RN programs in Iowa
22 RN (registered nurse) programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free
18 schools offer these RN programs, and Iowa has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.
Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care and teach patients and their families about health conditions. To work as one, you graduate from an approved nursing program (a bachelor's or associate degree in nursing, or a hospital diploma) and pass a licensing exam for your state nursing license.1 The exam is the NCLEX-RN from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, which the nursing boards of every state, DC and four US territories use in deciding who gets a license.2
In Iowa, 3 of the 22 programs take students without a high school diploma, 8 ask for a diploma or equivalent, 9 ask for earlier courses first, 1 asks for an associate degree and 1 asks for a bachelor's degree.
By kind, the 22 programs here are RN associate degree (ADN, 15 programs), RN bachelor's degree (BSN, 5 programs) and accelerated RN bachelor's degree (for graduates, 2 programs).
See the 22 programsHow much do RN programs cost in Iowa?
- Two-year degrees (15 programs)
- $15,143 to $18,416most of them, usually 76 to 89 weeks long
- Bachelor's degrees (7 programs)
- $45,542 to $112,440most of them, usually 61 to 120 weeks long
What you pay yourself for the whole program, as the schools report it. "Most" is the middle half of the programs with a price.
In the typical program
- Finished the program
- 71%
- Working 6 months later
- 91%
- Earned a year, estimated
- about $57,000
- Length
- 75 to 92 weeks
Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Iowa may also offer RN programs. How these figures are made
All 22 RN programs in Iowa approved for WIOA funding
Filters
22 programs
Nursing
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$47,400Price if you pay yourself$18,060Program website, Nursing at Kirkwood Community CollegeMore details about Nursing at Kirkwood Community College
- Finished
- 20%
- Working at 6 months
- 88%
- Earned in a quarter
- $11,855
- Length
- 96 weeks, 20 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $10,442
- Students counted
- 4,059
- Earned a year, estimated
- $47,400
- Price if you pay yourself
- $18,060
Associate Degree Nursing, AAS
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimated$57,100Price if you pay yourself$15,540Program website, Associate Degree Nursing, AAS at Des Moines Area Community CollegeMore details about Associate Degree Nursing, AAS at Des Moines Area Community College
- Finished
- 57%
- Working at 6 months
- 92%
- Earned in a quarter
- $14,265
- Length
- 80 weeks, 21 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $5,052
- Students counted
- 1,575
- Earned a year, estimated
- $57,100
- Price if you pay yourself
- $15,540
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Des Moines
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimated$58,700Price if you pay yourself$37,926Program website, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Mercy College of Health SciencesMore details about Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Finished
- 97%
- Working at 6 months
- 83%
- Earned in a quarter
- $14,675
- Length
- 52 weeks, 10 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $2,086
- Students counted
- 952
- Earned a year, estimated
- $58,700
- Price if you pay yourself
- $37,926
Nursing
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
Davenport
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$49,100Price if you pay yourself$15,600Program website, Nursing at Eastern Iowa Community CollegesMore details about Nursing at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
- Finished
- 71%
- Working at 6 months
- 83%
- Earned in a quarter
- $12,286
- Length
- 88 weeks, 16 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $2,050
- Students counted
- 914
- Earned a year, estimated
- $49,100
- Price if you pay yourself
- $15,600
Nursing
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$58,600Price if you pay yourself$161,080Program website, Nursing at Mount Mercy UniversityMore details about Nursing at Mount Mercy University
- Finished
- 71%
- Working at 6 months
- 91%
- Earned in a quarter
- $14,655
- Length
- 120 weeks, 16 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $4,800
- Students counted
- 718
- Earned a year, estimated
- $58,600
- Price if you pay yourself
- $161,080
Nursing - AAS
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Sioux City
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$57,000Price if you pay yourself$14,746Program website, Nursing - AAS at Western Iowa Tech Community CollegeMore details about Nursing - AAS at Western Iowa Tech Community College
- Finished
- 47%
- Working at 6 months
- 85%
- Earned in a quarter
- $14,252
- Length
- 78 weeks, 21 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $2,988
- Students counted
- 629
- Earned a year, estimated
- $57,000
- Price if you pay yourself
- $14,746
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Des Moines
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimated$50,900Price if you pay yourself$77,280Program website, Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Mercy College of Health SciencesMore details about Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Finished
- 80%
- Working at 6 months
- 85%
- Earned in a quarter
- $12,715
- Length
- 120 weeks, 11 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $3,436
- Students counted
- 604
- Earned a year, estimated
- $50,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $77,280
Associate Degree Nursing *ADN.AAS
Northeast Iowa Community College
Calmar
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimated$66,100Price if you pay yourself$17,955Program website, Associate Degree Nursing *ADN.AAS at Northeast Iowa Community CollegeMore details about Associate Degree Nursing *ADN.AAS at Northeast Iowa Community College
- Finished
- 85%
- Working at 6 months
- 94%
- Earned in a quarter
- $16,536
- Length
- 92 weeks, 21 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $3,530
- Students counted
- 508
- Earned a year, estimated
- $66,100
- Price if you pay yourself
- $17,955
Associate Degree Nursing
Iowa Central Community College
Fort Dodge
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$55,900Price if you pay yourself$17,472Program website, Associate Degree Nursing at Iowa Central Community CollegeMore details about Associate Degree Nursing at Iowa Central Community College
- Finished
- 64%
- Working at 6 months
- 97%
- Earned in a quarter
- $13,963
- Length
- 75 weeks, 24 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $3,785
- Students counted
- 465
- Earned a year, estimated
- $55,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $17,472
Associate of Science in Nursing
St. Luke's College
Sioux City
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$47,100Price if you pay yourself$14,440Program website, Associate of Science in Nursing at St. Luke's CollegeMore details about Associate of Science in Nursing at St. Luke's College
- Finished
- 66%
- Working at 6 months
- 94%
- Earned in a quarter
- $11,769
- Length
- 72 weeks, 25 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $1,200
- Students counted
- 260
- Earned a year, estimated
- $47,100
- Price if you pay yourself
- $14,440
Associate of Science in Nursing
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Des Moines
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimated$50,300Price if you pay yourself$58,880Program website, Associate of Science in Nursing at Mercy College of Health SciencesMore details about Associate of Science in Nursing at Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Finished
- 85%
- Working at 6 months
- 91%
- Earned in a quarter
- $12,563
- Length
- 90 weeks, 12 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $2,710
- Students counted
- 248
- Earned a year, estimated
- $50,300
- Price if you pay yourself
- $58,880
Associate Degree Nursing
Indian Hills Community College
Ottumwa
Accredited school
Prerequisite courses
Earned a year, estimated$57,000Price if you pay yourself$26,318Program website, Associate Degree Nursing at Indian Hills Community CollegeMore details about Associate Degree Nursing at Indian Hills Community College
- Finished
- 71%
- Working at 6 months
- 91%
- Earned in a quarter
- $14,246
- Length
- 96 weeks, 12 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- None listed
- Students counted
- 232
- Earned a year, estimated
- $57,000
- Price if you pay yourself
- $26,318
Associate Degree Nursing (E/MVADN) CIP: 513801.0200 ITSO: 03.02.11.03
Iowa Valley Community College District
Marshalltown
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$60,000Price if you pay yourself$12,3764 students trained with WIOA funding
Program website, Associate Degree Nursing (E/MVADN) CIP: 513801.0200 ITSO: 03.02.11.03 at Iowa Valley Community College DistrictMore details about Associate Degree Nursing (E/MVADN) CIP: 513801.0200 ITSO: 03.02.11.03 at Iowa Valley Community College District
- Finished
- 83%
- Working at 6 months
- 99%
- Earned in a quarter
- $15,005
- Length
- 44 weeks, 14 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $2,384
- Students counted
- 224
- Earned a year, estimated
- $60,000
- Price if you pay yourself
- $12,376
- students trained with WIOA funding
- 4
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Basic / Traditional
Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Rock Island, IL
Accredited school
Education and courses
Classes are outside Iowa; Iowa approved the program for its funding.
Earned a year, estimated$54,000Price if you pay yourself$55,425Program website, Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Basic / Traditional at Trinity College of Nursing & Health SciencesMore details about Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Basic / Traditional at Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences
- Finished
- 81%
- Working at 6 months
- 71%
- Earned in a quarter
- $13,489
- Length
- 90 weeks, 20 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $4,591
- Students counted
- 213
- Earned a year, estimated
- $54,000
- Price if you pay yourself
- $55,425
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
St. Luke's College
Based in Sioux City, IA
Accredited school
Associate's degree
Earned a year, estimated$64,600Price if you pay yourself$8,000Program website, Bachelor of Science in Nursing at St. Luke's CollegeMore details about Bachelor of Science in Nursing at St. Luke's College
- Finished
- 64%
- Working at 6 months
- 94%
- Earned in a quarter
- $16,145
- Length
- 64 weeks, 15 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $200
- Students counted
- 178
- Earned a year, estimated
- $64,600
- Price if you pay yourself
- $8,000
Associate Degree Nursing
Southwestern Community College
Creston
Accredited school
No diploma needed
Earned a year, estimated$67,500Price if you pay yourself$16,880Program website, Associate Degree Nursing at Southwestern Community CollegeMore details about Associate Degree Nursing at Southwestern Community College
- Finished
- 83%
- Working at 6 months
- 98%
- Earned in a quarter
- $16,864
- Length
- 78 weeks, 25 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $3,227
- Students counted
- 174
- Earned a year, estimated
- $67,500
- Price if you pay yourself
- $16,880
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Clarke University
Dubuque
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$48,900Price if you pay yourself$147,600Program website, Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Clarke UniversityMore details about Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Clarke University
- Finished
- 66%
- Working at 6 months
- 97%
- Earned in a quarter
- $12,216
- Length
- 120 weeks, 16 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $9,720
- Students counted
- 171
- Earned a year, estimated
- $48,900
- Price if you pay yourself
- $147,600
Associate Degree Nursing
Northwest Iowa Community College
Sheldon
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimated$64,600Price if you pay yourself$9,640Program website, Associate Degree Nursing at Northwest Iowa Community CollegeMore details about Associate Degree Nursing at Northwest Iowa Community College
- Finished
- 51%
- Working at 6 months
- 85%
- Earned in a quarter
- $16,161
- Length
- 84 weeks, 27 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $2,359
- Students counted
- 150
- Earned a year, estimated
- $64,600
- Price if you pay yourself
- $9,640
Registered Nurse
Southeastern Community College
West Burlington
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimated$49,700Price if you pay yourself$17,595Program website, Registered Nurse at Southeastern Community CollegeMore details about Registered Nurse at Southeastern Community College
- Finished
- 77%
- Working at 6 months
- 90%
- Earned in a quarter
- $12,429
- Length
- 80 weeks, 27 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $2,950
- Students counted
- 84
- Earned a year, estimated
- $49,700
- Price if you pay yourself
- $17,595
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated
Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Rock Island, IL
Accredited school
Bachelor's degree
Classes are outside Iowa; Iowa approved the program for its funding.
Earned a year, estimated$60,200Price if you pay yourself$53,158Program website, Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated at Trinity College of Nursing & Health SciencesMore details about Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated at Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences
- Finished
- 93%
- Working at 6 months
- 74%
- Earned in a quarter
- $15,052
- Length
- 58 weeks, 30 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $5,615
- Students counted
- 64
- Earned a year, estimated
- $60,200
- Price if you pay yourself
- $53,158
Nursing, A.A.S.
North Iowa Area Community College
Mason City
Accredited school
High school diploma or equivalent
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$18,773Program website, Nursing, A.A.S. at North Iowa Area Community CollegeMore details about Nursing, A.A.S. at North Iowa Area Community College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- Not reported
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 75 weeks, 21 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $5,219
- Students counted
- Not reported
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $18,773
Nursing ADN - Associate of Applied Science
Iowa Western Community College
Council Bluffs
Accredited school
Education and courses
Earned a year, estimatedNot reportedPrice if you pay yourself$19,436Program website, Nursing ADN - Associate of Applied Science at Iowa Western Community CollegeMore details about Nursing ADN - Associate of Applied Science at Iowa Western Community College
- Finished
- Not reported
- Working at 6 months
- Not reported
- Earned in a quarter
- Not reported
- Length
- 80 weeks, 25 hours a week
- Cost of supplies
- $5,994
- Students counted
- Not reported
- Earned a year, estimated
- Not reported
- Price if you pay yourself
- $19,436
No programs match these filters.
How to pay for RN programs in Iowa
WIOA funding can pay for RN programs in Iowa
Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?
Financial aid and grants for RN programs
Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.78
GI Bill for RN programs
Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.9
The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.
LPN or RN in Iowa?
The programs Iowa approved for workforce funding in each, side by side. The figures are the typical program's, as on the two pages.
| LPN | RNthis page | |
|---|---|---|
| Programs | 14 at 14 schools | 22 at 18 schools |
| Most cost, if you pay yourself | $8,375 to $10,231 | Two-year degrees$15,143 to $18,416Bachelor's degrees$45,542 to $112,440 |
| Length | 38 to 47 weeks | 75 to 92 weeks |
| Finished the program | 55% | 71% |
| Working 6 months later | 87% | 91% |
| Earned a year, estimated | about $22,600 | about $57,000 |
| Trained with WIOA funding | Not reported | at least 4 people |
LPN vs RN nationwide: what each job does, the license exams and how to get from one to the other
Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024. Earnings are the second quarter after leaving the program, times four.
Quick facts: RN programs in Iowa
- programs with a price cost under $15,000
- 5 of 22
- lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
- 28th of 39
- other states where the typical program's graduates earned less
- 11 of 31
- RN programs here, against the typical state's 17
- 22 vs 17
State comparisons use the same figures as the RN programs by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).
RN programs in Des Moines, Davenport, Cedar Rapids and other Iowa cities
Choosing an area filters the program list above. 5 more programs are in 5 other areas, 3 in smaller cities and towns and 1 online.
Other training in Iowa
How RN programs compare with the rest of nursing and patient care: Nursing and patient care programs in Iowa
- CDL training33 programs
- CNA classes22 programs
- Medical assistant training15 programs
- Phlebotomy training11 programs
- Welding classes50 programs
- HVAC training13 programs
- Medical billing and coding training17 programs
- LPN programs14 programs
- EMT classes22 programs
- Electrician training5 programs
- Dental assistant programs11 programs
- Auto mechanic classes19 programs
- Pharmacy technician training10 programs
- Plumbing school3 programs
- CNC machinist training10 programs
- Carpentry classes12 programs
- Heavy equipment operator training4 programs
- Diesel mechanic training8 programs
- Cybersecurity training12 programs
- IT training40 programs
- Cosmetology school9 programs
- Barber school3 programs
- Esthetician school7 programs
- Nail tech school6 programs
- EKG technician programs1 program
- Massage therapy school13 programs
- Paralegal programs10 programs
- Fire academy4 programs
- Surgical tech programs7 programs
- Radiology tech programs9 programs
- Culinary school8 programs
- Home health aide training1 program
- PTA programs4 programs
- Medical administrative assistant training10 programs
- Human resources training6 programs
- Medication aide training9 programs
- Industrial maintenance technician training23 programs
- Early childhood education programs20 programs
- Aircraft mechanic school3 programs
- Supply chain and logistics training5 programs
- Hospitality management programs10 programs
- Addiction counselor training1 program
- Coding and software development courses20 programs
- Lineman school1 program
- Sterile processing technician training3 programs
- Sonography school3 programs
- Data analytics courses4 programs
- Administrative assistant training32 programs
- Respiratory therapy programs5 programs
- Medical lab technician programs10 programs
- AutoCAD and drafting courses10 programs
- Digital marketing courses5 programs
- Web and graphic design courses14 programs
- Health information technology programs7 programs
- Vet tech programs6 programs
- Patient care technician training1 program
- OTA programs2 programs
- Interpreter and translator training1 program
- Home inspector training1 program
- Forklift certification2 programs
- Personal trainer certification1 program
- Healthcare administration programs4 programs
- Customer service training4 programs
- Flight school1 program
- MRI tech school1 program
- RBT certification training1 program
- Mental health technician training3 programs
- Human services programs12 programs
- Manufacturing technician training2 programs
- Electronics technician training10 programs
- Business administration programs26 programs
- Criminal justice programs7 programs
- Teacher assistant certification8 programs
- Auto body repair classes12 programs
- Solar and wind technician training5 programs
- Water treatment operator training2 programs
- Insurance license courses1 program
- Construction training programs10 programs
- Dental hygiene programs5 programs
- Accounting and bookkeeping classes32 programs
- Project management certification10 programs
Where the Iowa RN program numbers come from
Which Iowa RN programs are on this list?
These are the RN programs Iowa approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).10 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what Iowa offers.
How the prices and results of Iowa RN programs are measured
Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.
Sources for the facts about RN programs in Iowa
Show the 10 sourcesHide the sources
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing: U.S. Members
- US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
- US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
- Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
- US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
- US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
- US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
- US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
- US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List