9th Annual Iowa RN Program Rankings by RNCareers.org
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Iowa and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 13 ADN degree programs and 16 BSN degree programs in Iowa. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Iowa to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.Â
Best ADN Programs in Iowa
#1 Associate Degree in Nursing
North Iowa Area Community College
Pass Rate
- 500 College Dr, Mason City, IA - 50401
- (641) 423-1264
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.97%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 67
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $5,971
- Book and Supplies: $1,044
- Percent Received Aid: 96%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,576
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 52%
North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) is a public educational institution in Mason City. It also operates various community education centers in Hampton, Charles City, Osage, and Lake Mills. It was founded in 1918, and was originally named Mason City Junior College. With more than 100 years of educational service, the college has transfer agreements with several four-year institutions for its students’ seamless transfer and transition. Hands-on experiences are an essential part of the curriculum, made possible by the College’s facilities such as the Diesel Technology Lab, Health Simulation Center, and Careers labs. Moreover, its nursing program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing.
Nursing (ADN), A.A.S. - This Associate Degree Nursing program has two entry options—for beginning students and for LPNs. It has two annual starts (summer and fall terms). Upon program completion, graduates are conferred an Associate in Applied Science Degree. This provides eligibility to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam,
RN to BSN - This RN to BSN program allows associate-prepared RNs to complete their BSN coursework, both locally and online. The RN to BSN 3+1 structure allows three-year coursework completion at NIACC and one-year BSN completion at the University of Iowa’s online RN-BSN program. Moreover, NIACC has formal articulation agreements with several universities offering baccalaureate degrees in nursing. This allows seamless transition from NIACC to its partner institution. These partners include, but are not limited to: Allen College, Clarke University, Grand View University, Mercy College of Health Sciences, and University of Dubuque.
#2 Associate Degree in Nursing
Iowa Central Community College
Pass Rate
- One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA - 50501
- (515) 576-7201
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 94.47%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 88
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,000
- Book and Supplies: $1,520
- Percent Received Aid: 94%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,180
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 34%
Iowa Central Community College is a comprehensive public educational institution with seven centers, academies and campuses across Iowa, aside from its main campus in Fort Dodge. This community college was organized 1966, and is presently accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The college offers a flexible study program with options for on campus and on-site for some of its programs. In terms of accreditation, its ADN program under the Health Sciences Department is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The said department also offers a Practical Nursing Program.
Associate Degree Nursing Program - With 84 required credits, this AAS program prepares students for their roles as registered nurses. In the first and second semester in the program, the coursework is similar to that of the Practical Nursing Program. Hence, students can obtain a practical nursing diploma after the first summer, and he/she can also obtain an AAS degree after finishing the program. Due to limited enrollment, admission is selective. Moreover, an advanced standing option for LPNs is offered, allowing them to continue in the second year.
Practical Nursing Program - With 44 and a half credit hours required, this diploma program prepares students for entry-level nursing care positions under the supervision of an RN or physician. Since the first two semesters are similar to that of the AAS degree, students can transition to the said degree after completing the diploma program. Coursework includes extensive clinical work of 360 hours in various healthcare settings. This program has an approval from the Iowa Board of Nursing.
#3 Associate Degree in Nursing
Southeastern Community College
Pass Rate
- 1500 West Agency Road, West Burlington, IA - 52655-0180
- (319) 752-2731
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 92.46%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 70
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,090
- Book and Supplies: $1,298
- Percent Received Aid: 85%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,804
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 33%
#4 Associate Degree in Nursing
Indian Hills Community College
Pass Rate
- 525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, IA - 52501
- (641) 683-5111
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 90.13%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 129
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $4,560
- Book and Supplies: $1,512
- Percent Received Aid: 93%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,039
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 35%
#5 Associate Degree in Nursing
Northeast Iowa Community College Dist
Pass Rate
- 1625 Hwy 150, Calmar, IA - 52132-0400
- (844) 642-2338
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 88.73%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 109
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,120
- Book and Supplies: $1,400
- Percent Received Aid: 91%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,999
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 47%
#6 Associate Degree in Nursing
Southwestern Community College
Pass Rate
- 1501 West Townline Street, Creston, IA - 50801
- (641) 782-7081
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 86.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 39
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,560
- Book and Supplies: $1,344
- Percent Received Aid: 94%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,435
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 48%
Southwestern Community College is located in Creston, Iowa. Â Their nursing program is unique; they describe it as a "ladder program." Â Their students first complete their LPN. Â This allows them to earn their LPN degree and work within a year, and simultaneously obtain the AAS in nursing. Â They also have the option of opting out of the RN portion.
Best BSN Programs in Iowa
#1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Allen College
Pass Rate
- 1990 Heath St, Waterloo, IA - 50703-1999
- (319) 226-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 85.95%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 43
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,024,380
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
#2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Iowa
Pass Rate
- 101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA - 52242-1316
- (319) 335-3500
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 83.78%
- Programs: CNL, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 2768
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $9,942
- Book and Supplies: $950
- Percent Received Aid: 87%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,778
- Percent Admitted: 84%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 22%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
#3 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Northwestern College
Pass Rate
- 101 Seventh St SW, Orange City, IA - 51041
- (712) 707-7000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 78.47%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 78
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,160
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $21,658
- Percent Admitted: 74%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 33%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
#4 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Coe College
Pass Rate
- 1220 First Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA - 52402-5092
- (319) 399-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 78.17%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 128
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,000
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $34,875
- Percent Admitted: 80%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 7%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
#5 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Mount Mercy University
Martin-Herold College of Nursing and Health
Pass Rate
- 1330 Elmhurst Dr NE, Cedar Rapids, IA - 52402-4797
- (319) 363-8213
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 77.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 84
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,320
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $16,290
- Percent Admitted: 76%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
#6 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Morningside University
Department of Nursing Education
Pass Rate
- 1501 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, IA - 51106-1751
- (712) 274-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 75.61%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: APRN Certificate, Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 72
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,250
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $22,803
- Percent Admitted: 69%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 15%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
#7 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Luther College
Pass Rate
- 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA - 52101-1045
- (563) 387-2000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 75.03%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 153
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,040
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $32,160
- Percent Admitted: 64%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 77%
#8 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Graceland University-Lamoni
Pass Rate
- 1 University Place, Lamoni, IA - 50140
- (641) 784-5000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 74.95%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 61
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,440
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $22,076
- Percent Admitted: 68%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 12%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
#9 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Dubuque
Pass Rate
- 2000 University Ave, Dubuque, IA - 52001
- (563) 589-3000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 72.17%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 109
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $950
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 95%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $24,252
- Percent Admitted: 79%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 29%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
#10 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Dordt University
Pass Rate
- 700 7th St SE, Sioux Center, IA - 51250-1606
- (712) 722-6000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 71.63%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 89
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,030
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $17,335
- Percent Admitted: 72%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 37%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
About RN Programs in Iowa
- There are 33 nursing schools in Iowa. The CCNE accredits 17 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 10 schools in Iowa.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Iowa is between 66.15% and 94.97%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Iowa is between 68.35% and 98.15%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Iowa can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Iowa RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 15 | 18 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 83.78% | 86.42% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 66.15% to 94.97% | 68.35% to 98.15% |
Additional List of Top Iowa Nursing Programs
Grade
|
University
|
Iowa Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
86.00 | Southwestern Community College | 6 | ADN |
85.04 | St Luke's College | 7 | ADN |
84.81 | Northwest Iowa Community College | 8 | ADN |
82.06 | Des Moines Area Community College | 9 | ADN |
76.80 | Hawkeye Community College | 10 | ADN |
75.78 | Western Iowa Tech Community College | 11 | ADN |
68.05 | Mercy College of Health Sciences | 12 | ADN |
66.15 | Eastern Iowa Community College Dist | 13 | ADN |
88.24 | Morningside University | 8 | BSN |
76.99 | Clarke University | 9 | BSN |
76.25 | Saint Ambrose University | 10 | BSN |
76.13 | Mercy College of Health Sciences | 11 | BSN |
75.13 | Iowa Wesleyan University | 12 | BSN |
74.44 | Grand View University | 13 | BSN |
68.35 | Briar Cliff University | 14 | BSN |
Nursing Programs Offered by Iowa Nursing Schools
- Registered Nursing: 31
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 4
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 3
- CNL: 2
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
Iowa Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- Allen College: 5
- Morningside University: 3
- Briar Cliff University: 3
- Clarke University: 2
- Grand View University: 2
- University of Iowa: 2
- Mercy College of Health Sciences: 1
- Iowa Wesleyan University: 1
- Northeast Iowa Community College Dist: 1
- Coe College: 1
Become a Nurse Practitioner in Iowa
Research the best Iowa NP programs, and find comprehensive guides to the following NP careers:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Become an APRN in Iowa
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
RN Licensing Requirements in Iowa
Comprehensive guide to Iowa Nursing License Requirements Renewals RN and APRN
Iowa State Board of Nursing
River Point Business Park
400 S.W. 8th Street
Suite B
Des Moines, IA 50309-4685
(515) 281-3255
More of the Best Nursing Programs in Iowa
Grade
|
University
|
Iowa Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
82.06 | Des Moines Area Community College | 9 | ADN |
76.80 | Hawkeye Community College | 10 | ADN |
75.78 | Western Iowa Tech Community College | 11 | ADN |
68.05 | Mercy College of Health Sciences | 12 | ADN |
66.15 | Eastern Iowa Community College Dist | 13 | ADN |
76.99 | Clarke University | 9 | BSN |
76.25 | Saint Ambrose University | 10 | BSN |
76.13 | Mercy College of Health Sciences | 11 | BSN |
75.13 | Iowa Wesleyan University | 12 | BSN |
74.44 | Grand View University | 13 | BSN |
68.35 | Briar Cliff University | 14 | BSN |
Nursing Salaries in Iowa
How much do nurses earn in Iowa?
- CNA Salary Report for 2024
- LPN Salary Report for 2024
- RN Salary Report for 2024
- NP Salary Report for 2024
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