Best Nursing Schools in Iowa

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Iowa

Choosing the right nursing school is a pivotal decision, and rankings help prospective students compare programs effectively. Registerednursing.org has developed the Best Nursing Schools in Iowa rankings to guide you. We evaluate programs solely on NCLEX pass rates, ensuring an objective measure of educational quality. For more details, see our methodology: https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

When comparing program types, BSN and MSN graduates demonstrate slightly higher pass rates than ADN programs.

• BSN: 93.41% average pass rate (895 students)
• ADN: 92.18% average pass rate (1,125 students)
• MSN: 93.33% average pass rate (15 students)

Top Performing Schools

The following schools achieved a perfect pass rate, though data spans a single year.

• Indian Hills Community College: 100% pass rate (20 students)
• North Iowa Area Community College: 100% pass rate (35 students)
• Capri College-Cedar Rapids: 100% pass rate (51 students)

Pass Rate by Program Size

Larger programs tend to have the highest average pass rates, while medium-sized programs lag slightly.

• Large (>100 students/year): 94.22% average pass rate (1,020 students)
• Small (<50 students/year): 91.96% average pass rate (460 students)
• Medium (50-100 students/year): 90.63% average pass rate (555 students)

Geographic Trends

Cedar Rapids leads with the highest pass rate, while Davenport shows the lowest among major Iowa cities.

• Cedar Rapids: 97.8% average pass rate (273 students)
• Ankeny: 96.39% average pass rate (166 students)
• Iowa City: 95.93% average pass rate (172 students)
• Des Moines: 90.25% average pass rate (318 students)
• Davenport: 81.91% average pass rate (199 students)

#1

Dordt University

Sioux Center, IA - Private 4-year - dordt.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Dordt University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepares students for professional nursing practice through a concept-based curriculum that emphasizes Christian discipleship. The four-year program combines over 570 hours of clinical and simulation experience across 25+ healthcare settings, from rural clinics to acute care hospitals. Students learn in small classes with a low faculty-to-student ratio, gaining hands-on skills in a state-of-the-art simulation studio and the Zylstra Nursing Education Center. The program is CCNE-accredited and has a strong NCLEX pass rate, with 100% first-attempt success in 2024. Graduates are prepared for diverse nursing roles, including medical-surgical, community health, and critical care. The curriculum integrates faith and service, fostering compassionate caregivers ready to make an impact. Dordt's 99.7% career outcome rate reflects strong job placement across hospitals and healthcare organizations.

• CCNE accredited
• 4-Year program
• 100% licensure pass rate
• 99% job placement rate
• 2.7 GPA minimum
• 570 clinical hours
• Capstone required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Low instructor-to-student ratio
• Concept-based curriculum

#2

University of Dubuque

Dubuque, IA - Private 4-year - dbq.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Dubuque's Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares students to become highly skilled, ethical healthcare professionals. The comprehensive program blends rigorous academic training with extensive clinical experiences, featuring 100% NCLEX RN pass rates and a capstone course with 144 hours of precepted internship. Students develop clinical skills through advanced simulation labs and patient care settings, learning to provide collaborative, evidence-based care for diverse populations. Graduates are well-positioned in a growing field with projected job growth and numerous employment opportunities across various healthcare environments.

• 100% NCLEX RN pass rate
• Committed clinical partners
• Extensive lab simulation experiences
• 1:1 precepted internship
• CCNE accredited program
• Active Student Nurses Association
• Multiple clinical settings
• Well-qualified nursing faculty
• Rural and urban clinical exposure

#3

Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, IA - Private 4-year - mtmercy.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Mount Mercy University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a well-established program in Iowa, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience. You'll learn from practicing professionals and gain skills in disease management, nutrition, pharmacotherapeutics, and population health. The curriculum prepares you for diverse roles in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. With options to graduate in as little as two years, the program offers flexibility to fit your life. Special partnerships like MercyReady and UnityPoint Health Career Launch provide financial support and guaranteed job placement. Plus, you can seamlessly transition into the MSN program through MMU Plus. Mount Mercy's strong NCLEX pass rate reflects the quality of education. Whether you're starting fresh or advancing your career, this BSN program sets you up for success in nursing.

• No entrance exam required
• Exams: ACT, SAT
• Test optional
• 2-Year program
• Complete in as little as two years
• Rolling admissions
• 96% job placement rate
• 3.5 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• $0 application fee

#4

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA - Public 2-Year - kirkwood.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at Kirkwood Community College combines hands-on training in a state-of-the-art model hospital with clinical rotations at leading local health centers. You'll gain real-world experience across medical-surgical, maternal-child, pediatric, and mental health settings. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, safety, and informatics, preparing you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Graduates can pursue careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health. The program offers flexible entry each fall, spring, and summer, and a clear pathway from CNA to ADN. With transfer agreements to RN-BSN programs at partner universities, you can continue your education seamlessly. In-state tuition totals $17,633 with per-credit costs of $229, and total estimated costs including fees and supplies are around $27,792. Start your nursing career at Kirkwood.

• National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation accredited
• $17,633 total program tuition
• $229 per credit
• 77 total credit hours
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring/summer
• Clinical rotations at leading local health centers
• State-of-the-art model hospital environment
• CNA certificate prerequisite
• Approved by Iowa Board of Nursing

#5

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA - Public 4-Year - uiowa.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Iowa's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a full-time, on-campus program ranked #8 by U.S. News & World Report. Designed for pre-licensure students, it provides a strong foundation for entry into professional nursing practice. The curriculum blends classroom instruction with exceptional clinical experiences, guided by world-renowned faculty recognized for advancing the nursing profession. Students prepare for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and develop skills in patient care, critical thinking, and leadership. The program also offers a clear pathway to graduate degrees like the DNP or PhD. With a national reputation for excellence, Iowa nursing graduates are well-prepared for diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals to community health.

• Full-time enrollment

*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2025. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Iowa Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

If you are interested in a registered nursing career, Iowa offers several entry-level degree points to help you enter the world of nursing. Most students opt to start with an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. Read on to learn more about each degree level to see if it's the right fit for you.

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

The ADN is the quickest degree pathway to registered nursing practice in Iowa, taking just 2 years to complete. Students may also opt for an RN diploma, typically offered through specialty nursing schools and hospitals, taking 1-2 years to complete. The difference between an ADN and an RN diploma is that the ADN includes other core college courses, while the diploma is focused strictly on basic nursing education. A good option for current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) is the LPN to RN bridge program, which can result in either an ADN or a BSN. These affordable pathways lead to entry-level careers in registered nursing, but remember to choose a properly accredited program.

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Iowa include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
• Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Iowa.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

The traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is considered the gold standard of nursing degrees. It is commonly offered online, on-campus, and in hybrid formats at colleges and universities across Iowa. Many healthcare employers in the state prefer BSN-educated nurses for entry-level RN employment. With both full-time and part-time options available, BSN programs consist of core education courses and nursing-specific courses. Like other RN programs, required clinical training hours will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid BSN program.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Iowa typically include:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
• Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

RN to BSN

For RN bridge programs visit:

• RN to BSN Programs in Iowa
• RN to MSN Programs in Iowa

Those who already have an ADN or nursing diploma and want to advance to a bachelor's degree may be interested in an Iowa RN to BSN bridge pathway. These programs can be taken full-time or part-time, allowing nurses to continue working if they wish, and are available both on-campus and online. Clinical hours, however, must be completed in person.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

This program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing subject. An ideal way to switch careers, accelerated BSN programs are intensive, and can be completed in as little as 12 months of full-time study. Iowa ABSN programs can be completed online, but some campus visits may be required, and students will still need to complete their clinical hours in person.

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

For Iowans looking to advance their nursing education into the graduate realm, there are also many options. Whether you are looking for a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), there's a program for you. Remember most of these programs require that you already hold a minimum of a BSN or MSN, hold an active and unencumbered RN license, and meet all the entry requirements specific to each program.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Iowa:

• Iowa Nurse Practitioner Programs
• Iowa MSN Program
• Iowa RN to MSN Programs
• Iowa Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
• Iowa DNP Programs

Getting an RN License in Iowa

In Iowa, the RN licensing process begins with completing an accredited nursing program (see below) and passing the NCLEX-RN exam, a nationally standardized test assessing critical entry-level nursing skills. After passing the NCLEX-RN, candidates must apply for licensure with the Iowa Board of Nursing and meet continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal.

Requirements for RN Licensure in Iowa

• Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
• Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
• Application to the Iowa Board of Nursing
• Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

RN program accreditation is a formal review process that ensures a nursing school or program meets established quality standards. In the United States, two primary organizations accredit nursing programs: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In Iowa, nursing programs commonly seek accreditation from one or both of these agencies to demonstrate that their education standards meet national benchmarks. It is always recommended for students to choose an accredited RN program at any level to ensure they will be eligible for licensure, further education (if desired), and gainful employment.

Cities With Nursing Programs in Iowa

• Des Moines Nursing Schools

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