Best Iowa RN-to-MSN Nursing Degree Programs

NurseJournal Staff
By
Updated on November 5, 2024
Edited by
    These programs help Iowa nurses earn their master of science in nursing degree in state — and perhaps advance their careers to new heights.
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    Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

    Featured ImageCredit: Walter Bibikow / DigitalVision / Getty Images

    There is a dire need for nurses in Iowa. Cancer is now the leading cause of death in the state, while the population ages and persistent health issues like obesity and heart disease continue to increase.

    If you’ve ever felt called to take care of people, you could be in a position to help. Are you a registered nurse (RN) who enjoys the work but wants to practice more independently? If so, obtaining your master of science in nursing (MSN) degree can pay huge dividends. Some degree programs allow learners with an RN license to earn their MSN, even if they haven’t previously earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

    We’ve provided the full landscape below, listing the top RN-to-MSN degree programs in the Hawkeye State.

    Popular Online MSN Programs

    Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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    Explore the Best Iowa RN-to-MSN Degree Programs and Schools

    We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
    from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
    #1 Best Iowa RN-to-MSN Nursing Degree Programs

    Saint Ambrose University

    • Location-markerDavenport, IA
    • 2 year
    • Campus + Online

    The St. Ambrose Nursing Department now offers a BSN program, as well as a BSN to MSN program through ACCEL. This means that they are focused on offering students high professional standards, which they can use to advance their career or even change career directions.

    • Campus Location: Davenport, Iowa
    • Type: Private
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Tuition: $455 per credit
    • Financial Aid: No
    • Scholarships: No
    • Time Commitment: 36 months
    • Available Online: No
    • Degree Requirements: GPA of 3.0, resume, transcript, letters of recommendation, personal statement and essays, undergraduate statistics class and interview
    • Programs: BSN to MSN
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$33,290
    • Out-of-state$33,290
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-State$18,360
    • Out-of-state$18,360
    • Retention Rate79%
    • Acceptance Rate74%
    • Students Enrolled2,749
    • Institution TypePrivate
    • Percent Online Enrollment30%
    • AccreditationYes
    #2 Best Iowa RN-to-MSN Nursing Degree Programs

    Allen College

    • Location-markerWaterloo, IA
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online

    Allen College has applied its mission statement to all its nursing degree programs. It is designed to prepare students from a range of backgrounds to take on advanced roles in nursing in a huge range of settings. The faculty members are trained to make sure their knowledge is synthesized to that of their students, encouraging practice and inquiry. The degrees come with practicum opportunities, which mix the theoretical elements with the clinical components.

    • Campus Location: Waterloo, Iowa
    • Type: Private
    • Accreditation: CCNE, NLNAC
    • Tuition: $712 per credit
    • Financial Aid: Yes
    • Scholarships: Yes
    • Time Commitment: 36 to 53 credits (24 to 48 months)
    • Available Online: Yes
    • Degree Requirements: GPA of 3.0, resume, transcript, undergraduate statistics class, letters of recommendation, personal statement and essays
    • Programs: BSN to MSN, RN to MSN, Doctorate Degrees, Post-Master’s Certificate
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$18,956
    • Out-of-state$18,956
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-State$18,120
    • Out-of-state$18,400
    • Retention Rate91%
    • Acceptance Rate100%
    • Students Enrolled497
    • Institution TypePrivate
    • Percent Online Enrollment82%
    • AccreditationYes
    #3 Best Iowa RN-to-MSN Nursing Degree Programs

    Briar Cliff University

    • Location-markerSioux City, IA
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online

    Briar Cliff University wants to enable people to promote health, healing and hope. They want this on an individual level, but also for the community as a whole. They are strong advocates of social justice and of creating healthy environments. In the eyes of Briar Cliff, health is a state of being and one that you can become. All humans are born with the right to be healthy and it is a value that individuals can choose for themselves. As a Catholic Franciscan school, they also value the sanctity of life, community, openness and service.

    • Campus Location: Sioux City, Iowa
    • Type: Private
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Tuition: $526 per unit
    • Financial Aid: Yes
    • Scholarships: Yes
    • Time Commitment: 24 months
    • Available Online: Yes
    • Degree Requirements: GPA of 3.0, personal statement and essays, transcript and letters of recommendation
    • Programs: BSN to MSN as well as post-Master’s certificates
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$32,526
    • Out-of-state$32,526
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-State$9,450
    • Out-of-state$9,450
    • Retention Rate63%
    • Acceptance RateN/A
    • Students Enrolled1,000
    • Institution TypePrivate
    • Percent Online Enrollment39%
    • AccreditationYes
    #4 Best Iowa RN-to-MSN Nursing Degree Programs

    University of Iowa

    • Location-markerIowa City, IA
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online

    The University of Iowa College of Nursing is there to prepare the nurses of today to be able to apply all their knowledge and training to healthcare settings. They will also learn how to adapt and evolve together with the ever-changing world of health care.

    • Campus Location: Iowa City, Iowa
    • Type: Public
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Tuition: $31,155 per year for out of state and $15,507 for in state
    • Financial Aid: No
    • Scholarships: No
    • Time Commitment: Between 24 and 30 months
    • Available Online: Yes
    • Degree Requirements: GPA of 3.0, transcript, personal statement and essays, resume, undergraduate statistics class, letters of recommendation
    • Programs: Doctorate Degrees and BSN to MSN
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$8,356
    • Out-of-state$30,319
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-State$10,432
    • Out-of-state$29,379
    • Retention Rate88%
    • Acceptance Rate86%
    • Students Enrolled29,909
    • Institution TypePublic
    • Percent Online Enrollment55%
    • AccreditationYes
    #5 Best Iowa RN-to-MSN Nursing Degree Programs

    Clarke University

    • Location-markerDubuque, IA
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online

    The Clarke University Nursing Department offers a program that allows students to develop themselves and to use the skills they have used in compassionate nursing care. Clarke graduates are in high demand in a range of different health organizations. This is because the faculty mentors have a commitment to excellence both in terms of theoretical education and practical experience.

    • Campus Location: Dubuque, Iowa
    • Type: Private
    • Accreditation: CCNE
    • Tuition: $690 per credit
    • Financial Aid: No
    • Scholarships: No
    • Time Commitment: 37-45 credits
    • Available Online: Yes
    • Degree Requirements: GPA of 3.0, resume, transcript, letters of recommendation, personal statement and essays, undergraduate statistics 
    • Programs: Post-Master’s Certificate, BSN to MSN and Doctorate Degrees
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$35,740
    • Out-of-state$35,740
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-State$13,847
    • Out-of-state$13,847
    • Retention Rate65%
    • Acceptance Rate89%
    • Students Enrolled888
    • Institution TypePrivate
    • Percent Online Enrollment62%
    • AccreditationYes