7 accredited Iowa schools graduated 1,277 CNA students in 2023–24. Compare them by city below, with published costs, program length and what nursing assistants earn in Iowa.
Updated October 2026 · Data: IPEDS 2023–24, BLS May 2025
Public two-year college in Sioux City that reported 435 CNA graduates in 2023–24, the most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $4,152 ($4,296 out of state).
This public two-year college in Scott County graduated 258 CNA students in 2023–24, the 2nd-most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $4,680 ($6,288 out of state).
222 CNA credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public two-year college, the 3rd-most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $6,090 ($6,240 out of state).
This public two-year college in Webster County graduated 138 CNA students in 2023–24, the 4th-most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $4,800 ($7,092 out of state).
Public two-year college in Mason City that reported 132 CNA graduates in 2023–24, the 5th-most in the state. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $5,618 ($8,427 out of state).
Public two-year college in Council Bluffs that reported 66 CNA graduates in 2023–24. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $6,270 ($6,420 out of state).
26 CNA credentials awarded in 2023–24 at this public two-year college. Annual in-district tuition (before fees): $6,120 ($6,330 out of state).
Rules differ by state. Confirm current Iowa requirements with the relevant state board or registry before you enroll.
We list 7 accredited Iowa schools that graduated CNA students in 2023–24, 7 of them public. Together they awarded 1,277 CNA credentials that year.
Most Iowa schools on this list are colleges that charge by the credit hour rather than a flat program price. Their median annual in-district tuition is $5,618; a short certificate typically costs a fraction of that.
The median certified nursing assistant in Iowa earns $39,350 a year ($18.92 an hour), according to BLS data for May 2025, versus $42,260 nationally. The top 10% earn $47,980 or more.
Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City reported the most CNA graduates in Iowa: 435 in 2023–24.
Federal rules require at least 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. Many states require more.
A state competency evaluation with a written (or oral) test and a hands-on skills test, run by a state-contracted testing vendor.