RN Programs in Iowa
Ranked RN and BSN Programs in Iowa
After evaluating 1,209 ADN, 794 BSN, 2,022 campus and 383 online RN programs, we ranked RN programs against criteria nurses found to be most valuable. We spent $27,700 on this unique list that has helped tens-of-thousands of nurses apply to the right program for their career goals. Find NCLEX passing scores, tuition rates, nursing program accreditation, institution accreditation and more. Explore our RN-ADN and RN-BSN rankings for Iowa in the listings below.The field of nursing is constantly evolving and has become a part of the grand conversation in the healthcare industry. There is a high need for registered nurses who have obtained a BSN but, only half of current RNs have done so. Iowa is working hard to change this statistic. Since 2000, the American Nurses Association Board of Directors believed that a BSN should be a standard requirement for those entering the nursing profession. This debate has been constantly debated but many states are in favor of this legislation being passed. Nursing schools in Iowa have responded to this need by introducing accelerated courses for nurses to transition from an RN to a BSN in a small amount of time through on-sites classes, online programs, or a combination of both.
![[state_name] Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org](https://i2.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/logo_head.png?w=1080&ssl=1 "[state_name] Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org"){kind=logo}
Ranked Schools : 12
Evaluated Schools : 22
RN Programs in Iowa
Nursing education at the community college level in Iowa is typically offered as a ”ladder program.” The ladder program allows the student to initially obtain their practical nursing certificate – this takes about one year. After completion of the practical nursing portion of the program, students can opt out of the program or continue immediately for the RN license. Many community colleges also offer partnerships with local universities, making it easy for graduates to continue for their BSN degree after graduation.
RANKED 1
![North Iowa Area Community College RN Programs in IA [state_name]](https://i2.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/template1.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1 "North Iowa Area Community College RN Programs in IA [state_name]")
ADN
Overall Score: 96.00%
North Iowa Area Community College
- 500 College Dr, Mason City, IA - 50401
- (641) 423-1264
North Iowa Area Community College is located in Mason City, Iowa. NIACC is proud to boast that it is Iowa’s oldest community college, having been founded in 1918. NIACC offers an LPN and an ADN program. They also have a partnership with various universities that allow ADN graduates to pursue their BSN after graduation; the University of Iowa is local, and there are also various other education options for the ADN graduate.
- Campus: Mason City, IA
- Net Price: $7,532.00
- Enrollment: 3,207
- Transfer Out Rate: 20.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 20.20%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 13.33%
- Graduation Rate: 38.30%
- Median Borrowing: $7,203.00
- Median Payment: $75.21
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 2
ADN
Overall Score: 95.25%
Southwestern Community College
- 1501 W. Townline Street, Creston, IA - 50801
- (6.4) 178-3E+12
Southwestern Community College is located in Creston, Iowa. Their nursing program is unique; they describe it as a “ladder program.” Their students first complete their LPN. This allows them to earn their LPN degree and work within a year, and simultaneously obtain the AAS in nursing. They also have the option of opting out of the RN portion.
- Campus: Creston, IA
- Net Price: $6,922.00
- Enrollment: 1,573
- Transfer Out Rate: 20.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 21.40%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 20.61%
- Graduation Rate: 41.90%
- Median Borrowing: $9,293.00
- Median Payment: $97.03
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 3
ADN
Overall Score: 91.00%
Des Moines Area Community College
- 2006 Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA - 50023-3993
- (515) 964-6241
Des Moines Area Community College is located in Ankeny, Iowa. DMACC currently offers an LPN program and an RN program. They do not have an LPN to RN program, but it is in the developmental stages and will be available at a later date.
- Campus: Ankeny, IA
- Net Price: $10,215.00
- Enrollment: 20,167
- Loan Default Rate: 28.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 7.77%
- Graduation Rate: 17.40%
- Median Borrowing: $7,500.00
- Median Payment: $78.31
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 4
ADN
Overall Score: 91.00%
St Luke’s College
- 2720 Stone Park Blvd, Sioux City, IA - 51104-0263
- (712) 279-3149
St. Luke’s College is located in Sioux City, Iowa. Their college is unique because it is a medical center based college – it is the only one in their area, and one of a handful in the entire country. The college is devoted entirely to healthcare degrees. They offer both an ASN and a BSN program.
- Campus: Sioux City, IA
- Net Price: $21,626.00
- Enrollment: 184
- Loan Default Rate: 6.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 36.90%
- Median Borrowing: $18,301.00
- Median Payment: $191.08
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 5
ADN
Overall Score: 89.25%
Northeast Iowa Community College-Calmar
- 1625 Hwy 150, Calmar, IA - 52132-0400
- (563) 562-3263
- Campus: Calmar, IA
- Net Price: $10,345.00
- Enrollment: 5,201
- Transfer Out Rate: 19.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 22.90%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 9.45%
- Graduation Rate: 28.90%
- Median Borrowing: $9,339.00
- Median Payment: $97.51
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 6
ADN
Overall Score: 87.50%
Northwest Iowa Community College
- 603 W Park St, Sheldon, IA - 51201
- (712) 324-5061
- Campus: Sheldon, IA
- Net Price: $10,607.00
- Enrollment: 1,628
- Transfer Out Rate: 11.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 11.70%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 6.59%
- Graduation Rate: 51.50%
- Median Borrowing: $8,000.00
- Median Payment: $83.53
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 7
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: 87.25%
Mercy College of Health Sciences
- 928 Sixth Ave, Des Moines, IA - 50309-1239
- (515) 643-3180
- Campus: Des Moines, IA
- Net Price: $17,897.00
- Enrollment: 831
- Loan Default Rate: 7.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 35.80%
- Graduation Rate: 36.60%
- Median Borrowing: $16,500.00
- Median Payment: $172.28
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 8
ADN
Overall Score: 86.50%
Southeastern Community College
- 1500 West Agency Road, West Burlington, IA - 52655-0180
- (319) 752-2731
- Campus: West Burlington, IA
- Net Price: $7,502.00
- Enrollment: 3,225
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 23.50%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 30.61%
- Graduation Rate: 25.10%
- Median Borrowing: $7,490.00
- Median Payment: $78.20
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 9
ADN
Overall Score: 83.00%
Eastern Iowa Community College District
- 306 W River Dr, Davenport, IA - 52801-1221
- (563) 336-3300
- Campus: Davenport, IA
- Net Price: $9,187.00
- Enrollment: 8,694
- Transfer Out Rate: 18.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 21.00%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 4.00%
- Graduation Rate: 22.50%
- Median Borrowing: $8,375.00
- Median Payment: $87.44
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 10
ADN
Overall Score: 81.75%
Western Iowa Tech Community College
- 4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, IA - 51102-5199
- (712) 274-6400
- Campus: Sioux City, IA
- Net Price: $6,797.00
- Enrollment: 6,331
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 24.30%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 33.67%
- Graduation Rate: 20.40%
- Median Borrowing: $7,252.00
- Median Payment: $75.72
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 11
ADN
Overall Score: 76.75%
Hawkeye Community College
- 1501 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA - 50701
- (319) 296-2320
- Campus: Waterloo, IA
- Net Price: $10,059.00
- Enrollment: 5,809
- Loan Default Rate: 20.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -0.30%
- Graduation Rate: 43.20%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED 12
ADN
Overall Score: 68.00%
Indian Hills Community College
- 525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, IA - 52501
- (641) 683-5111
- Campus: Ottumwa, IA
- Net Price: $9,911.00
- Enrollment: 4,604
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 29.70%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -3.16%
- Graduation Rate: 21.40%
- Median Borrowing: $10,150.00
- Median Payment: $105.98
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Kaplan University-Davenport Campus
- 1801 East Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA - 52807-2095
- (866) 527-5268
- Campus: Davenport, IA
- Net Price: $18,975.00
- Enrollment: 40,349
- Loan Default Rate: 20.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -17.59%
- Graduation Rate: 5.80%
- Median Borrowing: $16,628.00
- Median Payment: $173.62
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Kaplan University-Cedar Falls Campus
- 7009 Nordic Drive, Cedar Falls, IA - 50613
- (319) 277-0220
- Campus: Cedar Falls, IA
- Net Price: $19,699.00
- Enrollment: 386
- Loan Default Rate: 20.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -33.27%
- Graduation Rate: 30.30%
- Median Borrowing: $16,628.00
- Median Payment: $173.62
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Ellsworth Community College
- 1100 College Ave, Iowa Falls, IA - 50126
- (800) 322-9235
- Campus: Iowa Falls, IA
- Net Price: $10,093.00
- Enrollment: 1,034
- Transfer Out Rate: 43.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 23.20%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -2.70%
- Graduation Rate: 21.50%
- Median Borrowing: $7,225.00
- Median Payment: $75.44
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Kaplan University-Des Moines Campus
- 4655 121st Street, Urbandale, IA - 50323
- (515) 727-2100
- Campus: Urbandale, IA
- Net Price: $18,287.00
- Enrollment: 780
- Loan Default Rate: 20.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -23.63%
- Graduation Rate: 24.20%
- Median Borrowing: $16,628.00
- Median Payment: $173.62
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Kaplan University-Cedar Rapids Campus
- 3165 Edgewood Parkway SW, Cedar Rapids, IA - 52404
- (319) 363-0481
- Campus: Cedar Rapids, IA
- Net Price: $18,026.00
- Enrollment: 483
- Loan Default Rate: 20.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -22.62%
- Graduation Rate: 35.40%
- Median Borrowing: $16,628.00
- Median Payment: $173.62
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 2,401 Nursing Schools, 50 State Boards of Nursing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
See our methodology for ranking ADN and BSN programs.
Find RN Programs in Iowa | BSN Programs in Iowa | RN Programs in the United States | LPN to RN Program Guide: LPN to RN Guide | LPN to BSN Program Guide: LPN to BSN Program Guide | RN to BSN Program Guide RN to BSN Program Guide | RN Jobs RN Jobs
Iowa Licensing Requirements
Iowa has strict regulations nurses must complete in order to gain licensure. There are three ways a nursing candidate can obtain licensure: by exam, by endorsement, and in some cases, by completing a program abroad.
RN Licensure by Exam
Before a candidate can register for test, he/she must have received authorization to do so. The following items must be completed in order to be authorized to test:
- Completed Application for Exam
- Two fingerprint cards and signed waiver form (they must be received from the Iowa Board of Nursing to the nursing program.
- $93 application fee and $50 fee for fingerprint cards. Fees can be paid online, by check, or money order. All fees are non-refundable.
- Official transcripts
- Separate application submitted online to NCLEX which includes the $200 fee
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Nurses who have gained licensure in one of the other 50 states can obtain licensure in Iowa through an endorsement. The following documentation must be submitted in order to complete this process:
- Proof of graduation from a board-approved RN program
- Criminal background check
- Passing the NCLEX exam
- $169 fee payable to the Iowa Board of Nursing
- Verification of original license
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
In some cases, nurses who were educated abroad will be able to obtain licensure in the state of Iowa. In order to do so candidates must complete the Professional Report application of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Credentials Evaluation Service (CES). In order for the report to be complete, the candidate must submit validation of license/ registration. Candidates will also be required to pass an English as a Foreign Language test. This does not apply to nurses who used a textbook and program that was presented in English.
Helpful Nursing Resources
![[state_name] Best Ranked RN and BSN Programs in by RNCareers.org](https://i0.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/BSNseal-1.png?w=1080&ssl=1 "[state_name] Best Ranked RN and BSN Programs in by RNCareers.org")
Ranked Schools : 14
Evaluated Schools : 21
BSN Programs in Iowa
Tuition for a BSN program in Iowa is approximately $12,000.00. Some colleges also offer free tuition for the first nursing course upon admittance into the school. Many programs are offered online with the exception of a clinical course and a didactic course that have face-to-face components. Site location will be within 100 miles of your current address. The leadership course can often be completed within the employer. The practicum course must be completed in Iowa and nurses must have valid licensure.
RANKED 1
BSN
Overall Score: 96.25%
University of Iowa
- 101 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA - 52242-1316
- (319) 335-3500
University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, Iowa. Their College of Nursing offers a BSN program and an RN to BSN program. For the BSN who chooses to continue his or her education, they also offer an extensive graduate program.
- Campus: Iowa City, IA
- Net Price: $15,966.00
- Enrollment: 21,974
- Transfer Out Rate: 24.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 4.10%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.08%
- Graduation Rate: 69.60%
- Median Borrowing: $22,367.00
- Median Payment: $233.54
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 2
BSN
Overall Score: 93.50%
Luther College
- 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA - 52101-1045
- (563) 387-2000
Luther College is located in Decorah, Iowa. They offer a BSN program and a Direct Entry Program. The Direct Entry Program allows a high school senior to apply for entrance into the program their freshman year of college.
- Campus: Decorah, IA
- Net Price: $24,873.00
- Enrollment: 2,466
- Loan Default Rate: 3.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 6.82%
- Graduation Rate: 76.00%
- Median Borrowing: $27,000.00
- Median Payment: $281.91
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 3
BSN
Overall Score: 93.00%
Graceland University-Lamoni
- 1 University Place, Lamoni, IA - 50140
- (641) 784-5000
Graceland University is located in Lamoni, Iowa. They are proud to boast that the Princeton Review called them “The Best in the Midwest” in 2015. They have traditional nursing degrees available on-campus, but also have a variety of online nursing degrees, ranging from their RN to BSN degree, from graduate degrees.
- Campus: Lamoni, IA
- Net Price: $16,288.00
- Enrollment: 1,559
- Loan Default Rate: 9.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 25.32%
- Graduation Rate: 47.00%
- Median Borrowing: $21,129.00
- Median Payment: $220.61
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 4
BSN
Overall Score: 92.75%
Allen College
- 1990 Heath St, Waterloo, IA - 50703-1999
- (319) 226-2000
Allen College is located in Waterloo, Iowa. Allen College is unique in that it is a college that provides only healthcare education. The following degrees are available: Associate of Science in Radiography, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education degree programs.
- Campus: Waterloo, IA
- Net Price: $24,065.00
- Enrollment: 398
- Transfer Out Rate: 32.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 1.60%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 28.64%
- Graduation Rate: 65.10%
- Median Borrowing: $18,750.00
- Median Payment: $195.77
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED 5
BSN
Overall Score: 92.25%
Coe College
- 1220 First Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA - 52402-5092
- (319) 399-8000
Coe College is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Their nursing program’s slogan is, “The nursing program is elite, selective, and known for educating outstanding nurses. We are not a typical BSN program!” Their program is unique in that their students have the opportunity to travel abroad, are paired one-on-one with nurse experts, and participate in highly interactive classrooms.
- Campus: Cedar Rapids, IA
- Net Price: $20,934.00
- Enrollment: 1,419
- Loan Default Rate: 5.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 3.85%
- Graduation Rate: 66.70%
- Median Borrowing: $25,000.00
- Median Payment: $261.03
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 6
BSN
Overall Score: 91.25%
Northwestern College
- 101 Seventh St SW, Orange City, IA - 51041
- (712) 707-7000
Northwestern College is located in Orange City, Iowa. They offer a traditional BSN program and an online RN to BSN program. Students in their traditional BSN program have an advantage as their Nursing Arts Laboratory is located in a former hospital, which has a nurses station, patient rooms with beds, IV equipment, hospital-based computerized medication system and an electronic health record simulation program.
- Campus: Orange City, IA
- Net Price: $20,633.00
- Enrollment: 1,233
- Loan Default Rate: 2.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -0.62%
- Graduation Rate: 63.30%
- Median Borrowing: $22,000.00
- Median Payment: $229.71
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 7
BSN
Overall Score: 89.75%
Morningside College
- 1501 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, IA - 51106-1751
- (712) 274-5000
- Campus: Sioux City, IA
- Net Price: $18,985.00
- Enrollment: 1,305
- Loan Default Rate: 3.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 3.19%
- Graduation Rate: 58.00%
- Median Borrowing: $21,830.00
- Median Payment: $227.93
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 8
BSN
Overall Score: 89.25%
Saint Ambrose University
- 518 W Locust St, Davenport, IA - 52803-2898
- (563) 333-6000
- Campus: Davenport, IA
- Net Price: $21,907.00
- Enrollment: 2,743
- Transfer Out Rate: 26.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 6.70%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -1.59%
- Graduation Rate: 61.30%
- Median Borrowing: $24,250.00
- Median Payment: $253.20
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 9
BSN
Overall Score: 87.25%
Mount Mercy University
- 1330 Elmhurst Dr NE, Cedar Rapids, IA - 52402-4797
- (319) 363-8213
- Campus: Cedar Rapids, IA
- Net Price: $20,577.00
- Enrollment: 1,476
- Loan Default Rate: 5.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -9.96%
- Graduation Rate: 72.90%
- Median Borrowing: $21,500.00
- Median Payment: $224.48
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 10
BSN
Overall Score: 83.25%
Clarke University
- 1550 Clarke Dr, Dubuque, IA - 52001-3198
- (563) 588-6300
- Campus: Dubuque, IA
- Net Price: $22,675.00
- Enrollment: 1,011
- Loan Default Rate: 6.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 19.29%
- Graduation Rate: 69.50%
- Median Borrowing: $21,273.00
- Median Payment: $222.11
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 11
BSN
Overall Score: 81.25%
Grand View University
- 1200 Grandview Ave, Des Moines, IA - 50316
- (515) 263-2800
- Campus: Des Moines, IA
- Net Price: $18,380.00
- Enrollment: 2,096
- Transfer Out Rate: 29.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 9.10%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 8.86%
- Graduation Rate: 48.00%
- Median Borrowing: $21,124.00
- Median Payment: $220.56
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 12
BSN
Overall Score: 80.75%
University of Dubuque
- 2000 University Ave, Dubuque, IA - 52001
- (563) 589-3000
- Campus: Dubuque, IA
- Net Price: $20,815.00
- Enrollment: 1,694
- Transfer Out Rate: 47.10%
- Loan Default Rate: 8.60%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 10.00%
- Graduation Rate: 46.80%
- Median Borrowing: $19,630.00
- Median Payment: $204.96
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED 13
BSN
Overall Score: 74.50%
Iowa Wesleyan College
- 601 N Main Street, Mount Pleasant, IA - 52641
- (319) 385-8021
- Campus: Mount Pleasant, IA
- Net Price: $18,230.00
- Enrollment: 599
- Loan Default Rate: 14.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -10.22%
- Graduation Rate: 29.90%
- Median Borrowing: $19,399.00
- Median Payment: $202.55
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED 14
BSN
Overall Score: 63.50%
Briar Cliff University
- 3303 Rebecca Street, Sioux City, IA - 51104
- (712) 279-5321
- Campus: Sioux City, IA
- Net Price: $19,307.00
- Enrollment: 1,042
- Transfer Out Rate: 18.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 7.60%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 16.24%
- Graduation Rate: 45.50%
- Median Borrowing: $16,500.00
- Median Payment: $172.28
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Mercy College of Health Sciences
- 928 Sixth Ave, Des Moines, IA - 50309-1239
- (515) 643-3180
- Campus: Des Moines, IA
- Net Price: $17,897.00
- Enrollment: 831
- Loan Default Rate: 7.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 35.80%
- Graduation Rate: 36.60%
- Median Borrowing: $16,500.00
- Median Payment: $172.28
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Dordt College
- 498 4th Ave NE, Sioux Center, IA - 51250-1697
- (712) 722-6000
- Campus: Sioux Center, IA
- Net Price: $24,028.00
- Enrollment: 1,376
- Loan Default Rate: 1.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 12.18%
- Graduation Rate: 61.60%
- Median Borrowing: $21,750.00
- Median Payment: $227.09
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Upper Iowa University
- 605 Washington St, Fayette, IA - 52142-1857
- (563) 425-5200
- Campus: Fayette, IA
- Net Price: $17,654.00
- Enrollment: 4,632
- Transfer Out Rate: 19.50%
- Loan Default Rate: 8.30%
- Institution Accreditation: NCA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 3.63%
- Graduation Rate: 39.60%
- Median Borrowing: $18,241.00
- Median Payment: $190.46
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Kaplan University-Cedar Rapids Campus
- 3165 Edgewood Parkway SW, Cedar Rapids, IA - 52404
- (319) 363-0481
- Campus: Cedar Rapids, IA
- Net Price: $18,026.00
- Enrollment: 483
- Loan Default Rate: 20.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -22.62%
- Graduation Rate: 35.40%
- Median Borrowing: $16,628.00
- Median Payment: $173.62
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Kaplan University-Davenport Campus
- 1801 East Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA - 52807-2095
- (866) 527-5268
- Campus: Davenport, IA
- Net Price: $18,975.00
- Enrollment: 40,349
- Loan Default Rate: 20.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -17.59%
- Graduation Rate: 5.80%
- Median Borrowing: $16,628.00
- Median Payment: $173.62
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Kaplan University-Cedar Falls Campus
- 7009 Nordic Drive, Cedar Falls, IA - 50613
- (319) 277-0220
- Campus: Cedar Falls, IA
- Net Price: $19,699.00
- Enrollment: 386
- Loan Default Rate: 20.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -33.27%
- Graduation Rate: 30.30%
- Median Borrowing: $16,628.00
- Median Payment: $173.62
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Kaplan University-Des Moines Campus
- 4655 121st Street, Urbandale, IA - 50323
- (515) 727-2100
- Campus: Urbandale, IA
- Net Price: $18,287.00
- Enrollment: 780
- Loan Default Rate: 20.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -23.63%
- Graduation Rate: 24.20%
- Median Borrowing: $16,628.00
- Median Payment: $173.62
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) :
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 2,401 Nursing Schools, 50 State Boards of Nursing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
See our methodology for ranking ADN and BSN programs.
Find RN Programs in Iowa | BSN Programs in Iowa | RN Programs in the United States | LPN to RN Program Guide: LPN to RN Guide | LPN to BSN Program Guide: LPN to BSN Program Guide | RN to BSN Program Guide RN to BSN Program Guide | RN Jobs RN Jobs
Iowa Licensing Requirements
Iowa has strict regulations nurses must complete in order to gain licensure. There are three ways a nursing candidate can obtain licensure: by exam, by endorsement, and in some cases, by completing a program abroad.
RN Licensure by Exam
Before a candidate can register for test, he/she must have received authorization to do so. The following items must be completed in order to be authorized to test:
- Completed Application for Exam
- Two fingerprint cards and signed waiver form (they must be received from the Iowa Board of Nursing to the nursing program.
- $93 application fee and $50 fee for fingerprint cards. Fees can be paid online, by check, or money order. All fees are non-refundable.
- Official transcripts
- Separate application submitted online to NCLEX which includes the $200 fee
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Nurses who have gained licensure in one of the other 50 states can obtain licensure in Iowa through an endorsement. The following documentation must be submitted in order to complete this process:
- Proof of graduation from a board-approved RN program
- Criminal background check
- Passing the NCLEX exam
- $169 fee payable to the Iowa Board of Nursing
- Verification of original license
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
In some cases, nurses who were educated abroad will be able to obtain licensure in the state of Iowa. In order to do so candidates must complete the Professional Report application of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools Credentials Evaluation Service (CES). In order for the report to be complete, the candidate must submit validation of license/ registration. Candidates will also be required to pass an English as a Foreign Language test. This does not apply to nurses who used a textbook and program that was presented in English.
Helpful Nursing Resources
Iowa RN Job Outlook
A lot of medical facilities prefer nurses that have obtained a Bachelor’s degree. Nurses who have completed a program are likely more knowledgeable when employed in some of the following areas:
- Areas requiring administrative and leadership skills
- Research departments that compile statistical nursing data
- Legal units to handle nursing problems and mishaps
There is a high need, not only for nurses, but also for educators to teach new nurses. By obtaining a BSN, you will be closer to becoming a MSN and becoming an educator if this is a desired path.
Iowa Nursing Jobs
Iowa Registered Nursing Salaries
Iowa City has the highest hourly and annual median wage, while Des Moines highest RN employment for nurses. Almost all cities within Iowa are within 10% in salary range.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly median wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA | 700 | $26.81 | $55,760 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 2,630 | $24.77 | $51,510 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | 3,220 | $25.37 | $52,770 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 6,510 | $26.87 | $55,880 |
| Dubuque, IA | 1,150 | $23.61 | $49,110 |
| Iowa City, IA | 3,320 | $28.81 | $59,910 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | 1,590 | $22.99 | $47,810 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | 2,080 | $25.72 | $53,500 |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area | 2,130 | $24.24 | $50,420 |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area | 3,180 | $23.20 | $48,260 |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area | 1,970 | $24.41 | $50,770 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data