Top Nursing Schools in Missouri: A Comprehensive Guide
Missouri is home to some of the best nursing schools in the country, offering a variety of programs designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare. Whether you’re looking to become a registered nurse (RN), earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or advance your career with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Missouri has top-tier institutions to meet your needs. This guide highlights the top nursing schools in Missouri, including their programs, admission requirements, and financial aid options, with live links to each school’s website and financial aid resources.

Top Nursing Schools in Missouri
Your guide to the best nursing education in Missouri
University of Missouri – Sinclair School of Nursing (Columbia, MO)
The University of Missouri’s Sinclair School of Nursing is one of the top-ranked nursing schools in the state, offering a full range of nursing degrees, from BSN to PhD.
- Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD in Nursing
- Notable Feature: Highly ranked online MSN and DNP programs
- Website: Sinclair School of Nursing
- Financial Aid: MU Financial Aid
Saint Louis University – Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing (St. Louis, MO)
Saint Louis University’s nursing program is nationally recognized for its commitment to excellence in nursing education and research.
- Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD in Nursing
- Notable Feature: Offers an accelerated BSN program for second-degree students
- Website: SLU School of Nursing
- Financial Aid: SLU Financial Aid
Missouri State University – School of Nursing (Springfield, MO)
Missouri State University provides a strong foundation in nursing education with both undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
- Notable Feature: Emphasis on community-based nursing and leadership
- Website: MSU School of Nursing
- Financial Aid: MSU Financial Aid
University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) School of Nursing and Health Studies
UMKC’s School of Nursing and Health Studies is known for its innovative programs and clinical training opportunities.
- Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD in Nursing
- Notable Feature: Online and hybrid MSN and DNP programs
- Website: UMKC School of Nursing
- Financial Aid: UMKC Financial Aid
Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College (St. Louis, MO)
Affiliated with Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Goldfarb School of Nursing offers rigorous nursing programs with extensive clinical experiences.
- Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
- Notable Feature: State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Website: Goldfarb School of Nursing
- Financial Aid: Goldfarb Financial Aid
Maryville University – Catherine McAuley School of Nursing (St. Louis, MO)
Maryville University’s nursing programs emphasize leadership, innovation, and patient-centered care.
- Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
- Notable Feature: Fully online MSN and DNP programs available
- Website: Maryville Nursing
- Financial Aid: Maryville Financial Aid
Southeast Missouri State University – Department of Nursing (Cape Girardeau, MO)
Southeast Missouri State University provides high-quality nursing education with an emphasis on rural and underserved populations.
- Programs: BSN, MSN, DNP
- Notable Feature: Strong partnerships with local healthcare providers
- Website: SEMO Nursing
- Financial Aid: SEMO Financial Aid
Truman State University – Nursing Program (Kirksville, MO)
Truman State University offers a competitive BSN program with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and leadership.
- Programs: BSN
- Notable Feature: High NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Website: Truman Nursing
- Financial Aid: Truman Financial Aid
Research College of Nursing (Kansas City, MO)
Research College of Nursing provides rigorous, career-focused nursing programs with strong clinical training components.
- Programs: BSN, MSN
- Notable Feature: Strong partnerships with HCA Midwest Health hospitals
- Website: Research College of Nursing
- Financial Aid: Research College Financial Aid
Choosing the Right Nursing School in Missouri
When selecting a nursing school, consider these key factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
- NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: A high pass rate indicates strong academic preparation for licensing exams.
- Clinical Rotations: Schools with strong hospital partnerships provide valuable hands-on training.
- Program Flexibility: Consider online, hybrid, or accelerated programs if you need flexibility.
- Financial Aid: Look for scholarships, grants, and loan assistance to help with tuition costs.
By choosing one of Missouri’s top nursing schools, you’ll gain the education, clinical experience, and professional connections needed to excel in the field. Start your journey toward a fulfilling nursing career today!
“College and University Guide .com
a guide to colleges and universities across the USA”
Colleges and Universities
If you know of a college or university in the USA that should be listed here then tell us about it so that we can add it to our growing directory!

Graduating?
Ready to start your career?
Are you a new graduate looking for work?
Are you a new graduate looking for work? Headhunters Directory is an online directory of headhunters, recruiters, and employment agencies in the USA.
Connect with the top Missouri recruiters and headhunters when you are in active job search mode.