Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Iowa

Last Updated On Mar 11, 2025

RegisteredNursing.org Staff

4 Min Read

2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Iowa

Finding the best online RN to BSN programs in Iowa just got easier. RegisteredNursing.org has ranked the top programs to help nurses advance their careers. These programs offer flexibility, quality education, and support for working nurses. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills or move into leadership roles, our rankings guide you to the right choice. Start your journey today with a program that fits your life and goals. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA - Public 4-Year - uiowa.edu

Bachelor's - RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Iowa's RN-BSN online program provides licensed registered nurses with a flexible pathway to advance their professional nursing credentials. Designed for associate degree and diploma-prepared nurses, this program enables students to expand their clinical skills and career potential. The curriculum builds on existing nursing knowledge, offering a comprehensive educational experience that prepares nurses for broader healthcare roles and potential graduate studies.

Online RN-BSN program
Nationally ranked nursing school
Flexible for working nurses
Prepares for advanced degrees
#4 Best BSN Program 2024

Morningside University

Sioux City, IA - Private 4-year - morningside.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Morningside University's online RN to BSN program empowers working nurses to advance their careers flexibly. Designed for registered nurses with associate degrees, the program allows seamless credit transfer and can be completed in 1-2 years. With an affordable per-credit cost of $369 and the ability to transfer up to 94 credits, students can efficiently pursue their bachelor's degree while maintaining professional commitments. The program prepares nurses for holistic, evidence-based healthcare delivery, emphasizing professional development, leadership skills, and a foundation for advanced nursing roles.

Online flexible program
30 minimum credits
Transfer up to 94 credits
$369 per credit
1-2 years completion time
Active RN license required
2.75 cumulative GPA
CCNE accredited program
BLS certification needed
Background check required

Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, IA - Private 4-year - sau.edu

Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Unlock your potential in nursing with Saint Ambrose University's dynamic RN-to-BSN online program. Designed for working nurses seeking career advancement, this comprehensive degree equips you with advanced clinical skills, ethical reasoning, and holistic patient care strategies. The flexible online format allows seamless integration with your professional life, while the curriculum emphasizes diversity, interprofessional collaboration, and cutting-edge healthcare practices. With competitive tuition rates, transfer credit opportunities, and a focus on human dignity, this program prepares nurses to excel in various healthcare settings and make meaningful contributions to patient wellness.

Online RN-to-BSN program
124 total credit hours
State-of-the-art simulation labs
Holistic nursing approach
Flexible learning options
Small class sizes
Accredited nursing program
Clinical skills development
Diversity and inclusion focus

Graceland University-Lamoni

Lamoni, IA - Private 4-year - graceland.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing: RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Graceland University's RN to BSN online program provides a flexible pathway for registered nurses to advance their education and career. Designed for working professionals, this comprehensive program allows nurses to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing without disrupting their current work schedules. The curriculum covers essential nursing competencies, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for enhanced clinical roles and potential graduate study. With affordable tuition at $515 per semester hour and a 20% partnership tuition reduction, the program offers an accessible route to professional development. Ideal for nurses seeking to expand their knowledge, improve patient care capabilities, and increase career opportunities in healthcare.

Online flexible format
$515 per semester hour
20% partnership tuition reduction
Nationally accredited program
Comprehensive nursing curriculum
Option for BSN-MSN combined track
Multiple nursing specialty tracks

Iowa State University

Ames, IA - Public 4-Year - iastate.edu

Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Iowa State University's RN-to-BSN program provides a transformative educational pathway for licensed registered nurses seeking career advancement. Designed for associate degree holders, this hybrid program emphasizes professional development through interactive learning experiences. Students gain advanced knowledge in research, leadership, population health, and self-care while developing skills to deliver culturally sensitive, ethical nursing care. The comprehensive curriculum prepares nurses to excel in diverse healthcare settings, with a minimum 2.5 GPA required for admission and a total of 32 credits needed for graduation.

RN-to-BSN hybrid program
Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
32 total credits required
Focuses on research, leadership
Professional nursing development

Fast & Affordable Program Options

Getting a BSN can be a challenging process, but as a bridge program, RN to BSNs are a much easier undertaking, especially for nurses who are working full-time and have little time and money to commit to their education.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

With a traditional BSN program, you could be required to invest four years (or more) to get your degree. But an RN to BSN program is a fast-tracked option, allowing you to graduate in only two years — or even less. These programs build on your previous nursing experience and training and you may even get your degree in as little as 6 months. Below are a few options for the fastest RN to BSN programs in the state.

School	Degree Name	Length
University of Iowa	Online RN to BSN	1 Year
Iowa State University	RN to BSN	1 Year

Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

Yes, they do, but they aren’t super common. If you have substantial transferable credits and an associate degree in nursing, a 6-month RN to BSN may be an option for you if one is offered in your community. Unfortunately, you’ll have to look outside of Iowa if you want to pursue these opportunities as none are currently offered in the state.

Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

As mentioned, RN to BSN programs can be extremely affordable, but it’s good to be aware of the individual costs involved, especially when relocating to Iowa from another state. Many schools (particularly state schools) divide their tuition rates by whether or not you are a resident of Iowa or if you are an online student. Additionally, you may find that technology fees in combination with the cost of textbooks and room and board may add up to the cost of your total tuition. That being said, there are a few RN to BSN programs in the state that offer the lowest tuition rates:

School

Degree Name

Tuition Cost

Iowa State University

RN to BSN

$4,626 per year (Resident)

$13,673 (Non-Resident)

University of Iowa

Online RN to BSN

$11,283 per year (Resident)

$33,371 per year (Non-Resident)

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

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Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

To be accepted into an RN to BSN program, you must meet all your school's requirements. Competitive programs will pick only the top applicants. Entrance criteria is not unlike other college admissions criteria. Below are some examples of requirements at accredited Iowa colleges:

Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
Must have computer literacy
Current Iowa license as a registered nurse
General Education requirements must be met prior to beginning the program

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

Generally, once general education requirements are completed, students are able to tackle the specialized nursing coursework. Waterloo, Iowa's Allen College features the following nursing courses as part of their RN to BSN program:

NU 301: Intro to Baccalaureate Nursing
NU 461: Nursing Leadership
NU 380: Introduction to Nursing Research
NU 457: Chronic Illness
NU 450: Community & Public Health Nursing