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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
Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team
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
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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

Nursing Programs in Iowa by City

Drill into city-level rankings. Showing cities with at least 3 programs.

Sioux City (16)Waterloo (9)Cedar Rapids (8)Des Moines (8)Dubuque (7)Davenport (6)Iowa City (5)Lamoni (5)Calmar (3)Ottumwa (3)

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.

Compare Iowa with Nearby States

Considering programs across state lines? Browse nursing schools in neighboring states.

Nursing schools in KansasNursing schools in MinnesotaNursing schools in MissouriNursing schools in NebraskaNursing schools in North DakotaNursing schools in South DakotaNursing schools in CaliforniaNursing schools in Texas

Helpful Guides for Iowa Applicants

Background reading on admissions, program length, and costs.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) GuideOnline ADN ProgramsBest Online BSN ProgramsEasiest Nursing Schools to Get IntoTop Online RN-to-BSN ProgramsCheap and Fast Online RN-to-BSN Programs
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