2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Iowa
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Iowa? We have ranked 75 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Nursing Degree Search evaluated 31 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Iowa
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Western Iowa Tech Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in Iowa. Set in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,186 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. The median Nursing program debt is $11,886. Western Iowa Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,473 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College
A rank of #2 makes Des Moines Area Community College one of the best values in Iowa. Based in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,790 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Students borrow a median of $14,956 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $41,018 ten years out. Set against $14,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Des Moines Area Community College
Eastern Iowa Community College District came in at #3 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in Iowa. Based in Davenport, IA, Eastern Iowa Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,848 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,456. Eastern Iowa Community College District Nursing students take on a median of $15,995 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,060 ten years out. Set against $15,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Eastern Iowa Community College District report
Out of the 31 schools in Iowa in this year's value ranking, North Iowa Area Community College landed the #4 spot. Located in Mason City, IA, North Iowa Area Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,653, compared with $9,551 for out-of-state students. North Iowa Area Community College Nursing students take on a median of $12,043 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,462. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about North Iowa Area Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar came in at #5 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in Iowa. Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public school based in Calmar, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,780, while out-of-state students pay about $7,770. Typical Nursing student debt is $14,348. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,306. Set against $14,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
Marshalltown Community College placed #6 among the best-value Nursing schools in Iowa. Located in Marshalltown, IA, Marshalltown Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,496, compared with $6,504 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $11,577. Marshalltown Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Marshalltown Community College report
Iowa Central Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Iowa Central Community College is a public school based in Fort Dodge, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,496, with out-of-state students paying around $7,788. Students borrow a median of $16,135 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,046 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,135 median debt. More on Iowa Central Community College
Southeastern Community College West Burlington ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in West Burlington, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,420, with out-of-state students paying around $6,570. Typical Nursing student debt is $16,126. Southeastern Community College West Burlington alumni report median earnings of $36,882 a decade after entry. Set against $16,126 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Southeastern Community College West Burlington report
Hawkeye Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Waterloo, IA, Hawkeye Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,525, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. The median Nursing program debt is $17,001. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,849. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Hawkeye Community College
Kirkwood Community College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,176, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,779 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $41,016 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,779 median debt. Read the full report on Kirkwood Community College
Northwest Iowa Community College placed #11 among the best-value Nursing schools in Iowa. Set in Sheldon, IA, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,350, while out-of-state students pay about $7,650. Students borrow a median of $12,271 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,776. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northwest Iowa Community College
Indian Hills Community College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Ottumwa, IA, Indian Hills Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, compared with $6,120 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $15,390. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,507. Set against $15,390 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Indian Hills Community College profile
Iowa Western Community College landed the #13 spot for value in Iowa this year. Set in Council Bluffs, IA, Iowa Western Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,930, while out-of-state students pay about $7,080. Graduates carry a median of $15,153 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,793 ten years after entry. Set against $15,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Iowa Western Community College
Morningside College placed #14 among the best-value Nursing schools in Iowa. Located in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,519. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,281. Median earnings reach $55,494 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,281 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full Morningside College profile
Southwestern Community College Creston came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Creston, IA, Southwestern Community College Creston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,064, compared with $8,316 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,881 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $40,129 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,881 median debt. Get the full Southwestern Community College Creston report
University Of Iowa landed the #16 spot for value in Iowa this year. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $24,463. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full University Of Iowa report
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $23,495 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. More on Iowa State University
Graceland University Lamoni offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Lamoni, IA, Graceland University Lamoni is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,848. Graceland University Lamoni Nursing students take on a median of $27,509 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,361. Set against $27,509 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Graceland University Lamoni profile
Iowa Lakes Community College landed the #19 spot for value in Iowa this year. Iowa Lakes Community College is a public school based in Estherville, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,392, with out-of-state students paying around $7,872. Iowa Lakes Community College Nursing students take on a median of $20,876 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,108. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Iowa Lakes Community College
Briar Cliff University placed #20 among the best-value Nursing schools in Iowa. Briar Cliff University is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,642. The median Nursing program debt is $29,918. Median earnings reach $54,475 ten years out. Set against $29,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Briar Cliff University profile
Northwestern College Iowa landed the #21 spot for value in Iowa this year. Located in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,710. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,415. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,802. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northwestern College Iowa
Clarke University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Clarke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dubuque, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,910. Students borrow a median of $26,895 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,396. Set against $26,895 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clarke University admits about 72% of applicants. More on Clarke University
Dordt College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux Center, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,050. Typical Nursing student debt is $21,812. Median earnings reach $52,559 ten years out. Set against $21,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Dordt College
Saint Ambrose University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Davenport, IA, Saint Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,658. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,528. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,531 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full Saint Ambrose University report
Upper Iowa University landed the #25 spot for value in Iowa this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fayette, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,475. The median Nursing program debt is $34,059. Median earnings reach $52,766 ten years out. Set against $34,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Upper Iowa University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Iowa
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Mount Mercy University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cedar Rapids, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $40,878. The median Nursing program debt is $27,709. Median earnings reach $60,787 ten years out. Set against $27,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mount Mercy University
Grand View University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Des Moines, IA, Grand View University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,762. Graduates carry a median of $26,941 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,824 ten years after entry. Set against $26,941 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand View University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Grand View University
Luther College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Decorah, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $52,120. The median Nursing program debt is $26,967. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,850. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Luther College
University Of Dubuque landed the #29 spot for value in Iowa this year. University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit school based in Dubuque, IA. Students from in state pay about $42,095 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,204 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,190. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Dubuque
Coe College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Coe College is a private not-for-profit school based in Cedar Rapids, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $54,666. Students borrow a median of $26,900 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $57,125 ten years out. Set against $26,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Coe College report
Central College
Central College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. See the full Central College profile
University Of Northern Iowa placed #32 among the best-value Nursing schools in Iowa. More on University Of Northern Iowa
La James International College Johnston came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. See the full La James International College Johnston profile
La James International College Davenport came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Read more about La James International College Davenport
Allen College
Allen College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Read more about Allen College
Emmaus Bible College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. More on Emmaus Bible College
Divine Word College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. More on Divine Word College
Ellsworth Community College placed #38 among the best-value Nursing schools in Iowa. Read more about Ellsworth Community College
Cornell College
Cornell College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. See the full Cornell College profile
Hamilton Technical College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. More on Hamilton Technical College
Brown Mackie College Quad Cities landed the #41 spot for value in Iowa this year. Get the full Brown Mackie College Quad Cities report
Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Read the full report on Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School
Iowa School Of Beauty Sioux City placed #43 among the best-value Nursing schools in Iowa. Read more about Iowa School Of Beauty Sioux City
Iowa School Of Beauty Des Moines placed #44 among the best-value Nursing schools in Iowa. Read more about Iowa School Of Beauty Des Moines
Faith Baptist Bible College And Theological Seminary landed the #45 spot for value in Iowa this year. Read the full report on Faith Baptist Bible College And Theological Seminary
Mercy College Of Health Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read the full report on Mercy College Of Health Sciences
St Lukes College
St Lukes College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. See the full St Lukes College profile
Unitypoint Health Des Moines School Of Radiologic Technology landed the #48 spot for value in Iowa this year. Get the full Unitypoint Health Des Moines School Of Radiologic Technology report
American Hair Academy ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Read more about American Hair Academy
William Penn University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Get the full William Penn University report
More Nursing Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 31 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 75 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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