Nursing in Missouri

Missouri has nearly 100 nursing schools, but these are mainly centered in its largest cities ... St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield. If you live in rural areas, your closest options may be community colleges offering ADN or LPN programs, leaving some regions poorly served for higher-degree nursing education.

The state’s NCLEX pass rate for RNs averages about 88.6%, which aligns closely with the national average. However, pass rates differ notably between schools. Public universities and colleges tend to maintain pass rates above 90%, while some smaller or for-profit programs struggle to reach that level, hovering closer to 83%. If program quality matters to you, it’s worth comparing NCLEX results when choosing a school.

Missouri joined the Nurse Licensure Compact recently, making it easier for nurses licensed here to work in other compact states like Kansas or Arkansas without getting a new license. But since Illinois and some neighbors are not compact members, your ability to work across all borders depends on individual state participation.

In terms of costs, community colleges offer the most affordable LPN and ADN programs, often under $10,000 total tuition, while BSN degrees at Missouri’s public universities tend to cost between $10,000 and $20,000. Private schools charge more, sometimes double the public tuition. Since living expenses are lower here than most states, total education costs might still be manageable if you consider housing and daily costs.

The Missouri nursing job market shows steady demand. There are about 73,000 registered nurses employed statewide, with a salary average near $77,600 for RNs. Salaries vary by region and specialty; urban nurses may earn near $100,000 but face higher housing costs. Rural nurses earn less but often encounter less competition and higher job openings. 

Major health systems like BJC and Mercy prefer BSN-prepared nurses, a trend reflected in growing demand for higher degrees. Rural nursing shortages also create opportunities for programs focused on those areas, but accessibility to education can still be a challenge.

This page will help you explore Missouri’s nursing programs, compare NCLEX pass rates, and find scholarships to support your education goals. Whether you want an LPN certificate, an ADN, or a BSN, Missouri’s varied nursing schools offer options—just be sure to check location, cost, and program quality closely before deciding.