 | Board only |
| 18 | Mercy College BSN | — | 86.3% | 117 | Board only |
| 19 | Mercy College of Health Sciences (BSN) | — | 82.5% | 252 | On site |
| 20 | Northwest Iowa Community College | — | 81.8% | 11 | Board only |
| 21 | Eastern Iowa Community College District | — | 81.3% | 16 | Board only |
| 22 | St Ambrose University | — | 81.1% | 37 | Board only |
| 23 | Iowa Western Community College | — | 80.0% | 45 | Board only |
| 24 | Mercy College | — | 80.0% | 20 | Board only |
| 25 | St Lukes College | — | 80.0% | 20 | Board only |
| 26 | Iowa Central Community College | — | 76.5% | 34 | Board only |
| 27 | Dordt College | — | 72.2% | 18 | Board only |
| 28 | Hawkeye Community College | — | 70.6% | 34 | Board only |
| 29 | Purdue Global UniversityCedar Rapids | — | 68.8% | 32 | Board only |
| 30 | Briar Cliff University | — | 66.7% | 12 | On site |
Source: Iowa Board of Nursing — NCSBN 2025 RN NCLEX EOY Report 4. Last verified Aug 26, 2026.
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Programs you can apply to
On-site listings from our directory. Board-reported rates above remain the source for licensure outcomes.
Kirkwood Community College
97.4% first-time RN
View programMount Mercy University
95.2% first-time RN
View programAllen College
92.9% first-time RN
View program
Already licensed? Next credentials for Iowa nurses
Pass rates and sticker price are for the first license. Working RNs in Iowa often stack an online RN-to-BSN, then an NP specialty. Online RN-to-BSN options serving Iowa include Walden University at $27,710 listed total tuition in our directory. Iowa grants nurse practitioners full practice authority: NPs can evaluate patients, diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications — including controlled substances — under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing, without a required physician collaboration agreement.
- Bridge for working RNsRN-to-BSN programs in Iowa
Employer-funded bridges are common. Directory listed totals include Walden University at $27,710.
- Nurse practitionerFNP programs in Iowa
Iowa is a full-practice NP state (AANP). Family NP is the mainstream primary-care specialty.
- NP specialtyPMHNP programs in Iowa
Psychiatric-mental health NP tracks for BSN-prepared nurses planning advanced practice in Iowa.
What is the average NCLEX pass rate for Iowa nursing schools?
How do I find nursing schools with high NCLEX pass rates in Iowa?
Which programs are included in the NCLEX outcomes table for Iowa?
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