18 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Graceland University-Lamoni
Lamoni, Iowa
|
$15,975 | $63,005 | $33,220 | 38.3% | 74.5% |
| 2 |
Coe College
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
|
$19,155 | $58,402 | $52,576 | 59.0% | |
| 3 |
Clarke University
Dubuque, Iowa
|
$20,068 | $57,210 | $39,600 | 54.9% | 84.8% |
| 4 |
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
|
$21,398 | $60,854 | $10,964 | 73.1% | 86.0% |
| 5 |
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, Iowa
|
$21,590 | $57,657 | $35,534 | 49.4% | |
| 6 |
Northwestern College
Orange City, Iowa
|
$23,519 | $61,516 | $35,300 | 63.6% | 87.3% |
| 7 |
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, Iowa
|
$22,750 | $59,377 | $35,598 | 62.8% | 73.9% |
| 8 |
Upper Iowa University
Fayette, Iowa
|
$23,172 | $59,781 | $19,000 | 41.5% | 54.2% |
| 9 |
Luther College
Decorah, Iowa
|
$25,635 | $65,441 | $50,320 | 75.0% | 75.3% |
| 10 |
Grand View University
Des Moines, Iowa
|
$21,616 | $54,621 | $33,450 | 55.8% | 98.4% |
| 11 |
Morningside University
Sioux City, Iowa
|
$23,169 | $58,479 | $38,190 | 52.8% | 70.6% |
| 12 |
University of Dubuque
Dubuque, Iowa
|
$23,250 | $57,318 | $40,065 | 41.1% | 85.1% |
| 13 |
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Des Moines, Iowa
|
$23,417 | $57,137 | $17,328 | 48.6% | 96.7% |
| 14 |
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
|
$23,435 | $56,847 | $39,070 | 55.9% | 75.3% |
| 15 |
Dordt University
Sioux Center, Iowa
|
$25,383 | $56,776 | $35,960 | 65.3% | 87.7% |
| 16 |
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
|
$18,165 | $10,497 | 75.5% | 90.2% | |
| 17 |
St Luke's College
Sioux City, Iowa
|
$13,021 | $20,940 | 33.3% | 80.0% | |
| 18 |
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, Iowa
|
$22,115 | $28,750 | 29.2% | 57.7% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Iowa nursing programs such good financial investments?
Iowa nursing graduates earn between $54,621 and $65,441 annually while paying net costs as low as $15,975 at Graceland University-Lamoni. The state's low cost of living means these salaries stretch further than in coastal markets. Even expensive programs like Luther College at $25,635 net cost produce graduates earning $65,441, creating strong return on investment within just a few years of graduation.
How do Iowa's private nursing colleges compare to public options?
The University of Iowa stands as the sole major public option at $21,398 net cost, while private colleges range from $15,975 to $25,635. Private institutions like Northwestern College and Saint Ambrose University offer competitive value with graduates earning $61,516 and $59,377 respectively. Most private programs maintain acceptance rates above 70%, providing accessible pathways to nursing careers.
Is there significant variation in nursing graduate debt across Iowa schools?
Graduate debt varies considerably from $17,734 at the University of Iowa to $27,726 at Morningside University. Notably, several schools including Mercy College of Health Sciences keep debt below $20,000 despite strong graduate earnings. The debt-to-income ratios remain manageable across all programs, with most graduates earning enough to comfortably service their educational loans.
Where do Iowa nursing graduates find the highest-paying positions?
Luther College graduates command the highest median earnings at $65,441, followed by Graceland University graduates at $63,005. Northwestern College and University of Iowa graduates also exceed $60,000 annually. Iowa's major healthcare systems including UnityPoint Health and regional medical centers provide numerous opportunities for advancement into nursing administration and specialized clinical roles that drive higher compensation.
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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.