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Best Nursing Schools in Missouri in 2024

January 26, 2024 | Admin

Nursing Schools in Missouri
Best nursing schools in Missouri badge

Nursing is quite a popular major in the state of Missouri, and it is the 19th most popular state for students studying this major. According to the statistics, 6,074 of the 296,913 nursing degrees that were earned in 2019 were given by schools in Missouri. Currently, nursing programs in the state of Missouri are increasing access to registered nurses, who would like to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). We know how hard it may be to select the perfect nursing school. To make the process easier for you, we have ranked 20 nursing schools in Missouri by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN pass rates.

Why Choose One of The Nursing Schools In Missouri?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Missouri has one of the highest per-capita rates of nurses with over 70,000 nurses in the state. Moreover, there is a significant job growth over the national average for advance practice nursing, meaning that there are plenty of opportunities for both registered nurses (RN) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRN).

Rank School Location
1State Fair Community CollegeSedalia, Missouri
2Ozarks Technical Community CollegeSpringfield, Missouri
3Crowder CollegeNeosho, Missouri
4Webster UniversityWebster Groves, Missouri
5University of Missouri – ColumbiaColumbia, Missouri

Top 20 Best Nursing Schools in Missouri

Here is a list of the best 25 nursing schools in Missouri with detailed information about the schools and the programs, as well as tuition fees and NCLEX rates. If, after looking through the list, you could not find a school you are interested in, do not hesitate to contact us and we will help you find a college or university based on your preferences.

Best Nursing Schools in Missouri in 2021

1

State Fair Community College

  • Sedalia, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 84%
State Fair Community College nursing students in mock hospital room

State Fair Community College (SFCC) is located in the town of Sedalia, Missouri. It first opened its doors in 1968 for 436 students. Today, the college serves thousands of students and offers numerous academic programs and skill training programs at 7 campuses across their 14-county service area and online. In total, the college is known as one of the premier community colleges in Missouri for those, who are searching for educational opportunities. It is also accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The bi-level structure of the SFCC nursing program is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. It allows students to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and to decide whether to continue on toward an associate degree. During the first year of the nursing program, students acquire the necessary skills to become an LPN. Then they can apply to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam and continue on earning an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). The Practical Nursing program is offered at both the Sedalia and Eldon campuses while the ADN program is offered at Sedalia, Eldon and Clinton campuses. SFCC also offers advanced placement opportunities for LPN’s and licensed paramedics who are interested in continuing their education to become an Registered Nurse.

*The tuition for the year 1 (LPN) program is different for the 3 semesters students attend (for Missouri resident: 1st semester $6,107.50, 2nd semester $5,547, 3rd semester $2,487.50) with a semester average of $4,746.50.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 100%
Tuition fees (semester average): LPN: $4,746.50*
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2

Ozarks Technical Community College

  • Springfield, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

This community college that was established in Springfield, Missouri in 1990 is considered a great source of educational opportunities. It has both an associate degree program and a certificate program. It is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Currently, the college serves over 15,000 students by offering them flexible educational opportunities.

There are two separate nursing programs offered by the college – the practical nursing program or the associate degree in nursing. The nursing curriculum is designed to provide nurses knowledge and complete education, so they can be prepared for their future career in nursing. The Nursing Degree (A.S.N.) takes an average length of 4.4 years to complete, is 65 credits, and has a graduation retention rate of 82%. The Practical Nursing Certificate (LPN) takes an average length of 2.6 Years to complete, is 49 credits, and has a graduation retention rate of 85%.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 99.1%
Tuition for Nursing Degree (A.S.N.): $8,128 (in-district); $11,443 (out-of-district)
Tuition for Practical Nursing Certificate (LPN): $6,223 (in-district); $8,722 (out-of-district)
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3

Crowder College

  • Neosho, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 33%

Crowder College is located in Neosho, Missouri and currently serves around 5,500 students. This college is famous for the development of solar technologies. The college has done a lot of work to further solar technologies in the United States and had received many honors. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

Crowder’s nursing program has produced many good nurses throughout the years of its existence. The school is well known for its flexible ADN program. This program is accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 95.4%
Tuition fees (in-state): LPN – $4,949
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4

Webster University

  • Webster Groves, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 75%

Webster University located in St Louis, founded in 1915, is a private medium-sized university serving about 22,000 students. If offers accredited undergraduate and graduate programs for the student from the United States and across the globe. It also has campuses in many other countries, including Webster University Vienna, Webster University Leiden, Webster University Thailand, and others. The core values of Webster University are inclusion and diversity.

The nursing school at the university offers the Nursing Program where students can learn advanced theory, skills and nursing knowledge that they need in order to become highly-qualified professionals in the dynamic and constantly changing field of nursing. The nursing program is focused on the integration of real-world practice and theory.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 94.5%
Tuition fees (in state): $23,835
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5

University of Missouri – Columbia

  • Columbia, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 68%

This university is one of the top research schools in Missouri. It is one of the most affordable universities in the state, and almost 50% of students graduate with no debt. The university was founded in 1839 and serves almost 16,000 students every year. This campus located in Columbia, Missouri is a flagship campus. There are also 4 other campuses throughout the country.

The Sinclair School of Nursing has 8 nursing programs, including three Bachelor’s degrees. All programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). In order to develop and polish their nursing skills, students can train at the academic health sciences center and by cooperating with other surrounding healthcare facilities.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 94%
Tuition fees (in-state): $17,762
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6

University of Missouri – Kansas City

  • Kansas City, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 57%

Along with the other four campuses, this university is a part of the University of Missouri System. These campuses located in Kansas City offers students both undergraduate and graduate programs. They are offered through 12 colleges and schools. The university can also boast of numerous partnerships with nationally recognized healthcare facilities. The purpose of this partnership is to promote research more collaboration in education and community outreach.

The nursing school offers three Bachelor’s programs, including accelerated BSN, traditional BSN, and RN to BSN programs. The nursing school also has DNP, MSN, and PhD programs.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 94.3%
Tuition fees (in state): $14,86
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7

Avila University

  • Kansas City, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 82%
Avila University logo and tagline

Avila University is home to the oldest B.S.N. program in Kansas City. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the program has full approval by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Over the past five years, 82% of students enrolled in the nursing major have graduated within three years of admission, with 98% of those graduates becoming registered nurses. Nearly all Avila University nursing graduates are employed within six months of their graduation.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 93.2%
Tuition fees (in state): $20,092
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8

Truman State University

  • Kirksville, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 72%

It is one of the 4-year colleges in Missouri located in Kirksville town. Every year, over 6,000 students attend this university. It is well-known for offering exceptionally high-quality academic programs and excellent educational value. The university exemplifies the ideas held by its namesake, President Harry S. Truman, who promoted and embraced the ideas of affordable and high-quality education for everyone.

Most students of Truman University’s nursing program pass the NCLEX and are able to find a position upon completing the program. Common landing spots for them include Children’s Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri Hospitals, and Mayo Clinic. Along with the standard four-year BSN, the University also offers an accelerated BSN, the duration of which is 18 months.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 92.3%
Tuition fees (in state): $12,512
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9

Park University

  • Parkville, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 29%

Park University is a private higher 4-year educational institution located in Parkville town. It is a pretty small college with an enrollment of only 4,000 undergraduate students. Originally it was founded in 1875 and was affiliated with a local Missouri church. However, it has since dropped that affiliation and now focuses primarily on its relationship with the United States Military. As Park University the school has been known only for two decades – it received its current name in 2000. The school offers both on-campus and online bachelor’s degree programs.

One of the most popular programs offered by the university in the nursing field is the RN to BSN program that helps students that already have RN licensure obtain the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The university also has a pre-licensure BSN program designed specifically for students with no prior nursing experience.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 92.5%
Tuition fees (in state): $16,048
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10

Maryville University

  • St. Louis, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 40%

It is one of the private universities of Missouri located in a suburb of Saint Louis. It has over 10,000 students, and half of them study online. The university is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It is well known in the United States as a leader for student-centered programs and distance learning. Maryville offers technology-driven,mentor-inspired, and rigorous education. It is focused on student success and learning.

Maryville University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is known as one of the best America’s colleges for nursing education. The nursing curriculum prepares students for rehabilitative, preventative, and curative professional medical help to people of all ages. Students who complete a nursing program at Maryville University report average early career wages of $55,100

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 92.2%
Tuition fees (in state): $30,921
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11

Jefferson College

  • Hillsboro, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 31%

This community college located in Hillsboro, Missouri was established in 1963 and currently serves over 5,000 students. It offers a variety of associate degree programs, allowing students to work toward different lucrative careers. Some of the programs also allows their students to make a transfer over to a university. Therefore, Jefferson college is often considered by many students as a good start of their journey toward a bachelor’s degree.

The nursing program at Jefferson College is highly regarded. After the first year students become licensed practical nurses (LPNs). Then, the easier to continue studying to become registered nurses or to stay on and complete the Level II/RN (registered nurse) course.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 91.4%
Tuition fees: LPN- – $5,584
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12

St. Louis University

  • St. Louis, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 74%

St. Louis University is a private Roman Catholic University and one of the oldest Catholic schools in the country. It was founded in 1818 in St. Louis, Missouri, and currently offers 100 undergraduate and 80 graduate programs. It is also among the biggest universities in the US – it includes 131 buildings that are spread across 235 acres. It is also the first university in American history that established a campus in Europe – there is one in the capital of Spain, Madrid.

The St. Louis University nursing school offers 8 CCNE-accredited nursing programs. The BSN programs include a traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN to BSN programs. There are also graduate nursing programs, including MSN, accelerated MSN, and RN to MSN programs. The nursing school is also equipped with practice labs, in which students can simulate real-life medical situations.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 91.3%
Tuition fees (in state): $31,718
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13

William Jewell College

  • Liberty, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 64%

It is a liberal arts college located in Liberty, Missouri. It was founded in 1849 by the Missouri Baptist Convention. Today, it is an independent educational institution with 40 different programs offered. In recent years, the college has received numerous recognitions.

There are three BSN programs available for students – traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN to BSN program. The purpose of nursing programs at William Jewell College is to prepare students for a career in nursing using a holistic approach that treats the whole person. Students enrolled in the traditional BSN program can begin their clinical placements at local hospitals and clinics and have training at a stimulation lab.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 91%
Tuition fees (in state): $20,916
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14

College of the Ozarks

  • Point Lookout, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 66%

College of the Ozarks, founded in 1906, is a non-for-profit 4-year college located in Point Lockout town. Currently, there are over 1,500 attending the college. The mission of this college is to provide the benefits of Christian education for young people of both sexes. It focuses on the development of citizens of Christ-like character, who are patriotic, hardworking, and well-educated.

College of Ozarks offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that received Full Approval Status from the Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN) and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The program consists of 6 semesters, and during the last semester, they engage in a preceptorship course where they work with a registered nurse and care for a typical patient caseload.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 89.8%
Tuition fees (in state): $13,498
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15

Moberly Area Community College

  • Moberly, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 24%

Moberly Area Community College (MACC) is a school that was established in 1927 in the town of Moberly, Missouri. Currently, it serves about 5,000 students by offering them thorough and diverse educational opportunities. It also has numerous satellite campuses, which makes this college more accessible for students. The college also has a robust athletic department and belongs to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA)

The college also has a nursing program with several options for its students. They can either choose the practical nursing path or ADN path. Both options include a combination of classroom learning and clinical exercises. The curriculum of the program provides students with the right mix of well-balanced education and experience. One of the primary purposes of the nursing program is to teach students how to provide patient-centered care in different types of settings.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 88.9%
Tuition fees (in state): $6,864
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16

Research College of Nursing

  • Kansas City, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 79%

Located in Kansas City, Missouri Research College of Nursing is a part of Rockhurst University. The history of the college began when the German Hospital was founded in 1886. However, during World War I, the names of the school and hospital were changed in order to avoid any connection to the war and Germany. Over time, the college expanded and became well known as an educational institution that offers quality education in the nursing field. The first BSN degree was offered in 1980, and since then over 4,000 professional nurses graduated from this college.

The Research College of Nursing offers three nursing programs – a traditional BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, and MSN program. All three programs received accreditation from CCNE in 2003, which still remains current. In addition to classroom learning, all nursing students receive clinical experience at Research Medical Center and ten other hospitals that are affiliated with the school.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 88%
Tuition fees (in state): $27,770
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17

Cox College

  • Springfield, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 61%

It is a private college located in Springfield, Missouri. It offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in health sciences, including occupational therapy and medical assisting, and nursing. The college was founded in 1907, but the first BSN program was offered there only in 1997. Recently, Cox College has started offering bachelor, associate, and master degrees in different medical fields.

Currently, there are seven nursing programs available at Cox College, including four Bachelor’s programs, such as LPN to BSN, traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN to BSN programs. Both undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by the CCNE, and associate degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 84%
Tuition fees (in state): $16,711
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18

Missouri Valley College

  • Marshall, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 27%

Missouri Valley College is one of the fifty-three non-profit, private colleges located in the town of Marshall. It was founded in 1889 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,740. The college has a religious affiliation with the Presbyterian Church and offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. Tuition ranks this college 43rd in Missouri and among all colleges for affordability, and the 26th most expensive college in the state.

Missouri Valley College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for those students, who are interested in earning their nursing degree by using a traditional curriculum. During the program, students learn how to provide evidence-based care across various health settings and gain the foundation for providing excellent nursing care.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 82.8%
Tuition fees (in state): $20,786
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19

Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences

  • Cape Girardeau, Missouri

This non-for-profit 4-year college was established in 1928 when the hospital was opened. When the surgical technology program was launched, the college’s name was changed to Southeast Missouri Hospital of Nursing and Health Sciences. In 2005, the college receive accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission College. The mission of the educational institution is to respond properly to the healthcare educational needs of the state by preparing qualified healthcare professionals.

The college offers the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing with the four options available, including an accelerated LPN to RN bridge option, a full-time basic option for those who have no previous nursing experience, the part-time evenings and weekends LPN to RN bridge option, and the part-time Paramedic to RN option.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 77.1%
Tuition fees (in state): $31,080
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20

Lincoln University

  • Jefferson City, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 21%

Lincoln University is considered one of the oldest historically black universities and colleges in the United States. It was founded in 1866 by African American Veterans of the Civil War. Currently, the university is pretty diverse and offers 50 undergraduate and graduate programs. It consists of seven different colleges and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

The nursing school of Lincoln University includes an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in nursing for those students who have no prior experience in nursing and would like to gain entry-level positions at clinics, hospitals, physician’s offices, and other healthcare institutions and settings. In addition to classroom instruction, students also participate in laboratory experiences and clinical rotations.

School Overview

Average NCLEX pass rate: 77.1%
Tuition fees (in state): $10,910
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How We Ranked The Schools

We understand that providing students with better transparency in regards to nursing programs throughout the state of Missouri is important. It helps them better match the right nursing college or university that is accessible to them. That is why we created our Nursing Programs Ranking that is based on NCLEX-PN passing rates. The NCLEX-PN exam that state boards of nursing  use in the United States to evaluate proficiency and grant licensure. It is one of the best ways to determine how well a college or university prepares its students for their prospective careers in the nursing field.

If you have any comments, questions, or correction requests, do not hesitate to contact us. Also, if you have not seen a school on this list that you may be interested in, we will be glad to assist you and help you find a university or college based on the program you choose.

Find the program that’s right for you

Whether you’re trying to start your career or make a big change, we can help you find the perfect school to help you reach your goals.

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