Frequently Asked Questions

The RN-to-BSN program is available only to registered nurses who have already completed a pre-licensure nursing program. Prior to beginning your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), students can enroll in general education or prerequisite classes at Iowa State. Once you have completed your ADN, you can return to ISU to pursue your Bachelor of Nursing Science (BSN) degree. It is recommended to schedule a meeting with an Iowa State nursing advisor to discuss your individual academic plan.

Applications for the RN-to-BSN program are individually reviewed and the following minimum requirements must be met to be eligible to enter the nursing major:

Requirements:

• Meet ISU admission criteria for transfer students
  • Transcripts must be on file for all previous college work
• Congruent with the Iowa Action Coalition, RN-to-BSN Task Force Recommendations
  • Achievement of minimum "C" (not C-) for all prerequisite courses
  • Prerequisite courses must be completed before beginning the RN-to-BSN program (Note: most, and in some cases, all of these are required in the ADN curriculum)
    • Prerequisite Courses:
      • Introduction to Chemistry (ISU CHEM 163 or CHEM 1T equivalent)
      • English Composition I & II (ISU ENGL 150 and ENGL 250 equivalent)
      • Statistics (ISU STAT 101 or STAT 104 equivalent)
      • Introduction to Human Nutrition (ISU FS HN 167 equivalent)
      • Introduction to Sociology (ISU SOC 134 equivalent)
  • Minimum of 2.5 college GPA for all college coursework
  • Licensure as a Registered Nurse in Iowa or a compact state if applicable
  • License must remain current and unrestricted while enrolled in ISU RN-to-BSN program

• Up to 65 credits of transferrable coursework may be applied to Iowa State University degrees.
• Additionally, 32 credits are awarded based on evidence of RN licensure and an official transcript from an Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) degree-granting institution.
• Students must meet general education requirements – equivalent transfer coursework may apply to these requirements.
• Electives, in addition to meeting general education requirements, are selected by students to meet identified career interests. The total elective credits needed will vary based on individual transfer credits.
• The last 32 credits must be earned in residence at Iowa State University, and the final 32 credits must be taken through Iowa State prior to graduation.
• The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is awarded upon completing at least 120 credits with all degree requirements of Iowa State University and the College/Department/Program met.

No. As long as these courses will be completed by the time you begin the RN-to-BSN program, your application may be reviewed for admission conditional on the completion of all requirements.

Cohorts begin every Fall semester.

The RN-to-BSN coursework can be completed in 2 semesters full-time or 4 semesters part-time.

Nursing courses are delivered in a hybrid format, which includes synchronous online and/or face-to-face classes on Tuesdays. This format has been well-received by students, leading to a high program completion rate. Iowa State has collaborated with local employers to provide a schedule that allows nurses to work while completing their BSN, while also creating a supportive learning environment. 

To view a list of nursing courses and their descriptions, please visit the ISU course catalog and select Nursing in the undergraduate menu or the A-Z courses tab.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for the nursing program align with Iowa State University's Undergraduate Experiential Learning-Based Major rates. 

For detailed information, please visit the Iowa State University Registrar's Office: https://www.registrar.iastate.edu/fees

Refund Policy

For information on the refund of costs policy and procedures, please refer to: Iowa State University's Tuition Adjustment and Schedule

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Students are encouraged to work with the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore and understand all available financial aid options at Iowa State. Numerous resources and tools are available to help you financially plan.

Additionally, scholarships and partnerships are available. For more information on eligibility and requirements, please visit Iowa State University Nursing Scholarships and Partnerships.