18 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
St Luke's College
Sioux City, Iowa
|
$13,021 | $20,940 | 33.3% | 80.0% |
| 2 |
Graceland University-Lamoni
Lamoni, Iowa
|
$15,975 | $33,220 | 38.3% | 74.5% |
| 3 |
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
|
$18,165 | $10,497 | 75.5% | 90.2% |
| 4 |
Coe College
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
|
$19,155 | $52,576 | 59.0% | |
| 5 |
Clarke University
Dubuque, Iowa
|
$20,068 | $39,600 | 54.9% | 84.8% |
| 6 |
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
|
$21,398 | $10,964 | 73.1% | 86.0% |
| 7 |
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, Iowa
|
$21,590 | $35,534 | 49.4% | |
| 8 |
Grand View University
Des Moines, Iowa
|
$21,616 | $33,450 | 55.8% | 98.4% |
| 9 |
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, Iowa
|
$22,115 | $28,750 | 29.2% | 57.7% |
| 10 |
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, Iowa
|
$22,750 | $35,598 | 62.8% | 73.9% |
| 11 |
Morningside University
Sioux City, Iowa
|
$23,169 | $38,190 | 52.8% | 70.6% |
| 12 |
Upper Iowa University
Fayette, Iowa
|
$23,172 | $19,000 | 41.5% | 54.2% |
| 13 |
University of Dubuque
Dubuque, Iowa
|
$23,250 | $40,065 | 41.1% | 85.1% |
| 14 |
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Des Moines, Iowa
|
$23,417 | $17,328 | 48.6% | 96.7% |
| 15 |
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
|
$23,435 | $39,070 | 55.9% | 75.3% |
| 16 |
Northwestern College
Orange City, Iowa
|
$23,519 | $35,300 | 63.6% | 87.3% |
| 17 |
Dordt University
Sioux Center, Iowa
|
$25,383 | $35,960 | 65.3% | 87.7% |
| 18 |
Luther College
Decorah, Iowa
|
$25,635 | $50,320 | 75.0% | 75.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes St Luke's College so much cheaper than other Iowa nursing programs?
St Luke's College charges just $13,021 in net costs compared to the state average of around $21,000. As a specialized healthcare college affiliated with UnityPoint Health, it focuses exclusively on nursing education without the overhead of broader university programs. The college's clinical partnerships reduce training costs, and its 80% acceptance rate indicates less competition for spots than at more selective programs.
How do Iowa's public nursing programs compare in cost to private options?
Iowa State University and University of Iowa charge $18,165 and $21,398 respectively in net costs, while private colleges range from $15,975 to over $25,000. However, public programs show higher graduation rates, with Iowa State at 75.5% and University of Iowa at 73.1%. Private colleges like Graceland University offer competitive net pricing at $15,975 despite higher sticker prices through financial aid.
Is the earnings difference significant between Iowa nursing programs?
University of Iowa graduates earn the highest at $60,854, while Grand View University graduates start at $54,621, creating an $11,000 annual gap. Most programs cluster between $57,000-$59,000 in starting salaries. Given that University of Iowa also has reasonable debt loads at $17,734, the earnings premium may justify the higher net costs for some students.
Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Iowa nursing schools?
The data shows mixed patterns between cost and completion rates. Iowa State has the highest graduation rate at 75.5% with moderate costs, while expensive programs like those over $23,000 often show graduation rates in the 40-60% range. St Luke's College, despite being cheapest, has just a 33.3% graduation rate, suggesting affordability alone doesn't guarantee program completion.
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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.