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) is a four-year, CCNE-accredited program that blends a concept-based curriculum with Christian discipleship. Students complete over 570 clinical hours across 25+ healthcare settings, from rural clinics to acute care hospitals, with small classes and a low student-to-faculty ratio. Hands-on training occurs in the state-of-the-art simulation studio and Zylstra Nursing Education Center. The program achieves outstanding outcomes: a 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate in 2024 (19 students) and a 99.7% career placement rate. Graduates are prepared for roles in medical-surgical, community health, and critical care. No standardized entrance exam (ACT/SAT) is required for admission.

• 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 (BSN) is a campus-based, CCNE-accredited program rooted in Presbyterian values and welcoming to military-friendly learners. The curriculum blends rigorous academics with hands-on simulation labs and diverse clinical rotations across rural and urban settings, preparing graduates to deliver evidence-based care. A capstone experience includes a 1:1 precepted internship spanning 144 hours. The program achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate among 16 first-time test-takers in 2024. Students benefit from committed clinical partners, well-qualified faculty, and an active Student Nurses Association. Graduates emerge as ethical, skilled professionals ready for versatile careers in the growing nursing field.

• 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 offers a hybrid Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, blending online flexibility with hands-on clinical experiences. The curriculum covers disease management, nutrition, pharmacotherapeutics, and population health, preparing graduates for hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Students can finish in as little as two years, with rolling admissions and no entrance exam required—ACT/SAT scores are test-optional. Partnerships like MercyReady and UnityPoint Health Career Launch provide financial support and guaranteed job placement. The program boasts a 98.48% NCLEX pass rate (2024) and a 96% job placement rate, with 100% of students receiving scholarships or grants. A BSN-to-MSN pathway via MMU Plus supports career advancement.

• 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

Kirkwood Community College’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) offers immersive training in a model hospital and clinical rotations across medical-surgical, maternal-child, pediatric, and mental health settings. The curriculum stresses evidence-based practice, safety, and informatics, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. A CNA certificate is required as a prerequisite, and the program holds accreditation from the NLN CNEA and approval from the Iowa Board of Nursing. Enrolling in fall, spring, or summer, students follow a CNA-to-ADN pathway and can leverage transfer agreements for RN-to-BSN programs. In-state tuition is $17,633 at $229 per credit for 77 credits, with total estimated costs around $27,792. In 2024, 138 graduates achieved a 97.83% NCLEX pass rate.

• 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 offers a full-time, on-campus Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) designed for pre-licensure students and ranked #8 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. The program integrates didactic coursework with immersive clinical experiences across leading healthcare systems under internationally recognized faculty. Curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and ethical leadership. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and can pursue advanced DNP or PhD degrees. The 2024 NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate was 96.18% among 157 students. The university maintains a test-optional admissions policy, meaning ACT/SAT scores are not required for BSN applicants; however, students should verify requirements for direct-entry admission.

• 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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