With the demand for nurses skyrocketing all around the country, it's no wonder why many registered nurses (RNs) in Iowa are choosing to go back to school to complete a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. If you are a registered nurse who has gained licensure through an Associate's Degree in Nursing, there are specialized nursing degrees out there to help you earn a more advanced degree. These RN to BSN programs will help current RNs achieve lucrative leadership nursing roles.
2027 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Iowa
Registerednursing.org has ranked the best online RN to BSN programs in Iowa, offering working nurses a practical path to advance their education without putting their careers on hold. These flexible programs let students complete coursework through distance learning while balancing jobs and family life. Hybrid and partially online options count as online too, giving even more choices for those who prefer some in-person interaction. An online RN to BSN can open doors to leadership roles and higher pay, all while staying in the virtual classroom. To see how these rankings were determined, check out our https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/ page.
St Luke's College
Sioux City, IA - Private 4-year - stlukescollege.edu
RN to BSN - RN-BSN Degree Completion Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
St. Luke's College offers an online RN to BSN degree completion program tailored for registered nurses. The curriculum requires 120 credit hours, with previous nursing credits applied toward the degree. Students can opt for full-time or part-time enrollment to balance work and study. Core coursework includes pathophysiology, health assessment, nursing leadership, and evidence-based practice, while electives explore healthcare business, finance, policy, and specialized topics. Courses are delivered via Blackboard Learn, providing flexible online learning for working professionals. The program holds CCNE accreditation and is approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing, ensuring quality education. St. Luke's is a military-friendly institution with an Other Protestant affiliation, supporting diverse student needs.
- 120 credit hours required
- Full and part time schedules
- Online course delivery
- Blackboard Learn platform
- Previous credits utilized
- Core nursing courses included
- Elective courses available
- Special focus topics offered
- CCNE accreditation
- Iowa Board of Nursing approved
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA - Public 4-Year - uiowa.edu
RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Iowa's online RN-to-BSN program, offered through the College of Nursing, is designed for registered nurses who already hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The curriculum strengthens existing nursing knowledge while developing advanced skills in clinical judgment, leadership, and community health. Recognized as the #8 best BSN program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the program delivers instruction from renowned faculty with a reputation for academic excellence. Its fully online format accommodates working professionals, allowing students to continue their careers while earning a bachelor's degree. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles, public health positions, and advanced study, including DNP or PhD pathways. The program also connects students to a vibrant alumni network, supporting career advancement and professional growth.
- Designed for licensed RNs
- Online format for working professionals
Iowa State University
Ames, IA - Public 4-Year - iastate.edu
RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
This hybrid RN-to-BSN program at Iowa State University is ACEN-accredited and requires 32 credit hours of nursing coursework. Designed for registered nurses, it emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership and management, population health nursing with a practicum, and global health perspectives. Students can choose full-time or part-time enrollment, accommodating working professionals. Admission requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and completion of prerequisite courses; ACT or SAT scores are not listed among the requirements. Graduates are prepared for advanced roles such as nursing leadership, community health, and health promotion, with a strong ethical foundation. The program also fosters cultural competence and professional growth, positioning graduates for success in a dynamic healthcare environment.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 32 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Population health practicum
- Global health nursing focus
- Leadership and management skills
- Evidence-based practice training
Morningside University
Sioux City, IA - Private 4-year - morningside.edu
RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Morningside University's online RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses with an associate degree seeking career advancement without disrupting their professional lives. The CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes holistic, person-centered care across ten core competencies, including population health, informatics, and ethical leadership. Students can transfer up to 94 credits from accredited two-year colleges, making the degree efficient and affordable at just $385 per credit hour (approximately $11,550 total tuition). The program requires 30 credit hours and can be completed in as little as one year, with an individualized plan of study and a minimum 2.8 GPA for admission. Financial aid is available, and graduates enjoy a seamless pathway to Morningside's online MSN and DNP programs. Admission focuses on associate degree coursework and RN licensure; no ACT or SAT entrance exam is required or mentioned.
- CCNE accredited
- $11,550 total program tuition
- $385 per credit
- Complete in 1-2 years
- 30 total credit hours
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Financial aid available
- Transfer up to 94 credits
- Individualized plan of study
- Pathway to MSN and DNP
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Des Moines, IA - Private 4-year - mchs.edu
RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Mercy College of Health Sciences offers an online RN to BSN program for licensed nurses. This CCNE-accredited, Iowa Board of Nursing-approved curriculum focuses on leadership, community health, evidence-based practice, and health policy in 30 credit hours. Designed with nursing leaders, the program can be completed part-time in 12 months, with start dates in fall and spring. Faculty bring over 23 years of clinical experience. As a Roman Catholic institution, it provides a values-based education, and its military-friendly status supports veteran nurses. Prerequisite courses are required. Tuition totals just over $10,000, making it an affordable pathway to a BSN. Graduates are prepared for roles in leadership, education, research, and community health. The fully online format offers flexibility and virtual support from instructors and advisors. ACT/SAT entrance exam requirements are not specified.
- $10,000 total program tuition
- 12-Month program
- 30 total credit hours
- Part-time available
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Prerequisite courses required
- Fully online program
- Designed with nursing leaders
- Faculty with 23+ years experience
Fast & Affordable Program Options
Getting a BSN can be a challenging process, but as a bridge program, RN to BSNs are a much easier undertaking, especially for nurses who are working full-time and have little time and money to commit to their education.
Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
With a traditional BSN program, you could be required to invest four years (or more) to get your degree. But an RN to BSN program is a fast-tracked option, allowing you to graduate in only two years — or even less. These programs build on your previous nursing experience and training and you may even get your degree in as little as 6 months. Below are a few options for the fastest RN to BSN programs in the state.
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| University of Iowa | Online RN to BSN | 1 Year |
| Iowa State University | RN to BSN | 1 Year |
Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
Yes, they do, but they aren’t super common. If you have substantial transferable credits and an associate degree in nursing, a 6-month RN to BSN may be an option for you if one is offered in your community. Unfortunately, you’ll have to look outside of Iowa if you want to pursue these opportunities as none are currently offered in the state.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
As mentioned, RN to BSN programs can be extremely affordable, but it’s good to be aware of the individual costs involved, especially when relocating to Iowa from another state. Many schools (particularly state schools) divide their tuition rates by whether or not you are a resident of Iowa or if you are an online student. Additionally, you may find that technology fees in combination with the cost of textbooks and room and board may add up to the cost of your total tuition. That being said, there are a few RN to BSN programs in the state that offer the lowest tuition rates:
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| Iowa State University | RN to BSN | $4,626 per year (Resident) $13,673 (Non-Resident) |
| University of Iowa | Online RN to BSN | $11,283 per year (Resident) $33,371 per year (Non-Resident) |
Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.
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Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
To be accepted into an RN to BSN program, you must meet all your school's requirements. Competitive programs will pick only the top applicants. Entrance criteria is not unlike other college admissions criteria. Below are some examples of requirements at accredited Iowa colleges:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Must have computer literacy
- Current Iowa license as a registered nurse
- General Education requirements must be met prior to beginning the program
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
Generally, once general education requirements are completed, students are able to tackle the specialized nursing coursework. Waterloo, Iowa's Allen College features the following nursing courses as part of their RN to BSN program:
- NU 301: Intro to Baccalaureate Nursing
- NU 461: Nursing Leadership
- NU 380: Introduction to Nursing Research
- NU 457: Chronic Illness
- NU 450: Community & Public Health Nursing
2026 List of RN to BSN Programs in Iowa
View the best accredited RN to BSN degree programs in Iowa by taking a look at our listings below.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Browse Our List of Programs
Ames, IA
Iowa State University
- RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 32 total credit hours
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Population health practicum
- Global health nursing focus
- Leadership and management skills
- Evidence-based practice training
Cedar Rapids, IA
Mount Mercy University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Tailored for registered nurses
- Granting credit for past learning
- Active RN license required
Davenport, IA
Saint Ambrose University
- RN to BSN - RN-to-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- $17,920 total program tuition
- $640 per credit
- 11-Month program
- Complete in as few as three semesters
- 28 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- Full-time and part-time options
Des Moines, IA
Mercy College of Health Sciences
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- $10,000 total program tuition
- 12-Month program
- 30 total credit hours
- Part-time available
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Prerequisite courses required
- Fully online program
Forest City, IA
Waldorf University
- RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN to BSN Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- Online program only
- Requires current RN license
- Accelerated degree track
- Eight-week course terms
- As little as one year completion
- Accepts up to 90 transfer credits
- 30 credit hours nursing courses
- 2.50 GPA requirement
Iowa City, IA
University of Iowa
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Ranked #8 best BSN program
- Designed for licensed RNs
- Online format for working professionals
Lamoni, IA
Graceland University-Lamoni
- RN to BSN - Nursing: RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- $535 per credit
- Capstone required
- Financial aid available
- Shorter timeframe for RNs
- Support counselors guide every step
- BSN-MSN combined option available
- 20% partnership tuition reduction
- Virtual learning environment for assessments
Orange City, IA
Northwestern College
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion Option
Online Learning - Website
- 124 total credit hours
- 240 clinical hours
- Credit for prior nursing work experience
- CNA certification required before entry
- Valid RN license grants credit for prerequisites
- Coursework includes Leadership and Community Health
Sioux City, IA
Briar Cliff University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Complete in two years - or less
- Starts fall/spring/summer
- Faculty active in clinical practice
- Articulation agreements available
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- RN to DNP pathway
- Eight-week course terms
Morningside University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE accredited
- $11,550 total program tuition
- $385 per credit
- Complete in 1-2 years
- 30 total credit hours
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Financial aid available
- Transfer up to 94 credits
St Luke's College
- RN to BSN - RN-BSN Degree Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- 120 credit hours required
- Full and part time schedules
- Online course delivery
- Blackboard Learn platform
- Previous credits utilized
- Core nursing courses included
- Elective courses available
- Special focus topics offered