Top 18 Best BSN Programs in Iowa [2023]

There are several great reasons to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN, degree in the hawkeye state. The most important one is that Iowa is on the verge of a nurse retirement crisis. The state is already facing a nurse shortage, and 21% of the current nursing workforce is currently eligible for retirement. With Iowa’s nurse shortage being projected to get much worse over the next five years, it will be easy to find work with your BSN degree.

Beyond the job prospects, Iowa is a fun place to live. Nature lovers can look forward to 220 miles of walking paths in the beautiful Loess Hills area. Iowa is also home to Dickinson County’s “Great Lakes,” including the 5,000+ acre Spirit Lake. The lower-than-average cost of living in Iowa means your money will go a long way there. With an average nursing salary of $53,520, it’s easy to achieve financial stability as a registered nurse in this state.

A non-profit institution called The Iowa Nurses Association is working to solve the nurse shortage problem in Iowa. When you study in this state, you’ll have plenty of resources to help you get through your four-year BSN program.

The Best BSN Programs in Iowa

The largest BSN program in this state by far is the one offered by the University of Iowa. With that said, there are several smaller private schools that you can look at for alternative choices. When considering the schools, look for good NCLEX-RN pass rates and small class sizes. Also, ensure that the school you choose offers an accredited BSN program.

1. Briar Cliff University

   3303 Rebecca St, Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 279-5321

2. Saint Ambrose University

   518 W Locust St, Davenport, IA 52803 (563) 333-6000

3. Mercy College of Health Sciences

   928 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 643-3180

4. Coe College

   1220 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 (319) 399-8000

5. Grand View University

   1200 Grandview Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316 (515) 263-2800

6. Luther College

   700 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 387-2000

7. Morningside College

   1501 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106 (712) 274-5000

8. Allen College

   1990 Heath St, Waterloo, IA 50703 (319) 226-2000

9. Iowa Wesleyan University

   601 N Main St, Mt Pleasant, IA 52641 (319) 385-8021

10. Mount Mercy University

    1330 Elmhurst Dr NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 (319) 363-8213

11. Dordt College

    700 7th St NE, Sioux Center, IA 51250 (712) 722-6000

12. Graceland University-Lamoni

    1 University Pl, Lamoni, IA 50140 (641) 784-5000

13. Clarke University

    1550 Clarke Dr, Dubuque, IA 52001 (563) 588-6300

14. Kaplan University-Davenport Campus

    1801 E Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA 52807 (563) 355-3500

15. University of Dubuque

    2000 University Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001 (563) 589-3000

16. Upper Iowa University

    605 Washington St, Fayette, IA 52142 (563) 425-5200

17. University of Iowa

    5 W Jefferson St, Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 335-3500

18. William Penn University

    201 W Trueblood Ave, Oskaloosa, IA 52577 (641) 673-1001