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Best Nursing Schools in Missouri: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

February 13, 2026

Explore Missouri's 20 nursing programs across universities and community colleges. Compare tuition costs, admission rates, and graduate earnings to find your ideal nursing pathway.

Overview of Nursing Education in Missouri

Missouri offers prospective nursing students a diverse range of educational pathways, with 20 accredited nursing programs spanning 6 community colleges and 14 universities. Whether you're seeking an affordable Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or pursuing a Bachelor's or advanced degree, Missouri's nursing schools provide multiple entry points into this high-demand healthcare field.

The state's nursing education landscape reflects the national trend toward both traditional four-year BSN programs and accelerated community college pathways. This flexibility makes Missouri an accessible option for traditional high school graduates, career changers, and working professionals seeking to enter nursing.

Top University Nursing Programs in Missouri

University of Missouri-Columbia

Location: Columbia
Type: Public, 4-Year University
Tuition: $14,130/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 77.0%
Graduation Rate: 75.7%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $104,573/year (Doctoral Degree)
Enrollment: 23,118 students

Mizzou's nursing program is one of Missouri's largest, with strong graduation rates and competitive doctoral-level earnings. The 77% acceptance rate makes it accessible while maintaining academic standards. The 75.7% graduation rate indicates solid student support and program quality.

Missouri State University-Springfield

Location: Springfield
Type: Public, 4-Year University
Tuition: $9,024/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 91.0%
Graduation Rate: 57.8%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $198,411/year (Doctoral Degree)
Enrollment: 13,407 students

Missouri State offers the most affordable four-year nursing education in the state at just $9,024 annually. The notably high doctoral-level nursing graduate earnings ($198,411/year) suggest strong advanced degree programs and career outcomes. The 91% acceptance rate indicates broader accessibility, though the 57.8% graduation rate suggests students should be prepared for rigorous coursework.

Saint Louis University

Location: Saint Louis
Type: Private Nonprofit, 4-Year University
Tuition: $53,244/year
Acceptance Rate: 81.5%
Graduation Rate: 80.5%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $114,118/year (Graduate Certificate)
Enrollment: 7,324 students

SLU represents the premium private nursing education option in Missouri, with the highest graduation rate (80.5%) among four-year universities listed. The strong graduation rate reflects excellent student support systems. While tuition is significantly higher at $53,244/year, graduates earn solid salaries with graduate certificates.

University of Missouri-Kansas City

Location: Kansas City
Type: Public, 4-Year University
Tuition: $11,988/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 75.0%
Graduation Rate: 56.0%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $166,758/year (Doctoral Degree)
Enrollment: 6,618 students

UMKC offers an affordable public option with strong doctoral-level outcomes. The $11,988 tuition is reasonable, and graduates pursuing doctoral degrees earn $166,758 annually, reflecting strong advanced practice programs.

Southeast Missouri State University

Location: Cape Girardeau
Type: Public, 4-Year University
Tuition: $9,496/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 78.5%
Graduation Rate: 56.0%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $99,594/year (Master's Degree)
Enrollment: 6,588 students

SEMO provides an affordable option with master's-level nursing programs. At under $9,500/year, it's one of Missouri's most budget-friendly four-year universities.

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Location: Saint Louis
Type: Private Nonprofit, 4-Year University
Tuition: $27,166/year
Acceptance Rate: 93.7%
Graduation Rate: 69.3%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $104,900/year (Graduate Certificate)
Enrollment: 5,988 students

Maryville offers a middle ground between public and premium private options. The 93.7% acceptance rate and 69.3% graduation rate suggest strong student support, making it accessible for those who may not qualify for more selective programs.

University of Central Missouri

Location: Warrensburg
Type: Public, 4-Year University
Tuition: $9,739/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 68.6%
Graduation Rate: 51.0%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $102,568/year (Master's Degree)
Enrollment: 5,653 students

UCM offers competitive tuition with master's-level nursing programs. The 68.6% acceptance rate indicates moderate selectivity.

University of Missouri-St. Louis

Location: Saint Louis
Type: Public, 4-Year University
Tuition: $13,440/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 57.2%
Graduation Rate: 54.4%
Nursing Graduate Earnings: $128,634/year (Graduate Certificate)
Enrollment: 5,108 students

UMSL is the most selective public nursing program in Missouri (57.2% acceptance) and offers strong graduate certificate programs with solid earnings potential.

Additional Four-Year Options

Columbia College ($24,326/year) and Park University ($16,400/year) provide private nonprofit alternatives with varying graduation rates. Truman State University ($9,470/year) in Kirksville offers an affordable public option with a strong 69.7% graduation rate and 80% acceptance rate.

Missouri Southern State University in Joplin has the highest acceptance rate (97.4%) among four-year universities, making it highly accessible, though the 37% graduation rate suggests it may serve more at-risk student populations.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Pathway

Missouri's six community colleges offer Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs at significantly lower costs than four-year universities. These programs typically cost $3,000-$6,180 per year and prepare students for RN licensure in 2-3 years.

Most Affordable Options

Saint Louis Community College ($3,660/year) and St. Charles Community College ($3,000/year) offer the lowest tuition in the state. Both serve large student populations and provide accessible entry into nursing.

Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City ($3,630/year) and Ozarks Technical Community College ($4,184/year) are similarly affordable, with OTCC offering a 31.2% graduation rate.

Additional Community College Programs

Moberly Area Community College ($4,020/year)
Jefferson College ($4,500/year)
State Fair Community College ($4,104/year)
Crowder College ($6,180/year)

Important Note on Community College Graduation Rates: Some community colleges report lower graduation rates (e.g., Saint Louis CC at 17.7%), which may reflect students transferring to four-year programs rather than program failure. Always clarify graduation vs. transfer rates when evaluating community colleges.

ADN to BSN Pathway

Many Missouri community college graduates transition to RN-to-BSN programs at four-year universities. This pathway allows you to earn your ADN, work as an RN, and later complete a bachelor's degree—often while working and earning a salary.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program in Missouri

Consider Your Financial Situation

Budget-conscious students: Community colleges ($3,000-$6,180/year) or public universities like Missouri State ($9,024/year) or Southeast Missouri State ($9,496/year) offer excellent value.

Students with financial aid: Private nonprofits like Maryville ($27,166/year) and Saint Louis University ($53,244/year) often have robust financial aid packages that can reduce net cost below sticker price.

Evaluate Graduation Rates

Graduation rate indicates program quality and student support. Prioritize programs with rates above 60% (Saint Louis University at 80.5%, Truman State at 69.7%, Maryville at 69.3%). Lower rates don't necessarily mean poor quality—they may indicate open-access missions—but they warrant investigation.

Location and Commute

Consider proximity to home. Programs in Springfield, Kansas City, Saint Louis, and Columbia offer the largest enrollments and most resources. Rural programs like Truman State (Kirksville) and Southeast Missouri State (Cape Girardeau) may offer smaller class sizes and tight-knit communities.

Program Type: ADN vs. BSN

ADN (2-3 years): Faster entry to RN practice, lower cost, community college option
BSN (4 years): Broader education, better advancement prospects, higher starting salaries for some positions

Many employers now prefer or require BSNs, but ADN graduates can pursue RN-to-BSN programs later.

Career Goals

If you're interested in advanced practice (nurse practitioner, clinical specialist), doctoral-level programs at Missouri State ($198,411 earnings), UMKC ($166,758), or UM-Columbia ($104,573) may be worth the investment.

Nursing Job Market in Missouri

Missouri's nursing job market remains strong. RN employment in Missouri reflects national trends:

Median RN salary in Missouri: $56,201-$198,411 annually depending on degree level and specialization
Job outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6-7% growth in RN positions nationally through 2032
Demand areas: Hospitals, long-term care, home health, and psychiatric facilities consistently seek nurses

Community college ADN graduates typically earn $53,582-$59,960 annually, while BSN graduates earn $71,271-$102,568. Advanced degree holders (master's, doctoral) earn $99,594-$198,411.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Missouri

Federal Aid

All Missouri nursing programs participate in federal financial aid (FAFSA). Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.gov to access:

Pell Grants (up to $7,395 for 2024-25)
Federal Student Loans (Stafford Loans)
Work-Study programs

State-Specific Aid

Missouri Student Assistance Resource (MSAR): Visit mochecks.org for state grant programs.

Nursing Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment: Missouri offers loan repayment programs for nurses working in underserved areas. Check with your state's Department of Health and Senior Services.

Institutional Aid

Private universities like Saint Louis University and Maryville typically offer substantial merit scholarships. Contact admissions offices directly for nursing-specific scholarships.

Professional Organization Scholarships

National Association of Hispanic Nurses: Scholarships for Hispanic nursing students
American Association of Colleges of Nursing: Links to member school scholarships
State Nurses Association of Missouri: Local scholarship opportunities

Next Steps: Find Your Ideal Nursing Program

You've learned about Missouri's 20 nursing programs. Now it's time to compare schools side-by-side, check specific admission requirements, and connect with program advisors.

Explore all Missouri nursing programs on GradeToGrad — filter by tuition, acceptance rate, location, and degree type to narrow your options.

Action Items

Take the TEAS or HESI exam (required for most nursing programs)
Request information from 3-5 programs that match your criteria
Schedule campus visits or virtual tours
Complete FAFSA to understand financial aid eligibility
Apply early — nursing programs fill quickly, especially community colleges

Missouri's nursing education landscape offers genuine choice. Whether you're seeking affordability, prestige, location, or specific program features, you'll find options that fit your goals and circumstances. Start your comparison today and take the next step toward your nursing career.