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Iowa Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$111,812
National ComparisonIowa salaries are approximately 1.5% higher than the national average for nursing
Primary Licensing BodyIowa Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in Iowa offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Iowa salaries are approximately 1.5% higher than the national average for nursing roles. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Iowa students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top 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: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#2

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 85%
Graduation rate 73%
Tuition
In‑state$10,964
Out‑of‑state$32,927
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 21

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 38%
Tuition
In‑state$5,980
Out‑of‑state$7,968
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 68

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 41%
Tuition
In‑state$5,376
Out‑of‑state$7,668
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 57

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Indian Hills Community College

Ottumwa, IA In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 38%
Tuition
In‑state$4,872
Out‑of‑state$6,120
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 63

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, IA In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 38%
Tuition
In‑state$6,780
Out‑of‑state$6,930
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 57

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown, IA In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 36%
Tuition
In‑state$5,304
Out‑of‑state$5,808
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 27

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Iowa Lakes Community College

Estherville, IA In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 31%
Tuition
In‑state$7,196
Out‑of‑state$7,644
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 43

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege 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.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Iowa)
Registered Nurse$76,960
Licensed Practical Nurse$59,460
Nurse Anesthetist$229,950
Nurse Midwife$136,450
Nurse Practitioner$129,420
Nursing Assistant$38,630

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 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?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Iowa, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Nursing pay in Iowa compare to other states?

Iowa salaries are approximately 1.5% higher than the national average for nursing roles. 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.


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