Missouri Nursing Schools and Programs
Selecting then applying to nursing schools in Missouri can be a time consuming task. For those just getting started in Nursing, we suggest that you focus on your near term Missouri education goals and licensing requirements. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I want to begin my career as a Nursing Assistant, Practical Nurse, or Missouri Registered Nurse?
Missouri Registered Nurse programs generally lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor Degree in Nursing which typically last 2 to 4 years.
Finding the best Nurse Practitioner school in Missouri before you become a Registered Nurse, for example, may bog down the school selection and application process. Furthermore, many four year undergraduate colleges routinely accept transfer credits for prerequisites often called pre-nursing courses.
While earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN, ASN) or Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BDN, BSN) is an important milestone for nurses, many Missouri nursing school students gain meaningful work experience and an income upon completion of a shorter Certified Nursing Assistant or Licensed Practical Nursing program in the state of Missouri.
To help students search for the best nursing school in Missouri, we have outlined some key questions to ask. Below on this page you will find the following:
- How do I become a nurse in Missouri?
- Is Missouri a nursing compact state?
- How long is nursing school in Missouri?
- How much does nursing school in Missouri cost?
- Is it hard to get into a Missouri nursing school?
- List of nursing schools in Missouri.
How do I become a nurse in Missouri?
If you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the state of Missouri, you will need to complete a Practical Nurse training program. Practical Nursing programs generally last 1 to 1.5 years. Upon completion of your Missouri practical nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-PN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-PN exam, you will apply for a Practical Nurse license from the Missouri Board of Nursing.
If you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Missouri, you will need to complete a Registered Nurse training program. Registered Nurse programs generally last 2 to 4 years. Upon completion of your Missouri registered nursing program, you will have to pass the nationwide NCLEX-RN exam. After you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, you will apply for a Registered Nurse license from the Missouri Board of Nursing.
Is Missouri a nursing compact state?
Yes, Missouri is part of the nursing license compact. Missouri recently enacted the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) agreement which allows nurses to practice in all but a handful of states. This means that a Missouri Licensed Practical Nurse or a Missouri Registered Nurse can now apply for a multi-state nursing license.
How long is nursing school in Missouri?
The amount of time you spend in a Missouri nursing school will vary based upon the career path you choose. You can become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in as little as 6 to 12 weeks. Become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1 to 1.5 years, a Missouri Registered Nurse (RN) in 2 to 4 years, or stay in nursing school longer to become a Nurse Practitioner in 6 to 8 years.
Above on this page we created a tabular image which summarizes how long nursing school is in Missouri. That image includes the number of nurses employed in the state of Missouri, along with the average wages earned at each education level.
Notice that in the state of Missouri, far greater numbers are employed as a Registered Nurse (RN) compared to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Notice also that a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Missouri earns far more in wages compared to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
Use the nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD to help identify which Missouri nursing schools offer the length of program you desire.
How much does nursing school in Missouri cost?
Tuition for a nursing school in Missouri will cost between $4,000 to $7,000 per year for state residents seeking a two year Associate degree, an ADN or ASN, for example. The larger public four year colleges and universities in Missouri cost more between $7,000 to $10,000 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor Degree in Nursing, a BDN or BSN.
To help reduce the cost of nursing school in Missouri, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four year college or university of your choice. Each college has their own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.
Is it hard to get into a Missouri nursing school?
We list the quoted acceptance rate provided by each Missouri nursing school. A college acceptance rate is calculated by dividing the number of accepted students by the number of total applicants. Reviewing the list of nursing schools in Missouri provided below, we can see the acceptance rates range from about 60% to 100% or Open. SAT and ACT scores are displayed on each individual nursing school page.
If you are having trouble getting accepted into a Missouri nursing school due to a below average GPA, SAT, or ACT score, here are two strategies which might help: 1) take your pre-nursing courses at your local community college then reapply later as a transfer student with an above average GPA, and, 2) get your Nursing Assistant or Practical Nurse license to help you gain experience and stand out from other college applicants.
List Of Nursing Schools In Missouri
Below is our complete list of accredited nursing schools in Missouri. In general, these schools offer campus based CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, and more nursing programs approved by the Missouri Board Of Nursing.
Click the name of any Missouri nursing school below to view the cost to attend, SAT and ACT scores, college or university characteristics, student body profile, satellite map of the surrounding area, and to view any additional nursing program information we have available in our database.
Avila University
11901 Wornall Road,
Kansas City,
MO
64145
816-942-8400
Avila University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Kansas City, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Kansas City, Missouri campus for Avila University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,306. In-state tuition and fees were $22,390 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN
- Tuition Cost $22,390
- Room and Board $7,710
- Acceptance Rate 68%
- ACT Score 18-23
Central Methodist University
411 Central Methodist Square,
Fayette,
MO
65248
660-248-3391
Central Methodist University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Fayette, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Fayette, Missouri campus for Central Methodist University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,145. In-state tuition and fees were $6,960 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN
- Tuition Cost $6,960
- Acceptance Rate 100%
Cox College
1423 N Jefferson Ave,
Springfield,
MO
65802
417-269-3401
Cox College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Springfield, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Springfield, Missouri campus for Cox College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 852. In-state tuition and fees were $13,396 for the most recent reporting period. …
- Tuition Cost $13,396
- Acceptance Rate 33%
Graceland University
1401 W. Truman Road, Independence, MO 64050
Graceland University is a institution with a campus in Independence, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. …
Nursing Programs: RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN-to-MSN, Post-MSN, DNP, PhD
Hannibal-LaGrange University
2800 Palmyra Road,
Hannibal,
MO
63401
573-221-3675
Hannibal-LaGrange University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Hannibal, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Hannibal, Missouri campus for Hannibal-LaGrange University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 494. In-state tuition and fees were $25,600 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, LPN-to-RN, BSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $25,600
- Room and Board $9,400
- Acceptance Rate 67%
- ACT Score 17-25
Lincoln University
820 Chestnut Street,
Jefferson City,
MO
65101
573-681-5000
Lincoln University is a Public institution with a campus in Jefferson City, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Jefferson City, Missouri campus for Lincoln University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,833. In-state tuition and fees were $8,386 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $8,386
- Room and Board $9,530
- Acceptance Rate Open
Metropolitan Community College
3201 Southwest Trafficway,
Kansas City,
MO
64111
816-604-1000
Metropolitan Community College is a Public institution with a campus in Kansas City, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Kansas City, Missouri campus for Metropolitan Community College is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 12,872. In-state tuition and fees were $7,110 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: LPN, ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $7,110
- Acceptance Rate Open
Missouri Southern State University
3950 East Newman Road,
Joplin,
MO
64801
866-818-6778
Missouri Southern State University is a Public institution with a campus in Joplin, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Joplin, Missouri campus for Missouri Southern State University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,144. In-state tuition and fees were $8,026 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN
- Tuition Cost $8,026
- Room and Board $7,624
- Acceptance Rate 99%
- ACT Score 18-24
Missouri State University - Springfield
901 South National Avenue,
Springfield,
MO
65897
417-836-5000
Missouri State University - Springfield is a Public institution with a campus in Springfield, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Springfield, Missouri campus for Missouri State University - Springfield is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 22,535. In-state tuition and fees were $8,604 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Practitioner
- Tuition Cost $8,604
- Room and Board $9,782
- Acceptance Rate 93%
- ACT Score 20-26
Missouri State University - West Plains
128 Garfield Avenue,
West Plains,
MO
65775
417-255-7255
Missouri State University - West Plains is a Public institution with a campus in West Plains, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The West Plains, Missouri campus for Missouri State University - West Plains is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 1,770. In-state tuition and fees were $4,950 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, LPN-to-RN
- Tuition Cost $4,950
- Room and Board $6,750
- Acceptance Rate Open
Missouri Western State University
4525 Downs Drive,
Saint Joseph,
MO
64507
816-271-4200
Missouri Western State University is a Public institution with a campus in Saint Joseph, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Saint Joseph, Missouri campus for Missouri Western State University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 4,023. In-state tuition and fees were $9,090 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN
- Tuition Cost $9,090
- Room and Board $10,200
- Acceptance Rate Open
Research College of Nursing
2525 East Meyer Blvd,
Kansas City,
MO
64132
816-995-2800
Research College of Nursing is a Private for-profit institution with a campus in Kansas City, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Kansas City, Missouri campus for Research College of Nursing is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 318. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner
Saint Lukes College of Nursing
8320 Ward Parkway Suite 300,
Kansas City,
MO
64114
816-932-2233
Saint Lukes College of Nursing is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Kansas City, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Kansas City, Missouri campus for Saint Lukes College of Nursing is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 665. …
Nursing Programs: BSN
Southeast Missouri State University
One University Plaza,
Cape Girardeau,
MO
63701
573-651-2000
Southeast Missouri State University is a Public institution with a campus in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Cape Girardeau, Missouri campus for Southeast Missouri State University is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 9,927. In-state tuition and fees were $9,015 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, MSN, Nurse Practitioner
- Tuition Cost $9,015
- Room and Board $9,954
- Acceptance Rate 86%
- ACT Score 17-24
Southwest Baptist University
4431 South Fremont Street,
Springfield,
MO
65804
800-526-5859
Southwest Baptist University is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Springfield, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Springfield, Missouri campus for Southwest Baptist University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,386. In-state tuition and fees were $27,038 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN, LPN-to-RN, BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $27,038
- Room and Board $8,290
- Acceptance Rate 100%
- ACT Score 19-25
Three Rivers College
2080 Three Rivers Boulevard,
Poplar Bluff,
MO
63901
573-840-9600
Three Rivers College is a Public institution with a campus in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Poplar Bluff, Missouri campus for Three Rivers College is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 2,624. In-state tuition and fees were $6,000 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: ASN
- Tuition Cost $6,000
- Room and Board $6,332
- Acceptance Rate Open
Truman State University
100 E Normal Avenue,
Kirksville,
MO
63501
660-785-4000
Truman State University is a Public institution with a campus in Kirksville, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Kirksville, Missouri campus for Truman State University is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 3,960. In-state tuition and fees were $9,014 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN
- Tuition Cost $9,014
- Room and Board $9,936
- Acceptance Rate 45%
- ACT Score 23-29
University of Central Missouri
108 W South Street,
Warrensburg,
MO
64093
660-543-4111
University of Central Missouri is a Public institution with a campus in Warrensburg, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Warrensburg, Missouri campus for University of Central Missouri is located in a Town setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 11,637. In-state tuition and fees were $9,413 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, Nurse Educator, Nurse Practitioner
- Tuition Cost $9,413
- Room and Board $9,699
- Acceptance Rate 71%
- ACT Score 18-24
University of Missouri - Kansas City
2464 Charlotte St,
Kansas City,
MO
64108
816-235-1000
University of Missouri - Kansas City is a Public institution with a campus in Kansas City, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Kansas City, Missouri campus for University of Missouri - Kansas City is located in a City setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 15,703. In-state tuition and fees were $11,287 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition Cost $11,287
- Room and Board $12,262
- Acceptance Rate 69%
- ACT Score 21-30
University of Missouri - St Louis
One University Boulevard,
St. Louis,
MO
63121
314-516-5000
University of Missouri - St Louis is a Public institution with a campus in St. Louis, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The St. Louis, Missouri campus for University of Missouri - St Louis is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 15,181. In-state tuition and fees were $11,693 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Post-MSN, DNP, PhD
- Tuition Cost $11,693
- Room and Board $10,920
- Acceptance Rate 51%
- ACT Score 20-27
William Jewell College
500 College Hill,
Liberty,
MO
64068
816-415-5979
William Jewell College is a Private not-for-profit institution with a campus in Liberty, Missouri. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Missouri Board of Nursing. The Liberty, Missouri campus for William Jewell College is located in a Suburb setting. Total enrollment for all degrees including nursing programs is 853. In-state tuition and fees were $19,610 for the most recent reporting period. …
Nursing Programs: BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated BSN
- Tuition Cost $19,610
- Room and Board $10,130
- Acceptance Rate 41%
- ACT Score 20-26
The nursing program acronyms CNA, LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, etcetera used in our list of Missouri nursing schools may differ from the actual title published by the college or university.
Nursing schools in Missouri and other states, for example, may follow their own traditional degree naming convention, or, attempt to follow a newer naming convention trending nationwide.
Last updated: June 1, 2025
References:
- Missouri Nursing License Requirements. State of Missouri, Board of Nursing. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- Missouri State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- Tuition And Characteristics Of Missouri Colleges. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
- Missouri Nurse Licensure Compact Status. NCSBN, National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Retrieved June 1, 2025.