Best Nursing Schools in Iowa: Online Programs (2026)

Updated September 6, 2026 BLS data College Scorecard On this page

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Iowa Nursing At a Glance

Metric Detail
Median Nursing Salary $119,200
Salary Outlook Iowa offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing Body Iowa Board of Nursing
Accreditation Required Institutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in Iowa offers a flexible path into nursing careers. Iowa offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Iowa students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Online Nursing Schools in Iowa

The following schools offer accredited online nursing programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Iowa.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#2

Iowa State University

Ames, IA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
76.9 BOC Score
Graduation rate 74%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $63,386
Avg net price $18,589/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 88%
  • Programs offered: 169

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

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#3

St Luke's College

Sioux City, IA
  • 4 year
  • Offers a fully online program
  • Accredited
75.4 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 80%
Graduation rate 70%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $61,033
Avg net price $19,820/yr
Tuition
In‑state$24,175
Out‑of‑state$24,175
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Luther College

Decorah, IA
  • 4 year
56.2 BOC Score
Graduation rate 72%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $59,850
Avg net price $23,097/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 78%
  • Programs offered: 43

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

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#5

Coe College

Cedar Rapids, IA
  • 4 year
52.8 BOC Score
Graduation rate 65%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $57,125
Avg net price $18,745/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 75%
  • Programs offered: 38

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in Iowa

Nursing professionals in Iowa experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Iowa.

Occupation Median Annual Salary (Iowa)
Registered Nurse $78,630
Licensed Practical Nurse $62,630
Nurse Anesthetist $273,070
Nurse Midwife $131,360
Nurse Practitioner $130,160
Nursing Assistant $39,350

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Why Pursue an Online Nursing Degree in Iowa?

Choosing a program in Iowa can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Iowa offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local nursing programs are designed to meet Iowa Board of Nursing requirements, facilitating your path to RN or APRN licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online nursing programs in Iowa accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Nursing pay in Iowa compare to other states?

Iowa offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Iowa a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for nursing in Iowa?

The Iowa Board of Nursing oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Iowa. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.

Online Nursing Programs by City in Iowa

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Ames · Ankeny · Bettendorf · Burlington · Cedar Falls · Cedar Rapids · Clinton · Coralville · Council Bluffs · Davenport · Des Moines · Dubuque · Fort Dodge · Iowa City · Johnston · Marion · Marshalltown · Mason City · Muscatine · Ottumwa · Sioux City · Urbandale · Waterloo · West Des Moines

Browse Other States

Back to Best Online Nursing Degrees by State (2026 Directory)