Side-by-side tuition, NCLEX pass rates, and program details for every Iowa Board of Nursing-approved LPN school.
Iowa's long-term care facilities and rural clinics depend heavily on licensed practical nurses, a demand that keeps LPN programs in the state both relevant and accessible. Net prices for the 13 ranked programs range from $8,059 to $14,800 per year after aid, with most students graduating with manageable debt and seeing median early-career earnings above $36,000. These figures reflect a carefully balanced investment: the upfront cost of a one-year diploma is modest, but not every program offers the same clinical depth or geographic convenience. As Iowa's nursing workforce ages, strong NCLEX-PN pass rates and strategic school choice separate those who simply complete a program from those who launch a durable nursing career.
Our ranking of Iowa LPN programs prioritizes affordability and financial aid metrics, giving extra weight to net price and median post-graduation debt. Each school profile includes institutional graduation rates (not program-specific), delivery format, and early-career median earnings. Program-level median debt and estimated monthly payments are highlighted where data are available.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Marshalltown Community College | Marshalltown, IA | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | Working adults needing evening classes | |
Marshalltown Community College, part of the Iowa Valley Community College District, offers a Practical Nursing Diploma with a newly launched evening cohort for working adults. The program boasts a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate and provides access at both Marshalltown and Ellsworth campuses. A formal articulation agreement with Iowa State University smooths transfer to four-year nursing degrees, and the curriculum includes 360 hours of clinical training. Admissions are year-round with a March 15 priority deadline, and TEAS scores are waived for applicants with a prior bachelor’s degree.
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| #2 | Western Iowa Tech Community College | Sioux City, IA | $9,000/yr | Hybrid learners balancing work and study | |
Western Iowa Tech Community College’s hybrid Practical Nursing diploma blends online coursework with in-person clinical experiences at its Sioux City, Cherokee, and Denison locations. The one-year program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and holds a high pass rate. Admission requires a CNA certification, and multiple start terms increase flexibility. The program is known for its strong employer connections in western Iowa and affordable in-state tuition.
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| #3 | Southwestern Community College | Creston, IA | $10,000/yr | Students seeking free tuition via state aid | |
Southwestern Community College in Creston provides a campus-based Practical Nursing program with a proven 93% average NCLEX-PN pass rate. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical learning and covers the nursing process, health-illness continuum, and critical thinking. Graduates are eligible for the Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship, potentially covering full tuition, and may ladder into SWCC’s RN program. Small class sizes and direct faculty supervision support student success.
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| #4 | Iowa Central Community College | Fort Dodge, IA | $9,000/yr (net price) | ||
Iowa Central Community College’s Practical Nursing program stands out for its seamless pathway into the Associate Degree Nursing program: the first two semesters are identical, letting students easily transition to RN studies. The curriculum includes 360 hours of clinical work in long-term care, physician offices, and operating rooms. With fall and spring start dates, the program accommodates varied schedules. Financial aid and scholarships are available to keep education affordable.
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| #5 | Indian Hills Community College | Ottumwa, IA | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | ||
Indian Hills Community College offers a campus-based Practical Nursing program in Ottumwa, focusing on patient care skills and NCLEX-PN preparation. The program combines classroom instruction with clinical experiences in area healthcare facilities. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, and financial aid is available. Graduates enter the workforce as LPNs in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics across southern Iowa.
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| #6 | Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | ||
Kirkwood Community College’s one-year LPN program in Cedar Rapids is known for its exceptional outcomes: a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate over four consecutive years. Students benefit from a vast clinical network across eastern Iowa and a built-in pathway to Kirkwood’s ADN program. With 35 nursing-specific scholarships and eligibility for state aid like the Last-Dollar Scholarship, the program is financially accessible. Clinical training begins in the first semester, covering medical, surgical, geriatric, and mental health nursing.
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| #7 | Southeastern Community College | West Burlington, IA | $12,000/yr | ||
Southeastern Community College’s Practical Nursing Diploma in West Burlington prepares students for LPN licensure with a curriculum that includes anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. The program emphasizes medication administration, physical assessment, and infection control. Eligible Iowans may receive the Last-Dollar Scholarship, making the degree tuition-free. Graduates can advance into RN programs, and the 1-year format allows quick entry into the workforce.
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| #8 | Eastern Iowa Community College District | Davenport, IA | $14,000/yr (net price) | ||
Eastern Iowa Community College District delivers its Practical Nursing diploma across multiple campuses including Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott Community Colleges, providing broad access throughout eastern Iowa. The one-year program covers pharmacology, human anatomy, and medical terminology, and holds accreditation from the Iowa Board of Nursing. Students can transition seamlessly into the district’s ADN programs. Admissions criteria are detailed on the college website.
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| #9 | Northeast Iowa Community College | Calmar, IA | $7,000 – $8,000/yr | ||
Northeast Iowa Community College offers a nationally accredited Practical Nursing program with a 96% NCLEX pass rate and 100% job placement, reflecting strong employer partnerships in the region. The 12-month program blends rigorous academics with hands-on simulation labs and clinical experiences. A TEAS exam is required for admission. Affordable tuition and financial aid options make it a practical choice for aspiring nurses in Calmar and beyond.
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| #10 | Hawkeye Community College | Waterloo, IA | $10,000/yr | ||
Hawkeye Community College’s Practical Nursing diploma in Waterloo includes 192 clinical hours and an impressive 96% NCLEX pass rate. The program is eligible for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship, which can cover full tuition for qualifying students. Training takes place in a state-of-the-art simulation center within the college’s health sciences hub, alongside a variety of clinical sites. Graduates are prepared for LPN roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.
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| #11 | Iowa Lakes Community College | Estherville, IA | $7,000 – $8,000/yr | ||
Iowa Lakes Community College’s Practical Nursing Diploma is ACEN-accredited and features a built-in LPN-to-ADN bridge for graduates seeking to advance. The one-year program includes state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical rotations in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Eligible for the Last-Dollar Scholarship and other aid, it offers an affordable entry into nursing. The curriculum spans pharmacology, medical-surgical, and maternal-child care.
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| #12 | Northwest Iowa Community College | Sheldon, IA | ~$15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Northwest Iowa Community College’s Practical Nursing program stands out for its high median alumni earnings ($50,776) and low median debt ($9,500). The two-semester, campus-based program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN and qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship, potentially granting free tuition. Clinical experiences are arranged in local health facilities, and a CNA certificate is required for admission.
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| #13 | Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs, IA | $15,000/yr | ||
Iowa Western Community College offers a Practical Nursing Diploma with 12 weekly lab hours and clinical rotations in Council Bluffs-area hospitals, rehab centers, and long-term care facilities. Courses align with the ADN program, allowing graduates to continue toward an RN seamlessly. A projected 8.6% regional job growth for LPNs reflects strong local demand. The program admits students fall, spring, and summer, with full- and part-time options.
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The cost of an LPN education in Iowa varies widely. Below, we compare tuition, net price after aid, and long-term earnings outcomes across 13 programs. All figures are based on the most recent institutional data; net price reflects what in-state students typically pay after grants and scholarships.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Median Graduate Debt | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Iowa Community College District | $4,848 | $6,456 | $14,017 | $12,739 | $39,060 |
| Indian Hills Community College | $5,040 | $6,120 | $10,693 | $10,500 | $40,507 |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College | $5,186 | $5,330 | $8,770 | $11,000 | $40,473 |
| Marshalltown Community College | $5,496 | $6,504 | $8,059 | $9,500 | $41,010 |
| Iowa Central Community College | $5,496 | $7,788 | $9,328 | $11,000 | $42,046 |
| Kirkwood Community College | $6,176 | $8,220 | $9,705 | $12,000 | $41,016 |
| Southeastern Community College | $6,420 | $6,570 | $12,347 | $12,000 | $36,882 |
| Hawkeye Community College | $6,525 | $6,612 | $9,649 | $12,000 | $42,849 |
| Northeast Iowa Community College | $6,780 | $7,770 | $11,272 | $12,000 | $41,306 |
| Iowa Western Community College | $6,930 | $7,080 | $14,629 | $11,033 | $42,793 |
| Northwest Iowa Community College | $7,350 | $7,650 | $14,800 | $9,500 | $50,776 |
| Iowa Lakes Community College | $7,392 | $7,872 | $13,933 | $12,000 | $43,108 |
| Southwestern Community College | $8,064 | $8,316 | $9,871 | $10,975 | $40,129 |
A program's true measure often comes down to how well it prepares you for the exam that grants your license. While tuition costs and location matter, the numbers that reveal a school's ability to prepare you for a nursing career are its NCLEX-PN pass rates.
The NCLEX-PN is the sole gateway to practical nursing licensure in Iowa, and a school's first-time pass rate is one of the strongest signals of program quality. High pass rates indicate that the curriculum, clinical rotations, and faculty support align well with state testing standards. When rates are consistently strong, you can expect the program to cover the necessary material and critical-thinking skills for the exam.
A program with lower or fluctuating pass rates may signal gaps in preparation that could delay your entry into the workforce, or require costly retakes. Since you can only sit for the exam after completing an approved program, picking a school with a solid track record is a practical way to protect your time and investment.
The Iowa Board of Nursing publishes annual NCLEX-PN results for every approved practical nursing program in the state. These reports typically list the school, the number of first-time test takers, and the pass rate percentage. The most recent release should be your primary reference point.
Older data points can offer context but should not replace current figures. For example, Southwestern Community College reported a 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for its 2019 graduates,1 and Northwest Iowa Community College posted a 95% rate that same year.2 These numbers are now several years old and program outcomes can shift as curricula, faculty, or testing standards evolve. Use them as historical examples only; always verify the latest data directly through the Iowa Board of Nursing's website before drawing conclusions.
Pass rates are most useful when viewed over multiple years. A single year can be skewed by a very small graduating class, so look for two- or three-year trends. Programs that consistently exceed the national average demonstrate reliability. Also note how many graduates sat for the exam, as some schools may have policies that delay testing for certain students, which can affect reported rates.
Beyond the percentages, ask what support the program offers if you do need a second attempt. Dedicated NCLEX review courses, remediation plans, and access to practice exams show a school's commitment to seeing you through to licensure. When you speak with admissions, a practical question to ask is: "What was your first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for the most recent graduating class, and how has that trended over the past three years?"
Can you earn an LPN credential entirely online in Iowa? No, every program requires in-person clinical hours, so a fully online LPN track does not exist. However, hybrid options combine digital coursework with hands-on training, and one school in our 2026 rankings offers a hybrid model.
Of the thirteen LPN programs featured on this page, twelve deliver their nursing curriculum entirely on campus. The sole hybrid program belongs to Western Iowa Tech Community College. Even campus-based programs may incorporate online general education courses, but nursing-specific lectures, labs, and clinicals happen face-to-face.
A hybrid format like Western Iowa Tech’s splits the learning experience into two parts:
This structure reduces on-campus seat time while preserving essential hands-on practice. Clinical placements remain strictly in approved Iowa sites.
If you live in a rural county, confirm the exact locations where clinical rotations take place. The flexibility of a hybrid program means little if you must drive two hours each way for multiple clinical shifts each week. Contact Western Iowa Tech’s nursing department to ask about typical placement sites and whether they align with your community. Even for campus-based programs, clinical facilities may be spread across different towns, so plan your commute before committing.
Admission requirements for Iowa LPN programs aren't one-size-fits-all. Some schools lean heavily on standardized entrance exams, while others evaluate readiness through placement assessments or prior coursework. Understanding these differences early can help you target programs that align with your academic profile and skip redundant steps.
Several programs use the ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) as a key admission filter. At Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), you need a minimum TEAS score of 55%. Kirkwood Community College sets the bar slightly higher at 58–60%. Indian Hills Community College takes a different route, requiring an ACT composite of at least 18 or an Accuplacer score in lieu of the TEAS. Hawkeye Community College relies on placement assessments, ALEKS for math, ACCUPLACER for reading and writing, or ACT scores, to determine readiness. If you're applying to multiple schools, check which exam each requires to avoid registering for unnecessary tests.
Almost every program demands completion of specific college-level courses before you can start the nursing sequence. Anatomy and physiology are universal gatekeepers: DMACC, Hawkeye, Kirkwood, and Indian Hills all require BIO168 and BIO173 (often with a minimum grade of C). Psychology (PSY111 or PSY121) appears on most lists, alongside English composition (ENG105) and a math competency component. DMACC and Indian Hills additionally expect a nurse aide or CNA course, reflecting a practical emphasis. High school science, three years of it, is another Indian Hills prerequisite. If you're still in high school or finishing gaps, enrolling in these core classes early will accelerate your timeline.
A handful of Iowa LPN programs require you to hold a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential before you even apply. Both DMACC and Indian Hills explicitly list a nurse aide course or CNA as a prerequisite. This requirement ensures you enter the program with basic patient care skills, but it adds a separate certification step, and cost, to your journey. Other schools like Hawkeye and Kirkwood do not mandate a CNA, though having one may still strengthen your application.
All Iowa LPN programs require a criminal background check and drug screening, typically after conditional acceptance. These are non-negotiable for clinical placements. Additionally, current CPR certification, usually American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers, is expected by the first day of clinicals. Plan to complete these checks early, as processing delays can push back your start date.
Clinical hours vary by program but often fall around 192 hours for the core practical nursing component. Both Hawkeye Community College and Indian Hills Community College specify 192 hours of hands-on clinical experience. This direct patient care time is built into the program after you meet all academic prerequisites, so the total time to licensure includes both classroom and clinical work.
By mapping out prerequisites, you can avoid last-minute surprises. Whether you're taking the TEAS, brushing up on anatomy, or scheduling a CNA class, starting early keeps your LPN path on track.
Becoming a licensed practical nurse in Iowa involves several fees. The initial licensure costs total $343, covering the $93 application fee, a $50 background check (including fingerprinting), and the $200 NCLEX-PN exam fee. After obtaining the license, LPNs must renew every three years at a cost of $99.
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Iowa, and what does the job market look like over the next decade?
According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual wage for LPNs in Iowa is $59,460. While the exact median is not separately reported at the state level, this mean is very close to the national median of $59,730. The lowest 10 percent of Iowa LPNs earn about $48,510, while the top 10 percent earn $75,320. This spread shows that experience, location, and specialty can significantly affect pay.
For comparison, the national median is $59,730, with the 25th percentile at $50,640 and the 75th at $67,140. So Iowa’s typical LPN wages are roughly in line with national figures, though the upper end may be slightly below.
Metro areas generally pay more than rural regions. While the most recent metro-level data from BLS is not yet available, historically the Des Moines–West Des Moines area, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids have offered salaries above the state average. Positions in these urban hubs often come with higher base wages, though commuting and cost of living are factors to weigh.
Nationally, employment of LPNs is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Iowa’s aging population and healthcare workforce needs suggest steady demand, especially in long-term care and home health settings. Iowa Workforce Development’s long-term projections also point to steady replacement needs as experienced nurses retire, creating openings even beyond growth. In rural parts of the state, facilities may offer hiring bonuses, loan forgiveness, or other incentives to attract nurses, partly offsetting lower base pay.
It’s important to distinguish between the wages of experienced LPNs and what new graduates might earn right out of school. Program-level early-career earnings data for Iowa LPN programs are not yet available. However, broader earnings data for graduates of the institutions featured in our rankings, across all their programs, shows median earnings 10 years after entry ranging from about $36,900 to $50,800. This reflects a mix of degree levels and fields, so actual pay for newly licensed practical nurses is likely to start at the lower end of that range and increase with experience and additional credentials. Keeping an eye on employer-sponsored training and upward mobility can accelerate salary growth over time.
Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 54,400 annual openings for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses from 2024 through 2034. This includes both new positions and replacements for retiring nurses, pointing to steady demand across clinics, hospitals, and long term care facilities.
Advancing from a practical nursing license means building on your skills to qualify for higher-paying roles, broader clinical responsibilities, or specialized patient-care niches. In Iowa, LPNs have several structured ways to move up, whether through bridge programs that fast-track RN education or through certifications that add value without returning to school.
The most common advancement step is an LPN-to-RN bridge leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and NCLEX-RN eligibility. Iowa community colleges like Kirkwood, Iowa Lakes, and Northwest Iowa offer these pathways. Kirkwood’s LPN/ADN ladder program, for example, costs about $22,641 and applies your previous coursework to reduce the total credits. Northwest Iowa’s extended ADN for LPNs takes one summer term plus five semesters. Full-time students usually complete a bridge in 12 to 18 months, and admission typically requires an active Iowa LPN license and a minimum GPA in prerequisites.
Iowa LPNs can also bypass the ADN and enter a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program directly. St. Ambrose University and Mercy College of Health Sciences offer LPN-to-BSN pathways that incorporate leadership, research, and community health coursework on top of your practical nursing training. A full-time BSN track typically spans about three years, but graduates exit with a credential that qualifies them for management, public health, and graduate education roles.
Not every advancement requires a new academic program. Specialty certifications can increase hourly wages and job security without a lengthy commitment. In Iowa, LPNs frequently pursue credentials in IV therapy (allowing them to administer intravenous medications in many settings), wound care, and long-term care or gerontology. These are earned through short courses and competency assessments, costing far less than a degree and often recognized by employers with pay differentials.
For LPNs ready to advance, comparing program lengths, tuition, and clinical requirements is essential. Once you become an RN, further growth through RN-to-BSN completion and nurse practitioner programs becomes possible. This site offers detailed comparisons of BSN and NP options to help you plan a career path that matches your budget and timeline.
Prospective LPN students in Iowa often have questions about program costs, timelines, and outcomes. Below are answers to some of the most common inquiries to help you make an informed decision.
