Best Nursing Programs in Iowa (2026)
MyNursingSchools lists 191 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in Iowa. The fastest listed completion time is 16 months. Listed tuition ranges from $13,500 to $120,000. Programs with published NCLEX data average 92.3% first-time pass rate. RNs in Iowa earn $66,250/year on average (BLS).
191
Programs
40
Schools
16 mo
Fastest Listed
$13,500
Lowest Tuition
92.3%
Avg NCLEX (3)
84
Online / Hybrid
$66K
Avg RN Salary
Salary source: BLS OEWS, May 2023 · Program stats from MyNursingSchools directory
Iowa nursing programs at a glance
- 191 accredited nursing programs across 40 schools in Iowa (0 LPN, 1 ADN, 17 BSN).
- Fastest listed program: 16 months (Accelerated BSN (Second Degree) at Mercy College of Health Sciences).
- Lowest listed tuition: $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
- Highest published NCLEX pass rate in our listing: 94% (University of Iowa College of Nursing).
- 84 online or hybrid programs serve Iowa students (16 on-campus).
- Average RN salary in Iowa: $66,250 (BLS) · 4.3% projected job growth through 2032.
Iowa nursing program market snapshot
| Programs in directory | 191 total · 100 on this page |
|---|---|
| Schools | 40 accredited institutions |
| Degree mix (listed) | 0 LPN · 1 ADN · 17 BSN · 55 MSN · 27 DNP |
| Fastest listed program | Accelerated BSN (Second Degree) at Mercy College of Health Sciences — 16 months |
| Tuition range (listed) | $13,500 – $120,000 |
| NCLEX pass rates | 92.3% average across 3 programs with published data · high: 94% (University of Iowa College of Nursing) |
| Delivery formats | 74 online · 10 hybrid · 16 on-campus |
| RN salary & outlook | $66,250/yr (BLS) · 4.3% projected growth through 2032 |
Online Nursing Programs in Iowa
Online and distance-friendly nursing programs for Iowa residents. Partner matches respect your filter; sort the directory by tuition, duration, or school.
Showing 100 of 191 programs from our directory for Iowa.
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How to choose a nursing program in Iowa
Iowa is one of the larger nursing education markets we track (191 programs listed) — compare NCLEX pass rates and clinical partnerships, not just tuition. RN wages in Iowa ($66,250/year, BLS) sit below the national average, so minimizing tuition and time-to-start (waitlists) matters more than brand-name private programs. RN employment in Iowa is projected to grow 4.3% through 2032 (BLS). Choosing a nursing program in Iowa means weighing completion time, total tuition, NCLEX outcomes, and how quickly you can start earning an RN salary in a local labor market. Among programs in our Iowa directory, the fastest listed completion time is 16 months. We track 191 accredited nursing programs in Iowa — including 18 entry-level RN pathways. Iowa is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state; multistate practice may be available once Iowa is your primary residence — especially relevant if you live near Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota.
Key takeaways
- Screen Iowa programs by recent NCLEX first-attempt pass rate before tuition — licensing failure costs more time than a longer program.
- Verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation (or state board approval) before any deposit; unaccredited programs may block NCLEX eligibility in Iowa.
- Iowa is an NLC compact state — declare primary residence correctly if you need multistate practice near a border.
- Iowa lists 18 entry-level RN programs; community college ADN plus employer-funded RN-to-BSN is often the lowest total-cost path.
- Listed tuition in Iowa spans $13,500 to $120,000 — public ADN programs anchor the low end; private accelerated programs cluster at the top.
- 84 online or hybrid programs serve Iowa students — flexible for working adults, but all nursing credentials still require on-site clinical hours.
Sponsored · Disclosure
- Compact licensure
- Yes — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) participant.
- CE at renewal
- 36 hours per 3 years cycle.
- Average RN salary
- $66,250 (BLS, May 2023) · how we source this
- Lowest listed tuition
- From $13,500 (MSN — Nursing Administration at National University).
Explore Nursing in Iowa
Programs by Degree Type
55
MSN Programs
27
DNP Programs
17
BSN Programs
1
ADN Programs
Nursing Schools in Iowa
40 accredited institutions offering nursing programs.
| School | Programs | Degree Types | NCLEX Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercy College of Health Sciences | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Briar Cliff University | 2 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| St. Ambrose University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Allen College | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Mount Mercy University | 4 | BSNDNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Excelsior University | 2 | ADNBSN | N/A | View |
| University of Iowa College of Nursing | 7 | BSNDNPMSN | 94.0% | View |
| Western Governors University | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.8% | View |
| Aspen University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| National University | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences | 2 | BSNMSN | 91.2% | View |
| American Public University System | 3 | BSNMSN | N/A | View |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 1 | BSN | N/A | View |
| University of Texas at Arlington | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Regis College | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Sacred Heart University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Michigan State University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Johns Hopkins University | 2 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Maryville University | 3 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
| Chamberlain University | 4 | DNPMSN | N/A | View |
How many nursing programs are available in Iowa?
There are 191 accredited nursing programs available in Iowa across 40 schools — including 0 LPN, 1 ADN, 17 BSN, 55 MSN, and 27 DNP pathways. Programs are offered online, on-campus, and hybrid.
How much does nursing school cost in Iowa?
Nursing program tuition in Iowa starts as low as $13,500 and reaches $120,000 among programs in our directory. Community college ADN programs are typically the most affordable; private BSN programs cost more. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
How long does nursing school take in Iowa?
The fastest nursing programs listed in Iowa can be completed in 16 months (Accelerated BSN (Second Degree) at Mercy College of Health Sciences). LPN certificates typically take 9–12 months, ADN programs 18–24 months, and traditional BSN programs 36–48 months. Accelerated BSN programs for career changers can finish in 12–18 months.
What is the average nurse salary in Iowa?
Registered nurses in Iowa earn an average of $66,250 per year ($32/hour) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. RN employment in Iowa is projected to grow 4.3% through 2032.
Can I complete nursing school online in Iowa?
Yes. There are 84 online and hybrid nursing programs (74 fully online, 10 hybrid) available to Iowa residents in our directory. Online programs deliver lectures digitally, but all nursing programs require in-person clinical hours. Many arrange clinical placements within Iowa.
Which nursing program has the highest NCLEX pass rate in Iowa?
Among programs with published NCLEX data in our directory, University of Iowa College of Nursing leads at 94% first-time pass rate (Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)). Average across 3 programs with data: 92.3%. Pass rates vary by cohort — always confirm the school's three-year average before enrolling.
What are the nursing license requirements in Iowa?
To practice nursing in Iowa, you must pass the NCLEX exam and apply to the Iowa Board of Nursing. Iowa is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means your license allows you to practice in other compact states. License renewal is every 3 years with 36 continuing education hours required.
Is there a nursing shortage in Iowa?
Yes. Like most states, Iowa is experiencing a nursing shortage that is projected to worsen through 2030. The 4.3% job growth projected through 2032 reflects strong demand for qualified nurses, particularly in rural areas and specialized care units. This means excellent job security and competitive compensation for nursing graduates.
What GPA do I need for nursing school in Iowa?
GPA requirements for nursing programs in Iowa vary by school and degree level. Most BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 for admission, while competitive programs may require 3.2 or higher. ADN and LPN programs at community colleges often have lower GPA thresholds. Some programs consider your overall GPA while others focus on prerequisite science courses.
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