Iowa Nursing Schools and Programs

Researching and then applying to accredited nursing schools in Iowa can be a time-consuming task. For those just getting started in Nursing, we suggest that you focus on your near-term education goals and the Iowa licensing requirements. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I want to begin my career in the state of Iowa as a Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, or Registered Nurse? See our nursing education chart below for some insight into how long it takes to graduate from the most popular CNA, LPN, and RN nursing programs in Iowa.

Chart of Iowa nursing program lengths and average wages by type: Nursing Assistant (CNA), Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), and Nurse Practitioner (NP).

Iowa Registered Nurse (RN) programs generally lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN), which typically lasts 2 years, or a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN), which lasts 4 years.

While earning an Associate Degree (ASN) or Bachelor Degree (BSN) is an important milestone for nurses, many Iowa nursing school students gain meaningful work experience and earn an income upon completion of a shorter Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nursing program in the state of Iowa.

Starting with a shorter CNA or LPN program can also strengthen your ASN or BSN application by showing commitment and clinical readiness. For those pursuing Iowa RN licensure directly, associate degree programs are often more accessible than bachelor's programs. Earning your RN through an ASN, then advancing through an RN to BSN program or RN to MSN program, is a common and effective path in Iowa.

Nursing Schools In Iowa

Below is our list of accredited nursing schools in Iowa. In general, these colleges, universities, and training centers offer campus-based CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing. RN schools in IA will generally offer an ADN, ASN, or BSN nursing degree. Advanced Practice (APRN) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs can be found at larger schools that offer MSN and DNP degrees.

Click the name of any Iowa nursing school below to view the cost to attend, SAT and ACT scores, college or university characteristics, student body profile, satellite map of the surrounding area, and to view any additional nursing program information we have available in our database. Use the wishlist buttons provided to save institutions to a private list of nursing schools near you.

Allen College

1990 Heath St, Waterloo, IA 50703
319-226-2000

Allen College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Waterloo, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Waterloo, Iowa campus for Allen College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 497. In-state tuition and fees were $20,008 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Post-MSN, DNP, PhD

  • Tuition Cost $20,008
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Briar Cliff University

3303 Rebecca Street, Sioux City, IA 51104
712-279-5321

Briar Cliff University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Sioux City, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Sioux City, Iowa campus for Briar Cliff University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 927. In-state tuition and fees were $34,498 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD

  • Tuition Cost $34,498
  • Room and Board $9,910
  • Acceptance Rate Open
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Clarke University

1550 Clarke Drive, Dubuque, IA 52001
563-588-6300

Clarke University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Dubuque, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Dubuque, Iowa campus for Clarke University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 965. In-state tuition and fees were $38,060 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner

  • Tuition Cost $38,060
  • Room and Board $10,600
  • Acceptance Rate 85%
  • ACT Score 18-23
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Coe College

1220 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-399-8000

Coe College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa campus for Coe College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,264. In-state tuition and fees were $50,664 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN

  • Tuition Cost $50,664
  • Room and Board $10,920
  • Acceptance Rate Open
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Des Moines Community College, Ankeny

2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Ankeny, IA 50023

Des Moines Community College, Ankeny is a institution with a campus in Ankeny, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. …

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN

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Des Moines Community College, Boone

1125 Hancock Drive, Boone, IA 50036

Des Moines Community College, Boone is a institution with a campus in Boone, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. …

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN

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Des Moines Community College, Carroll

906 North Grant Road, Carroll, IA 51401

Des Moines Community College, Carroll is a institution with a campus in Carroll, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. …

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN

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Dordt University

700 7th St SE, Sioux Center, IA 51250
712-722-6000

Dordt University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Sioux Center, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Sioux Center, Iowa campus for Dordt University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,861. In-state tuition and fees were $34,600 for the most recent reporting period. …

  • Tuition Cost $34,600
  • Room and Board $10,990
  • Acceptance Rate 88%
  • ACT Score 21-28
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Grand View University

1200 Grandview Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
515-263-2800

Grand View University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Des Moines, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Des Moines, Iowa campus for Grand View University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,827. In-state tuition and fees were $32,068 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN

  • Tuition Cost $32,068
  • Room and Board $10,956
  • Acceptance Rate 98%
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Iowa Wesleyan University

601 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
319-385-8021

Iowa Wesleyan University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Mount Pleasant, Iowa campus for Iowa Wesleyan University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 871. In-state tuition and fees were $34,700 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN

  • Tuition Cost $34,700
  • Room and Board $11,340
  • Acceptance Rate 81%
  • ACT Score 16-22
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Luther College

700 College Drive, Decorah, IA 52101
563-387-2000

Luther College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Decorah, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Decorah, Iowa campus for Luther College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,610. In-state tuition and fees were $48,160 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN

  • Tuition Cost $48,160
  • Room and Board $10,670
  • Acceptance Rate 75%
  • ACT Score 22-29
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Mercy College of Health Sciences

928 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
515-643-3180

Mercy College of Health Sciences is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Des Moines, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Des Moines, Iowa campus for Mercy College of Health Sciences is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 911. In-state tuition and fees were $16,632 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: ASN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN

  • Tuition Cost $16,632
  • Acceptance Rate 97%
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Morningside University

1501 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106
712-274-5000

Morningside University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Sioux City, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Sioux City, Iowa campus for Morningside University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,249. In-state tuition and fees were $36,610 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN

  • Tuition Cost $36,610
  • Room and Board $10,720
  • Acceptance Rate 71%
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Mount Mercy University

1330 Elmhurst Drive NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-363-8213

Mount Mercy University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa campus for Mount Mercy University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,526. In-state tuition and fees were $37,606 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN

  • Tuition Cost $37,606
  • Room and Board $10,636
  • Acceptance Rate 75%
  • ACT Score 18-24
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North Iowa Area Community College

500 College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401
641-423-1264

North Iowa Area Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Mason City, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Mason City, Iowa campus for North Iowa Area Community College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,479. In-state tuition and fees were $6,196 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: ASN

  • Tuition Cost $6,196
  • Room and Board $7,488
  • Acceptance Rate Open
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Saint Ambrose University

518 West Locust Street, Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6000

Saint Ambrose University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Davenport, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Davenport, Iowa campus for Saint Ambrose University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,747. In-state tuition and fees were $34,570 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN

  • Tuition Cost $34,570
  • Room and Board $11,988
  • Acceptance Rate 74%
  • ACT Score 20-27
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St Luke's College

2720 Stone Park Blvd, Sioux City, IA 51104
712-279-3149

St Luke's College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Sioux City, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Sioux City, Iowa campus for St Luke's College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 196. In-state tuition and fees were $20,940 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: ASN

  • Tuition Cost $20,940
  • Acceptance Rate 80%
  • ACT Score 15-19
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University of Dubuque

2000 University Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001
563-589-3000

University of Dubuque is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Dubuque, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Dubuque, Iowa campus for University of Dubuque is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,776. In-state tuition and fees were $38,526 for the most recent reporting period. …

  • Tuition Cost $38,526
  • Room and Board $11,024
  • Acceptance Rate 85%
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Upper Iowa University

605 Washington St, Fayette, IA 52142
563-425-5200

Upper Iowa University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Fayette, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Fayette, Iowa campus for Upper Iowa University is located in a Rural setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,072. In-state tuition and fees were $33,639 for the most recent reporting period. …

  • Tuition Cost $33,639
  • Room and Board $9,644
  • Acceptance Rate 54%
  • ACT Score 18-24
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Western Iowa Tech Community College

4647 Stone Avenue, Sioux City, IA 51102
712-274-8733

Western Iowa Tech Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Sioux City, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Sioux City, Iowa campus for Western Iowa Tech Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 5,150. In-state tuition and fees were $4,922 for the most recent reporting period. …

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN

  • Tuition Cost $4,922
  • Room and Board $6,290
  • Acceptance Rate Open
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Western Iowa Tech Community College, Cherokee

200 Victory Drive, Cherokee, IA 51102
712-274-6400

Western Iowa Tech Community College, Cherokee is a institution with a campus in Cherokee, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. …

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN

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Western Iowa Tech Community College, Denison

11 North 35th Street, Denison, IA 51442
712-274-6400

Western Iowa Tech Community College, Denison is a institution with a campus in Denison, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. …

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN

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Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sheldon

Highway 18 West, Sheldon, IA 51201
712-274-6400

Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sheldon is a institution with a campus in Sheldon, Iowa. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Iowa Board of Nursing. …

Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN

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How do I become a nurse in Iowa?

If you want to become an LPN in the state of Iowa, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years (see chart at the top of this page). Upon completion of your Iowa practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the Iowa Board of Nursing.

If you want to become an RN in the state of Iowa, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years (see chart at the top of this page). Upon completion of your Iowa registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the Iowa Board of Nursing.

Is Iowa a nursing compact state?

Yes, Iowa is part of the nursing license compact. Iowa recently enacted the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, which allows nurses to practice in all but a handful of states. This means that an Iowa Licensed Practical Nurse or an Iowa Registered Nurse can now apply for a multi-state nursing license.

How long is nursing school in Iowa?

The amount of time you spend in an Iowa nursing school will vary based on the career path you choose. You can become a CNA in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1 to 1.5 years, an Iowa Registered Nurse (RN) in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become an NP in 6 to 8 years.

Above on this page, we created a chart that summarizes how long nursing school is in Iowa. That chart includes the number of nurses employed in the state of Iowa, along with the average wages earned at each education level.

Notice that in the state of Iowa, far greater numbers are employed as Registered Nurses (RN) compared to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Iowa earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which Iowa nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.

How much does nursing school in Iowa cost?

Tuition for a nursing school in Iowa will cost between $4,000 to $6,000 per year for state residents seeking a two-year Associate degree, an ADN, or ASN, for example. The larger public four-year colleges and universities in Iowa cost more, between $6,000 to $9,000 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN).

To help reduce the cost of nursing school in Iowa, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two-year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four-year college or university of your choice. Each college has its own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.

Is it hard to get into an Iowa nursing school?

We list the quoted acceptance rate provided by each Iowa nursing school. A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. Reviewing the list of nursing schools in Iowa provided above, we can see the acceptance rates range from about 50% to 100% or Open. SAT and ACT scores are displayed on each individual nursing school page.

If you are having trouble getting accepted into an Iowa nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA, and, 2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.

Nursing Schools

Last updated: June 1, 2025

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