2027 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools in Iowa
[Registered Nursing](/majors/health-care-professions/nursing/registered-nursing/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 34 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for registered nursing students.
What’s on this page:
2027 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools in Iowa
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the registered nursing degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Registered Nursing Schools
Western Iowa Tech Community College tops our 2027 list of the best value registered nursing schools in Iowa. Located in the city of Sioux City, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $5,186 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $22,597 in student loans. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Western Iowa Tech Community College generally make around $63,214. Set against $22,597 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in registered nursing will find it at Marshalltown Community College, which ranked #2. Set in the town of Marshalltown, Marshalltown Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,496 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,504. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $17,935. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $61,954. Set against $17,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in registered nursing will find it at Iowa Central Community College, which ranked #3. Iowa Central Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Fort Dodge. In-state tuition and fees average $5,496, compared with $7,788 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $21,093 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $56,562. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #4 makes Kirkwood Community College one of the best values for registered nursing. Located in the city of Cedar Rapids, Kirkwood Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,176 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $22,957 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of Kirkwood Community College earn a median of $64,461 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,957 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hawkeye Community College earned it the #5 place for registered nursing. Hawkeye Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Waterloo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,525, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Students borrow a median of $23,292 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Hawkeye Community College generally make around $58,835. That is a strong return on a $23,292 median debt.
North Iowa Area Community College placed #6 among the best values for registered nursing. Located in the rural area of Mason City, North Iowa Area Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,653, while out-of-state students pay about $9,551. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $15,600. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $58,096. Set against $15,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Southwestern Community College Creston earned the #7 position for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the town of Creston, Southwestern Community College Creston is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,064, while out-of-state students pay about $8,316. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $20,300. Registered Nursing graduates of Southwestern Community College Creston earn a median of $63,505 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Des Moines Area Community College earned the #8 position for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the suburb of Ankeny, Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Students borrow a median of $19,496 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Des Moines Area Community College generally make around $59,181. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar placed #9 among the best values for registered nursing. Set in the rural area of Calmar, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,780, while out-of-state students pay about $7,770. Students borrow a median of $23,562 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar earn a median of $57,546 early in their careers. Set against $23,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Indian Hills Community College placed #10 among the best values for registered nursing. Located in the town of Ottumwa, Indian Hills Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, compared with $6,120 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $24,142. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Indian Hills Community College generally make around $56,923. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Southeastern Community College West Burlington came in at #11 for value in registered nursing this year. Southeastern Community College West Burlington is a mid-sized public school located in the town of West Burlington. Students from in state pay about $6,420 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,570 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,288 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Southeastern Community College West Burlington generally make around $61,159. Set against $22,288 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Ellsworth Community College ranked #12 on our 2027 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Set in the town of Iowa Falls, Ellsworth Community College is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,496, compared with $6,504 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $22,125. Registered Nursing graduates of Ellsworth Community College earn a median of $58,487 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Eastern Iowa Community College District ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Set in the city of Davenport, Eastern Iowa Community College District is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,848, while out-of-state students pay about $6,456. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $30,767. Registered Nursing graduates of Eastern Iowa Community College District earn a median of $62,338 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Iowa Western Community College came in at #14 for value in registered nursing this year. Set in the suburb of Council Bluffs, Iowa Western Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,930, while out-of-state students pay about $7,080. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $27,938 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $65,268. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Iowa Lakes Community College ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Set in the town of Estherville, Iowa Lakes Community College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,392 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,872. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $30,750. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Iowa Lakes Community College generally make around $61,157. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Iowa State University placed #16 among the best values for registered nursing. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Students borrow a median of $23,496 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $54,204. That is a strong return on a $23,496 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.
Northwest Iowa Community College came in at #17 for value in registered nursing this year. Northwest Iowa Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Sheldon. Students from in state pay about $7,350 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,650 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,886 to complete the registered nursing program here. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Northwest Iowa Community College generally make around $62,453. Set against $20,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Graceland University Lamoni earned the #18 position for value in registered nursing this year. Located in the rural area of Lamoni, Graceland University Lamoni is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,848. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $30,754. Registered Nursing graduates of Graceland University Lamoni earn a median of $97,582 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.
Coe College landed the #19 spot for registered nursing value this year. Set in the city of Cedar Rapids, Coe College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,666. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Coe College earn a median of $67,769 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%.
Mount Mercy University landed the #20 spot for registered nursing value this year. Mount Mercy University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cedar Rapids. In-state tuition and fees average $40,878. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Mount Mercy University earn a median of $66,647 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount Mercy University admits about 82% of applicants.
St Lukes College placed #21 among the best values for registered nursing. St Lukes College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Sioux City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,335. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $24,063. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $71,064. Set against $24,063 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
University Of Iowa ranked #22 on our 2027 list of the best value registered nursing schools. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $24,811 in student loans. Registered Nursing graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $96,368 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Upper Iowa University ranked #23 on our 2027 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Set in the rural area of Fayette, Upper Iowa University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $19,475 in tuition and fees. Registered Nursing graduates carry a median of $35,004 in student loans. Early-career registered nursing graduates make about $70,224. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Upper Iowa University admits about 96% of applicants.
Grand View University ranked #24 on our 2027 list of the best value registered nursing schools. Located in the city of Des Moines, Grand View University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,762. Typical student debt for registered nursing graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, registered nursing degree recipients from Grand View University generally make around $64,042. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand View University admits about 99% of applicants.
Luther College placed #25 among the best values for registered nursing. Set in the town of Decorah, Luther College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,120 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the registered nursing program here. Registered Nursing graduates of Luther College earn a median of $75,533 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
Rest of the Top 34 Best Value Registered Nursing Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for registered nursing this year:
More Registered Nursing Rankings
View All Registered Nursing Rankings >
Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 34 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 34 ranked schools only.
- 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).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
