With the demand for nurses skyrocketing all around the country, it's no wonder why many registered nurses (RNs) in Iowa are choosing to go back to school to complete a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. If you are a registered nurse who has gained licensure through an Associate's Degree in Nursing, there are specialized nursing degrees out there to help you earn a more advanced degree. These RN to BSN programs will help current RNs achieve lucrative leadership nursing roles.

2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Iowa

Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Iowa? RegisteredNursing.org has ranked the top options to help you advance your nursing career. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and flexibility to fit your busy schedule. We know how important it is to find a program that works for you. Check out our rankings to see which schools made the cut. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

University of Iowa

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

Bachelor's - RN-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Iowa's online RN-BSN program stands out for its flexibility and quality, catering to registered nurses aiming to elevate their professional standing. This program is tailored for those with an associate degree or diploma in nursing, offering a curriculum that enhances clinical expertise and opens doors to higher-level healthcare positions. Recognized as the #4 Best BSN Program in 2024, it not only bolsters your nursing skills but also sets a solid foundation for pursuing advanced degrees. With its online format, working nurses can balance their studies with professional commitments, making it an ideal choice for career advancement.

  • Online RN-BSN program
  • Nationally ranked nursing school
  • Flexible for working nurses
  • Prepares for advanced degrees
  • #4 Best BSN Program 2024
#2

Iowa State University

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

Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Iowa State University offers an RN-to-BSN hybrid program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their careers. This program stands out by blending online coursework with interactive learning, focusing on enhancing leadership, research, and population health competencies. It requires a minimum 2.5 GPA for admission and culminates in 32 credits, preparing nurses for advanced roles in healthcare with a strong emphasis on ethical, culturally sensitive care. The curriculum is designed to fit the busy schedules of working professionals, ensuring a balance between education and practical nursing responsibilities.

  • RN-to-BSN hybrid program
  • Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • 32 total credits required
  • Focuses on research, leadership
  • Professional nursing development
#3

Morningside University

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

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Morningside University offers an online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional qualifications without pausing their careers. This program stands out for its affordability at $369 per credit and the generous transfer policy allowing up to 94 credits, making it an attractive option for nurses with prior academic credits. Designed for completion in 1-2 years, it focuses on enhancing nurses' abilities in evidence-based practice, leadership, and holistic patient care. The curriculum is structured to accommodate the busy schedules of working nurses, requiring a minimum of 30 credits for graduation. Admission prerequisites include an active RN license, a 2.75 cumulative GPA, BLS certification, and a background check. The program's accreditation by the CCNE ensures a high-quality education that meets national standards.

  • 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
#4

Saint Ambrose University

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

Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Saint Ambrose University offers an online RN-to-BSN program tailored for registered nurses aiming to elevate their careers. This program stands out for its emphasis on holistic patient care, diversity, and interprofessional collaboration, all delivered through a flexible online format that accommodates working professionals. Students benefit from small class sizes, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and a curriculum designed to enhance clinical skills and ethical reasoning. With 124 total credit hours, the program is accredited and focuses on preparing nurses for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings. The approach to nursing education here integrates cutting-edge healthcare practices with a strong foundation in human dignity and 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
#5

Northwestern College

Orange City, IA - Private 4-year - nwciowa.edu

Bachelor's - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Northwestern College's RN to BSN online program stands out for its integration of Christian values into nursing education, offering a unique approach to holistic patient care. This 100% online program is tailored for working RNs, featuring an 8-week course format that allows for flexible scheduling. With the ability to transfer up to 66 credits and a requirement of only 22 nursing credits, students can efficiently advance their education. The program is CCNE accredited, ensuring high-quality standards. Admission criteria include a valid RN license, a minimum 2.7 GPA, and a clean professional record. A public health clinical option is available, alongside part-time study opportunities, making it ideal for those balancing work and education.

  • 100% Online Program
  • 8-Week Course Format
  • 22 Total Nursing Credits
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Transfer Up to 66 Credits
  • Minimum 2.7 GPA Required
  • Public Health Clinical Option
  • Part-Time Study Available
  • Christian Care Philosophy
*Higher education statistics sourced from IPEDS 2023 via NCES.

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.

SchoolDegree NameLength
University of IowaOnline RN to BSN1 Year
Iowa State UniversityRN to BSN1 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:

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
Iowa State UniversityRN to BSN$4,626 per year (Resident)

$13,673 (Non-Resident)

University of IowaOnline RN to BSN$11,283 per year (Resident)

$33,371 per year (Non-Resident)

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

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

2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Iowa

View the best accredited RN to BSN degree programs in Iowa by taking a look at our listings below.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Jump to City:

Ames, IA

Iowa State University

  • Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

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

Cedar Rapids, IA

Mount Mercy University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN Completion Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible nursing completion
    • Credits for prior nursing experience
    • Designed for working RNs
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Current RN license mandatory
    • Comprehensive nursing curriculum
    • Professional development focus
    • Clinical skill enhancement

Davenport, IA

Saint Ambrose University

  • Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 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

Des Moines, IA

Mercy College of Health Sciences

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible program
    • 12-month completion time
    • Over $10,000 total cost
    • CCNE Accredited program
    • 30 major credit hours
    • Faculty with 23+ years experience
    • Fall and Spring start dates
    • Median wage $75,330

Iowa City, IA

University of Iowa

  • Bachelor's - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

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

Lamoni, IA

Graceland University-Lamoni

  • Bachelor's - Nursing: RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 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

Orange City, IA

Northwestern College

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 8-Week Course Format
    • 22 Total Nursing Credits
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Transfer Up to 66 Credits
    • Minimum 2.7 GPA Required
    • Public Health Clinical Option
    • Part-Time Study Available

Sioux City, IA

Briar Cliff University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 1-2 Year Completion Timeline
    • Transfer Up to 90 Credits
    • Accredited Nursing Program
    • Multiple Start Dates
    • Flexible Course Schedule
    • Project-Based Clinical Activities
    • 2.75 GPA Admission Requirement

Morningside University

  • Bachelor's - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 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
*From: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/