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Best Nursing Schools in Iowa (2026)

Iowa has 99 nursing programs across 27 cities. 43 programs report NCLEX pass rates, averaging 93%. Below are the top-ranked programs based on NCLEX performance, tuition, and program type.

Search all Iowa programsAll states
99
Total programs
6
Program types
93%
Avg NCLEX rate
43
With NCLEX data

Top BSN Programs in Iowa by NCLEX Pass Rate

Ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate. Data sourced from state boards of nursing.

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Top ADN, ABSN, MSN & DNP Programs in Iowa by NCLEX Pass Rate

Non-BSN programs ranked by most recent NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate.

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Briar Cliff University — RN to BSN
RN_TO_BSN•Sioux City, IA•$35,534
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Allen College — RN to BSN
RN_TO_BSN•Waterloo, IA•$20,444
5
Allen College — Accelerated BSN
ABSN•Waterloo, IA•$20,444
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Mount Mercy University — RN to BSN
RN_TO_BSN•Cedar Rapids, IA•$39,070
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University of Iowa — RN to BSN
RN_TO_BSN•Iowa City, IA•$21,928
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Nursing Programs in Iowa by Type

ADN
18 programs
Avg NCLEX: 94%
View ADN in Iowa→All states
BSN
21 programs
Avg NCLEX: 93%
View BSN in Iowa→All states
ABSN
3 programs
Avg NCLEX: 93%
View ABSN in Iowa→All states
RN to BSN
11 programs
Avg NCLEX: 95%
View RN to BSN in Iowa→All states
MSN
10 programs
Avg NCLEX: 93%
View MSN in Iowa→All states
DNP
16 programs
Avg NCLEX: 93%
View DNP in Iowa→All states

Most Affordable Nursing Schools in Iowa

Sorted by lowest available tuition figure (total program or annual in-state).

Eastern Iowa Community College District
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,680 in / $6,299 out
Eastern Iowa Community College District
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,680 in / $6,299 out
Indian Hills Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$4,872 in / $6,120 out
Indian Hills Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$4,872 in / $6,120 out
Indian Hills Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • CERT
$4,872 in / $6,120 out
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$5,042 in / $5,186 out
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$5,042 in / $5,186 out
Marshalltown Community College
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. • CERT
$5,304 in / $5,808 out
Ellsworth Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$5,304 in / $6,312 out
Marshalltown Community College
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. • ADN
$5,304 in / $5,808 out

Frequently Asked Questions

How many nursing schools are in Iowa?

There are 99 nursing programs in Iowa, spanning 18 ADN, 21 BSN, 3 ABSN, 11 RN to BSN, 10 MSN, 16 DNP programs.

What is the average NCLEX pass rate in Iowa?

Based on 43 programs with reported data, the average NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate in Iowa is 93%. The highest rate is 100% at Indian Hills Community College.

What is the cheapest nursing school in Iowa?

The most affordable option is Eastern Iowa Community College District (ADN) at $4,680 in / $6,299 out.

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