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.
Use these profiles to compare practical nursing program length, clinical training, and financial aid access across Iowa. Each school below offers a diploma that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN, with options ranging from single-campus cohorts to multi-campus district programs.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Western Iowa Tech Community College | Sioux City, IA | ~$9,000/yr (est.) | Western Iowa learners wanting hybrid options | |
Western Iowa Tech Community College offers a compact one-year practical nursing program with ACEN accreditation and multiple campus options in western Iowa. Admission uses a point ranking system considering ACT or TEAS scores and biology grades, and students need CNA certification before starting. Graduates can continue into the college's ADN program to become an RN. ACEN accredited
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| #2 | Southwestern Community College | Creston, IA | ~$10,000/yr (est.) | Creston-area students seeking ladder pathway | |
Southwestern Community College's practical nursing diploma stands out for its reported 93% licensure pass rate and clear ladder into an associate degree in nursing. The one-year program includes clinical experience two days per week at a variety of healthcare sites, with a job placement target of 60% within six months. Iowa residents may qualify for the Last-Dollar Scholarship to help cover tuition.
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| #3 | Southeastern Community College | West Burlington, IA | ~$12,000/yr (est.) | Working adults needing daytime schedules | |
Southeastern Community College makes its one-year practical nursing diploma accessible through morning or afternoon schedules at its West Burlington and Keokuk campuses. The program includes physical assessment, medication administration, and safety training, with a pathway into associate degree nursing. Eligible Iowa students may use the Last-Dollar Scholarship to reduce tuition costs.
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| #4 | Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA | $5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.) | ||
Kirkwood Community College reports a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate for four consecutive years in its Cedar Rapids-based practical nursing program. Clinical experience starts in the first semester through supervised labs, simulation, and real placements, covering medical, surgical, geriatric, maternal-child, pediatric, and mental health care. The college offers 35 nursing-specific scholarships, and eligible students can also access Last Dollar and Kibbie Grant funding.
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| #5 | Eastern Iowa Community College District | Davenport, IA | $14,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Eastern Iowa Community College District coordinates its practical nursing diploma across Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott campuses, so students can complete early coursework close to home. The 47-credit program builds a foundation in health concepts, pharmacology, anatomy, nutrition, and psychology, with final semesters concentrated at Clinton or Scott. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam.
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| #6 | Iowa Lakes Community College | Estherville, IA | $7,000 – $8,000/yr (est.) | ||
Iowa Lakes Community College's ACEN-accredited practical nursing diploma uses 46 credits and simulation labs to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN. The program offers fall or summer starts and requires a 2.0 GPA plus ACT scores or other admission measures. Graduates can continue through an LPN to ADN bridge within the same college, and the Last-Dollar Scholarship may help with costs. ACEN accredited
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| #7 | Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs, IA | ~$15,000/yr (est.) | ||
Iowa Western Community College offers a 43-credit practical nursing diploma with full-time and part-time options at the Council Bluffs campus. Students gain hands-on experience through about 12 hours of lab per week in hospitals, rehab centers, and long-term care facilities. The coursework also counts toward the college's associate degree nursing program, and the program has fall, spring, and summer starts.
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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. 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.
