Nursing Schools in Iowa

Iowa offers a variety of nursing education pathways for those seeking to enter the field. Aspiring nurses in Iowa can choose from 55 institutions offering nursing programs. The state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses licensed in Iowa to practice in other compact states. For those pursuing practical nursing, Iowa has 34 schools offering LPN programs. Those interested in becoming a registered nurse can choose from 28 schools with ADN programs and 19 with BSN programs. The state also provides options for current nurses to advance their education, including LPN to BSN, RN to BSN, and RN to MSN bridge programs.

While specific costs vary by program and institution, prospective students should anticipate tuition and fees to be a significant investment. Generally, LPN programs tend to be the most affordable, followed by ADN programs, and then BSN programs. Accelerated programs, due to their condensed nature, might have higher per-credit costs.

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Iowa is $74,610, while Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses earn a median of $55,870 annually. These figures can vary based on experience, location within the state, and employer. The state currently employs approximately 33,300 Registered Nurses and 5,480 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses.

Among the notable institutions for nursing education in Iowa are Allen College, known for its simulation lab experiences, and Kirkwood Community College, recognized for its strong associate degree program. The University of Iowa, with its comprehensive nursing program, offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a BSN and an MSN.

Top RN Programs in Iowa

This year, we've compiled a list of top nursing schools in the state by examining NCLEX-RN pass rates from the last three years. Our analysis focused on schools with consistent graduate numbers and a minimum average pass rate of 80%. By looking at these rates, you can see which schools effectively prepare their students for the licensure exam and beyond. For a detailed breakdown of how we determined these rankings, visit our ranking methodology page.
Student Population
Small
College Type
4-year, Private
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
100.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Student Population
Small
College Type
4-year, Private
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
98.3%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Student Population
Small
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
97.3%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
98.7%

Available Programs


Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) is located in Ottumwa, Iowa. This public community college was established in 1966. It serves nearly 4,000 students and many of these students commute from nearby areas. IHCC is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. This school offers students several associate degree opportunities, as well as diplomas and certificates. There are a large number of different courses to choose from. This school even has athletics departments for both men and women with many sports being represented.

IHCC has a very good nursing program that students can rely on as well. Students will have two main paths that they can follow when they choose to become nurses. There is the practical nursing path and the associate degree in nursing path. The associate degree path is split into two different opportunities at IHCC. The traditional schooling option allows for a more typical educational path that involves campus lectures, simulations, and more. Students can also choose to take an online schooling path that will give them a hybrid course structure that is part online and part in-person learning. All nursing courses are held to the same high standards and will give students the best possible education. Nurses at IHCC are taught the importance of teamwork, critical thinking, technical skills, therapeutic communication, and much more. 

Student Population
Medium
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
97.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
99.0%

Kirkwood Community College (KCC) is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This community college was originally established in 1966. KCC is completely accredited by the Iowa Department of Education's Higher Learning Commission and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It offers students the opportunity to pursue 120 different degree paths while also offering several diplomas and certificates. There are a plethora of different educational opportunities for students attending this school. It aims to give students the ability to pursue their dreams through academics. KCC also has a very good athletics department and is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

KCC has a nursing program that produces quality nurses on a consistent basis. This nursing program has continued to rise in popularity throughout the years. Nurses will have several paths available to them including licensed practical nurse (LPN), associate degree nursing (ADN), and the LPN to ADN transfer program. All of these nursing courses have a curriculum that incorporates classroom experiences along with laboratory, clinical, and simulation experiences. It gives nursing students the experience that they need to thrive as professionals. They will be able to learn about nursing from experienced professionals and gain confidence in their own technical skills. 

Student Population
Small
College Type
4-year, Private
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
96.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Allen College is a private college in Waterloo, Iowa that offers students small class sizes and one-on-one time with professors. Allen College is a nursing school that was founded in 1925 with the opening of the Allen Memorial Hospital. Along with nursing programs, the college offers several degrees through their School of Health Sciences. The campus is in Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa, which is part of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area. This location provides students with access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. The downtown area regularly features festivals, concerts, and other events. 

The ACEN and CCNE-accredited nursing programs available at Allen College include several paths to earning a BSN, including a traditional BSN, RN to BSN, LPN to BSN, and accelerated BSN program. The college also offers MSN, RN to MSN, and DNP programs. Allen College is a small school, with an annual enrollment of around 500 students. This ensures that each student receives the individual attention that they need to excel in their studies. Students receive clinical experience at the Allen Memorial Hospital, along with nearby healthcare facilities and clinics. The Allen Memorial Hospital serves the Waterloo area, providing students with hands-on experience treating a diverse population. 

Student Population
Small
College Type
4-year, Private
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
95.7%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Student Population
Small
College Type
4-year, Private
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
93.7%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Student Population
Small
College Type
4-year, Private
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
93.3%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Student Population
Small
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
92.3%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
97.0%

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) is located in Calmar, Iowa. The school was established back in 1966 and it currently serves over 4,500 students. In the past, this school was known as the Northeast Iowa Technical Institute, but it wound up becoming a community college in 1988 and changed to its current name. This school is authorized by the Iowa State Board of Education to award associate degrees. The school even has transfer options for students who are looking to pursue a bachelor degree in their chosen field. Aside from this, there are several certificate options for students to look into as well.

NICC has a very highly regarded nursing program that will appeal to many students. Students will be able to choose to sign up for the practical nursing program or the associate degree in nursing program. There are many different comprehensive nursing courses that are part of the curriculum. Nursing students will be taught to assess the needs of patients and provide the best possible medical care. This program is fully approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing. This program is also a participant in the statewide articulation program which facilitates the transfer of their ADN graduates to move on to four-year universities to pursue advanced nursing studies. 

Student Population
Small
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
92.3%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
87.3%

North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) is located in Mason City, Iowa. This public community college provides an important service for the community. It offers students the opportunity to pursue many different lucrative career paths. There are career-focused certificate opportunities, as well as many associate degree opportunities that students will be able to look into. To add to this, the school is also committed to providing students with various other interesting departments. NIACC has a renowned arts department with many different performance arts opportunities being available to students. There is even a fantastic athletics department with many sports teams for students to participate in.

NIACC has a nursing program that has proven to be very popular as well. Students will be able to pursue their associate degree in nursing (ADN) at this school. There are also transfer opportunities for students who wish to pursue their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. This school is such a great option for prospective nurses due to the high success rate of the students. Students who go on to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination have a much higher success rate than the national average. This is thanks to the thorough education that the students receive during their time at the school. 

Student Population
Large
College Type
4-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
92.3%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A
Student Population
Small
College Type
4-year, Private
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
92.3%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Student Population
Medium
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
90.3%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
94.3%

Available Programs


Student Population
Small
College Type
4-year, Private
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
91.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Available Programs


Student Population
Small
College Type
4-year, Private
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
90.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A
Student Population
Small
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
90.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
95.0%

Available Programs


Student Population
Small
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
89.3%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
97.7%

Available Programs


Southwestern Community College (SWCC) is located in Creston, Iowa. This two-year community college was established in 1966.  There are a large number of different technical and vocational certificate courses to consider. Students will have plenty of options available to them when deciding a career path to pursue. This college is a well-known option for students who wish to transfer their credits over to a four-year university to pursue bachelor degrees. SWCC even has an athletics department with men's and women's teams in various different sports.

SWCC has a nursing program that has been educating members of the community for a long time. SWCC has LPN and RN program that are both approved by Iowa state board of nursing. SWCC’s nursing program is a participant in the Iowa Articulation Plan, that means students can easily transfer credits to a 4-year college to complete their BSN.

Classes begin annually in late-August and graduation is in late-June.

Student Population
Small
College Type
2-year, Public
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
90.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
96.7%

Southeastern Community College is located in West Burlington, Iowa. This college was originally formed in 1967 and it successfully merged two local colleges at the time. From this point forward, the school has been providing the community with the most robust academic opportunities possible. All students will be able to choose from a large variety of different academic programs. Some of the popular academic programs include business, criminal justice, accounting, and horticulture. There are a number of different associate degree programs, as well as technical certificate programs, in this school. The school also has an athletics department with several sports teams.

Nursing is one of the most respected programs at SCC. Students who wish to pursue a nursing career will be able to sign up for one of two programs at this school. There is a practical nursing program and an associate degree in nursing program. The practical nursing program will award graduates with a diploma and students will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination. Graduates of the ADN program will be awarded an associates degree and will take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. This nursing program is fully approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing and the Iowa Department of Education. 

Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
90.0%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
88.7%

Available Programs


Student Population
Small
College Type
4-year, Private
Average NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
85.7%
Average NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
N/A

Iowa's NCLEX-RN pass rate Vs. National Average

Iowa's NCLEX-PN pass rate Vs. National Average