6 Best MSN Programs in Iowa – 2026

Written By: Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA

Wondering how to steer your nursing career in Iowa in a new direction? MSN programs in Iowa can prepare you for professional positions in advanced nurse practice, executive nurse leadership, nursing education, and nursing research. Many MSN programs in the Hawkeye State are online and offer part-time as well as full-time programs to suit your specific scheduling needs. Once you graduate, you’ll enter a job market that values your new credentials highly and is on the verge of expanding by 53 percent over the coming decade. You’ll see a substantial rise in your salary, too: On average, Iowa nurses with MSN degrees make $127,490 a year. The list below of the 6 best MSN programs in Iowa has more info.

WHAT ARE THE BEST MSN PROGRAMS IN IOWA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2026?

Based on our Ranking Methodology, listed below are the 6 Best Master of Science in Nursing Programs in Iowa (Online & Campus) for 2026.

1. The University of Iowa - Iowa City

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Nursing Systems Administration

MSN Program Details: Are you an RN interested in advancing your career by earning a master's degree? Do you imagine yourself working in nursing administration, a place where you can make a difference with a leadership role? If so, I recommend considering the MSN in Nursing Systems Administration program at the University of Iowa.

This online MSN program in Iowa features distance learning for didactic coursework, making it easy to study when and where you want. New classes are admitted in the fall semester each year, and the program takes an average of two and a half years to complete.

The 33-credit curriculum includes classes such as Clinical Data Management & Evaluation, Healthcare Infrastructure & Informatics, and Advanced Leadership & Management. You will complete 300 practice experience hours designed to give you a hands-on look at the role of nurses who work in nursing systems administration roles. Practicum hours are completed at approved sites as close to your home as possible.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for the Nursing Systems Administration track at the University of Iowa, you'll need a bachelor's or advanced degree in nursing from a CCNE- or NLNAC-accredited program, an active, unrestricted RN license, and one year of work experience as a Registered Nurse.

The first step in the admission process is to complete a Graduate College Application. You must also submit a Statement of Purpose, a Supplemental Information Form, a resume, a Statement of Disclosure, and contact information for three recommenders. You must also provide copies of all post-secondary transcripts reflecting a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• The University of Iowa is ranked in U.S. News & World Report's list of Best Online Nursing Programs for 2026.
• Founded in 1847, the University of Iowa is the state's oldest institution of higher education. The school prides itself on a legacy of excellence in nursing, offering an MSN program with a reputation for preparing graduates with advanced leadership skills in nursing.

2. Briar Cliff University - Sioux City

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

MSN Program Details: If you're interested in pursuing an MSN degree and becoming a nurse practitioner, Briar Cliff University has three pathways that may interest you. The program offers a post-baccalaureate MSN program with the option to specialize in Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. The program is one of the best online MSN programs in Iowa.

This MSN program features a part-time schedule designed to be completed in three years, including two summer terms. New cohorts are admitted each fall. All coursework, except the summer health assessment and the advanced skills course, occurs online. Family NP and Adult Gerontology PCNP students must attend four mandatory days on campus during these courses to participate in advanced skills labs and simulations.

Students in the MSN program complete between 53.5 and 56.5 credits, depending on their chosen concentration. Each concentration includes 750 practicum hours with opportunities to provide patient care in rural, multicultural, and underserved areas.

MSN Admission Requirements: The MSN program at Briar Cliff University accepts applications year-round and admits new students each fall. To be considered, you must complete a formal application for admission and provide evidence of having earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program. You also need a current, unencumbered RN license and a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical nursing practice as a Registered Nurse within the two years prior to enrollment in your first specialty course.

All candidates must submit two letters of recommendation, one of which is from someone with an advanced degree (APRN, DNP, MD, DO, etc), a current resume and/or curriculum vitae, a goals statement, and official transcripts from all prior college studies. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from your BSN program is required.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Briar Cliff University is a Catholic, Franciscan institution. While students are not required to have a statement of faith or religious affiliation, the school offers a supportive environment for those seeking a faith-based education.
• Briar Cliff University is committed to keeping costs manageable, making it easier for more students to pursue their goals of earning advanced degrees. The school offers competitive tuition rates, typically much lower than comparable institutions.
• At Briar Cliff University, you matter. The school offers more than 30 student support services. From academic advisors and career counselors to faculty and preceptors who have been where you are, you will have guidance and access to resources that help promote your success from day one of the program until you graduate.

3. Allen College - Waterloo

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Leadership in Healthcare Delivery Administration

MSN Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse interested in becoming a leader in healthcare delivery administration, Allen College offers a program that could be the perfect fit for you. The MSN in Leadership in Healthcare Delivery Administration offers both part-time and full-time enrolment options, which means you can choose a schedule that aligns with your current lifestyle and goals. The program admits twice each year in the fall and spring terms.

The 31-credit curriculum of this MSN program in Iowa is leadership-focused, including classes such as Policy, Organization, & Financing of Healthcare, Leadership: Role, Organizational Theory, Change, and Leadership & Human Resource Management in Healthcare Systems. The study plan also includes 150 clinical hours. You may coordinate your preferred clinical placement and preceptors. However, you must have approval from the Clinical Coordinator before beginning any clinical assignment.

MSN Admission Requirements: Allen College uses a holistic approach to review applicants, considering not only your academic history, but your background and professional experiences as well. To be considered for admission, you must have a bachelor's degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution and have a current Iowa State or Nurse Licensure Compact state RN license.

Applicants must complete an online application and submit answers to essay questions, a letter of recommendation from a professional or academic representative, a resume or CV, and official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. A 3.0 GPA qualifies you for full admission. If your GPA is 2.9-2.99, you may be eligible for conditional admission, subject to space availability.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Allen College has a history of excellence in healthcare education dating back over 100 years. The school remains steadfast in its commitment to students by providing the highest-quality nursing education possible and preparing them for advanced practice roles they can take on with confidence.
• The MSN program at Allen College maintains a low faculty-to-student ratio, which means you will have a more personalized learning experience with easier access to faculty and staff.

4. Mount Mercy University - Cedar Rapids

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Health Advocacy, Nurse Administration, and Nurse Education

MSN Program Details: Mount Mercy University offers another excellent option for prospective students seeking a high-quality MSN program in Iowa. You can choose to enroll part-time or full-time. Full-time students complete the program in as few as 16 months. Applications are accepted year-round, with new students admitted each January and August.

The program is delivered in an online, on-demand format, allowing you to complete coursework on your own schedule rather than attending live sessions. Courses are taken one at a time in 5-week blocks, which can make a big difference if you are already working shifts and can't commit the time it takes to juggle multiple classes at once.

The MSN program offers three areas of emphasis: Health Advocacy, Nurse Administration, and Nurse Education. The Health Advocacy MSN program prepares students with an in-depth focus on population health, policy, and community-based care. The Nurse Administration option covers leadership, operations, and the management of staff and resources in healthcare settings. The Nurse Education pathway is centered on teaching strategies, curriculum development, and the preparation of future nurses. Each MSN specialty requires 36 credits. All MSN students complete a Professional Practicum Project that integrates competencies of the chosen emphasis.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at Mount Mercy University, you need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited nursing program and a current RN license. All applicants must complete an online application and submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who can address their professionalism, critical thinking, clinical, and communication skills, along with transcripts reflecting a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.25 and reflecting completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a minimum grade of "C."

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Mount Mercy's MSN program gets rave reviews from current and former students on student satisfaction surveys. These high satisfaction scores indicate a strong program with good student support, which is crucial for students pursuing a graduate degree.
• Mount Mercy has been recognized for affordability by Money Magazine, earning a 4-star rating for cost and value. Additionally, there are many avenues of financial assistance for which you may qualify. The Financial Aid Office can direct you to resources for federal and state grants and loans, as well as provide information about scholarships, veterans' benefits, and tuition discounts for employer partners.

5. Morningside University - Sioux City

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Clinical Nurse Leader, Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

MSN Program Details: Morningside University offers another great option for prospective students seeking an MSN program in Iowa. Baccalaureate-prepared nurses can earn a Master of Science in Nursing in four to six semesters, depending on whether they choose part-time or full-time study.

The Clinical Nurse Leader option of the MSN program is a 40-credit pathway. The Family Primary Care NP program requires 50 credits, and both the Acute Care and Primary Care Adult Gerontology NP pathways feature a 49-credit curriculum. Students in all MSN pathways first complete 23 credits from master's core coursework, then transition to specialty-relevant courses and clinical practicums. The CNL pathway includes 500 clinical hours and one on-site residency, while the nurse practitioner programs each require 750 direct patient care clinical hours and two on-site residencies.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the MSN program at Morningside University, you must hold a bachelor's degree in nursing or a bachelor's degree in another field along with an associate degree in nursing from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. You must also have an active and valid Registered Nurse license in Iowa or a Nurse Licensure Compact state.

Applicants must submit a Morningside University Graduate Nursing Application, a resume or curriculum vitae, two professional or academic letters of recommendation, a professional goal essay outlining career objectives and preparation for graduate study, and official transcripts from all college or university programs where degrees were awarded. You must also pass a criminal background check and drug screening.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Morningside University boasts outstanding success among graduates on national certification exams, which is an excellent indicator of the program's quality and how well you will be prepared for your chosen specialty role.
• The MSN program in Iowa at Morningside University is taught by faculty with many years of combined experience in diverse specialties and nursing education.
• From the time you are admitted to the MSN program at Morningside, you will have a faculty advisor who will work with you through the duration of the program. Your advisor will be your go-to source for guidance and access to resources designed to promote your success.

6. Mercy College of Health Sciences - Des Moines

Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Specialties Offered: Education

MSN Program Details: If you are a Registered Nurse interested in pursuing a clinical or academic nursing education role, Mercy College of Health Sciences offers an MSN program that could be the perfect fit to help you achieve your goals. Through this MSN program in Iowa, you can impact the next generation of nurses by teaching and mentoring students in a variety of settings.

The MSN in Nursing Education is a full-time, five-semester program that admits new students each fall. The 37-credit curriculum plan features classes such as Innovative Teaching & Learning Strategies, Theories of Nursing Education, Assessment & Evaluation Strategies, and Role of the Nurse Educator in Clinical & Academic Education. A Nurse Educator Immersion course provides hands-on experience designed to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the multiple roles and responsibilities of nurse educators in a broad range of educational settings. You will engage in real-world teaching, assessment, and mentoring opportunities in both clinical and academic environments.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the MSN in Nursing Education program at Mercy College of Health Sciences, you must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a nursing program accredited by the ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA, and have an active, unencumbered RN license. You need to complete a Mercy College application and submit a curriculum vitae or current resume, a personal statement, and copies of all post-secondary transcripts. While candidates with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher are preferred, students who do not meet the grade point average requirement may qualify for a holistic admissions review and extended conditional admission.

Must-Know Highlights For Potential Students

• Faculty in the MSN program at Mercy College of Health Sciences all hold doctoral degrees and have an average of more than 23 years of clinical and nursing education experience. As a student in this program, you will receive personalized attention from instructors who are dedicated to your success both in the program and in your career following graduation.
• Upon completion of the MSN program in Nursing Education program at Mercy College, you will be prepared to take the Nurse Educator certification exam administered by the National League for Nursing. The NLN offers three nurse educator certification options.


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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1. Who Accredits MSN Programs In Iowa?

2. How Many Schools Offer Accredited MSN Programs In Iowa?

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3. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Iowa?

4. On Average, How Much Do Entry-Level MSN Graduates Make In Iowa?

5. On Average, How Much Do Experienced MSN Graduates Make In Iowa?

6. What Is The Average MSN Salary In Iowa By Metro?

7. Average MSN Salary In Iowa VS. Average Salaries Of Other Closely Related Occupations In Iowa

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