Best nursing schools in Missouri: Largest to smallest

Missouri’s nursing workforce is large and growing. Over 125,000 nurses hold licensure in the state today, and nursing is projected to be one of the country’s ten fastest-growing occupations over the coming decade. The Missouri healthcare industry includes 40,000 certified nursing assistants (CNAs), 16,000 licensed practical nurses (LPNs), 65,000 registered nurses (RNs), and over 5,000 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).

To feed this increasing demand for nurses, Missouri has almost 100 accredited nursing schools that prepare graduates for one or more of the above nursing roles. The state’s aspiring nurses can choose to attend a local community college, a public university, or a private college. Each option has its advantages. Missouri’s community colleges offer a convenient and inexpensive path to licensure for CNAs, LPNs, and entry-level RNs. Public universities provide baccalaureate and graduate education at a significant discount for state residents, with a breadth of program offerings and a diverse student body. Private schools cost the most to attend, but they carry enhanced prestige, offer smaller class sizes, and facilitate closer instructor attention. A student’s choice ultimately depends on her career aspirations, financial constraints, and optimal learning style.

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Regardless of school choice, Missouri’s nursing programs promise a significant return on investment. This longer the program, the more significant the return. Local CNAs can earn a median annual salary of $22,140 after taking a brief training course of several weeks. LPNs, who must complete a one-year certificate program, receive $37,190 in annual pay. Missouri’s RNs earn a median salary of $56,690 after completing the relevant hospital diploma or undergraduate degree program. The state’s APRNs, who hold graduate degrees, make $85,000 to $145,000 annually depending on the field of specialization.

To help each Missouri nursing student find a school that fits her learning style, we’ve profiled the state’s nursing programs by class size. You’ll find them listed by city below and ordered from largest to smallest.