Top Nursing Schools in Missouri
This page lists 66 schools in Missouri that reported awards in licensed nursing education to the U.S. Department of Education for 2023-24 — including 28 practical/vocational nursing (LPN/LVN), 23 associate degree (ADN), 37 bachelor's (BSN), 18 master's and 5 Doctor of Nursing Practice award levels. By ownership, 36 public, 25 private nonprofit and 5 private for-profit. 31 appear in the CCNE or ACEN accreditor directories for at least one nursing program level. The largest concentrations are in Saint Louis (7), Kansas City (6), Springfield (4) and Cape Girardeau (3).
Data last reviewed: October 6, 2026
Sources: IPEDS (U.S. Dept. of Education) / CCNE directory / ACEN directory
Listing does not certify educational quality or guarantee licensure eligibility. Verify details with the school before applying.
Listed alphabetically. Inclusion is editorial selection, not a ranking — see our methodology. How schools are selected
Schools (66)
| School | Location | Ownership | Nursing awards / programs | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research College of Nursing | Kansas City, MO | Private for-profit | BSN, MSN | CCNE |
| Rockhurst University | Kansas City, MO | Private nonprofit | BSN, MSN-FNP | CCNE |
| Saint Louis Community College | Bridgeton, MO | Public | ADN | ACEN |
| Saint Louis University | Saint Louis, MO | Private nonprofit | BSN, MSN, Post-Master's, Post-Master's-FNP, Post-Master's-PMHNP, PhD | CCNE |
| Saline County Career Center | Marshall, MO | Public | LPN/LVN | — |
| Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Cape Girardeau, MO | Private nonprofit | LPN/LVN, ADN, BSN | — |
| Southeast Missouri State University | Cape Girardeau, MO | Public | BSN, MSN | CCNE |
| Southern Missouri Technical Institute | West Plains, MO | Public | LPN/LVN | — |
| Southwest Baptist University | Bolivar, MO | Private nonprofit | ADN, BSN, MSN | ACEN |
| St Charles Community College | Cottleville, MO | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | ACEN |
| St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton | Fenton, MO | Private for-profit | LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| State Fair Community College | Sedalia, MO | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| State Technical College of Missouri | Linn, MO | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| Stephens College | Columbia, MO | Private nonprofit | BSN | CCNE |
| Texas County Technical College | Houston, MO | Private for-profit | LPN/LVN, ADN | — |
| Three Rivers College | Poplar Bluff, MO | Public | LPN/LVN, ADN | ACEN |
| Truman State University | Kirksville, MO | Public | BSN | CCNE |
| University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, MO | Public | BSN, MSN-FNP | CCNE |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | Columbia, MO | Public | BSN, MSN, Grad Cert, DNP, PhD | CCNE |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | Public | BSN, MSN, Post-Master's, Post-Master's-FNP, Post-Master's-PMHNP, DNP, PhD | CCNE |
Before you apply in Missouri
- Prelicensure nursing programs must be approved by the state's board of nursing. Check the board's current list for the campus you will attend.
- Program accreditation (CCNE, ACEN or CNEA) is separate from state approval and from the institution's own accreditation. Each school page shows which records we found and where.
- Online programs based in another state may not accept residents of Missouri. See online coursework and clinical requirements.