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Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Iowa

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2023 Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Iowa

18 Schools Ranked
$6,933 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$21,468 Avg Student Debt

With all the nursing programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Nursing Degree Search has developed this Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. This report analyzed 18 schools in Iowa to see which ones were the most popular associate degree programs for nursing students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

166 Total Awards
$16,614 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Des Moines Area Community College to be the most popular school for nursing students who want to pursue a associate degree in Iowa. Des Moines Area Community College is a large public school located in Ankeny, Iowa that handed out 166 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,614 in student loans. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that DMACC does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 63% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Des Moines Area Community College

#2

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, Iowa
146 Total Awards
$6,330 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,172 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Iowa Western Community College is a great place for nursing students working on their associate degree. Located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the medium-sized public school handed out 146 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Students from Iowa who attend Iowa Western Community College full time pay an average of $6,330 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,480. Associate Degree recipients from Iowa Western Community College accumulate an average of $21,172 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Iowa Western Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 75% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#3

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
98 Total Awards
$5,308 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,972 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 18 schools in Iowa that were part of this year’s ranking, Kirkwood Community College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Kirkwood Community College is a fairly large public school situated in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It awarded 98 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Iowa who attend Kirkwood Community College full time pay an average of $5,308 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,072. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,972 in student loans. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Kirkwood Community College. In 2019-2020 about 86% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Kirkwood Community College

90 Total Awards
$6,120 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Northeast Iowa Community College is a great place for nursing students working on their associate degree. Northeast Iowa Community College is a small public school located in Calmar, Iowa that handed out 90 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at NICC is $6,120. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,840. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at NICC. In 2019-2020 about 55% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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86 Total Awards
$20,417 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Eastern Iowa Community College District. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Iowa list. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges is a public institution located in Davenport, Iowa. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 86 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $20,417 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 94% were women.

Online courses are available at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 61% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Eastern Iowa Community College District Report

81 Total Awards
$4,802 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,167 Avg Student Debt

Western Iowa Tech Community College ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Iowa list. Located in Sioux City, Iowa, the medium-sized public school awarded 81 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Western Iowa Tech Community College is $4,802. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,826. On average, associate degree students take out $17,167 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

Online courses are available at Western Iowa Tech Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 53% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Western Iowa Tech Community College Report

#7

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, Iowa
75 Total Awards
$6,000 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,832 Avg Student Debt

Iowa Central Community College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Iowa Central Community College is located in Fort Dodge, Iowa and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 75 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from Iowa who attend Iowa Central Community College full time pay an average of $6,000 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,650. On average, associate degree students take out $21,832 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 92% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Iowa Central Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 33% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Iowa Central Community College Report

#8

Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, Iowa
64 Total Awards
$6,090 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,052 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Southeastern Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. This small public school is located in West Burlington, Iowa, and it awarded 64 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $6,090 in tuition and fees if they attend Southeastern Community College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,240. Associate Degree recipients from Southeastern Community College accumulate an average of $16,052 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 94% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Southeastern Community College. In 2019-2020 about 49% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Southeastern Community College Report

46 Total Awards
$5,971 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,157 Avg Student Debt

North Iowa Area Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #9 on the list. Located in Mason City, Iowa, the small public school handed out 46 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Students from Iowa who attend North Iowa Area Community College full time pay an average of $5,971 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,547. On average, associate degree students take out $15,157 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out North Iowa Area Community College. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full North Iowa Area Community College Report

#10

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Des Moines, Iowa
45 Total Awards
$32,883 Avg Student Debt

Mercy College of Health Sciences landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 45 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $32,883 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 93% of those degree recipients were women.

Mercy College of Health Sciences does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 81% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Mercy College of Health Sciences

#11

Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, Iowa
41 Total Awards
$5,977 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,368 Avg Student Debt

Hawkeye Community College landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Hawkeye Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Waterloo, Iowa. It awarded 41 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $5,977 in tuition and fees if they attend Hawkeye Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,524. Associate Degree recipients from Hawkeye Community College accumulate an average of $21,368 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

One thing to take note of is that Hawkeye Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 41% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Hawkeye Community College Report

40 Total Awards
$6,060 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,617 Avg Student Debt

Southwestern Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #12 on the list. SWCC is a public institution located in Creston, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 40 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $6,060 in tuition and fees if they attend SWCC full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,270. On average, associate degree students take out $13,617 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 95% were women.

SWCC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. During the 2019-2020 year, about 65% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Southwestern Community College Report

38 Total Awards
$6,540 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,567 Avg Student Debt

Northwest Iowa Community College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. Sheldon, Iowa is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 38 students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Northwest Iowa Community College is $6,540. Out-of-state students pay an average of $6,840. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,567 in student loans. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

Northwest Iowa Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 68% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#14

St Luke's College

Sioux City, Iowa
35 Total Awards
$20,940 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,684 Avg Student Debt

St Luke’s College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. Located in Sioux City, Iowa, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 35 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend St Luke’s College, expect to pay an average of $20,940 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $23,684 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

St Luke’s College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 50% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

28 Total Awards
$17,117 Avg Student Debt

Indian Hills Community College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. This small public school is located in Ottumwa, Iowa, and it awarded 28 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $17,117 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 96% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since IHCC does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 36% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#16

Iowa Lakes Community College

Estherville, Iowa
27 Total Awards
$6,844 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,864 Avg Student Debt

Iowa Lakes Community College ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Iowa list. Iowa Lakes Community College is located in Estherville, Iowa and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 27 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from Iowa who attend Iowa Lakes Community College full time pay an average of $6,844 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,196. On average, associate degree students take out $19,864 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

Iowa Lakes Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 45% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#17

Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown, Iowa
24 Total Awards
$5,040 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,126 Avg Student Debt

Marshalltown Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #17 on the list. Marshalltown Community College is located in Marshalltown, Iowa and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 24 associate degrees to qualified students.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Marshalltown Community College is $5,040. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,448. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,126 in student loans. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Marshalltown Community College. In 2019-2020 about 76% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Marshalltown Community College Report

#18

Ellsworth Community College

Iowa Falls, Iowa
22 Total Awards
$5,040 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,285 Avg Student Debt

Ellsworth Community College ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Iowa list. Ellsworth is a public institution located in Iowa Falls, Iowa. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 22 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Iowa who attend Ellsworth full time pay an average of $5,040 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $6,048. Associate Degree recipients from Ellsworth accumulate an average of $13,285 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 91% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Ellsworth does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 67% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Ellsworth Community College Report

Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Plains States Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 18 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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