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Best Value Registered Nursing Colleges in Missouri

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

College of the Ozarks delivers nursing education at a net cost of just $7,669, making it Missouri's most affordable option by a wide margin. This stands in sharp contrast to Webster University's $26,196 net price, though Webster graduates earn $79,081 annually compared to the College of the Ozarks' $52,107. The earnings gap reflects Missouri's varied healthcare market, where BJC HealthCare and other major health systems offer different compensation levels across urban and rural markets. Public universities dominate the middle range, with most charging between $11,653 and $17,502 net cost while producing graduates who earn $53,000 to $59,000 annually. Missouri Southern State University accepts 99.48% of applicants with a low $11,653 net cost, while Truman State University maintains selectivity at 45.05% acceptance yet keeps costs reasonable at $12,030. The state's A+ Scholarship program helps students start at community colleges before transferring to four-year nursing programs, creating pathways into healthcare careers that serve both rural communities and major metropolitan areas like Kansas City and St. Louis.
33
Programs
$7,669 – $34,947
Net Price Range
$58,769
Avg. Program Earnings
54.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $52,107 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $11,653 $54,515 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
3 $12,837 $59,872 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
4 $12,030 $56,028 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
5 $12,323 $56,845 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
6 $12,638 $57,643 $9,800 39.8%
7 $14,774 $61,054 $6,960 100.0%
8 $15,336 $58,131 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
9 $14,532 $53,358 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
10 $16,602 $57,403 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
11 $16,939 $57,137 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
12 $18,705 $60,771 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
13 $17,502 $54,928 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
14 $26,196 $79,081 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
15 $19,889 $57,066 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
16 $23,165 $60,213 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
17 $21,082 $53,454 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
18 $22,080 $55,964 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
19 $25,477 $61,054 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
20 $27,075 $59,004 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
21 $26,047 $55,964 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
22 $34,947 $71,315 $19,686 33.3% 71.4%
23 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
24 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
25 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
26 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
27 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
28 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
29 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
30 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
31 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
32 $25,189 $11,691 100.0% 25.8%
33 $28,094 56.9% 98.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks such an strong value for nursing students?

College of the Ozarks charges a net cost of only $7,669, nearly $4,000 less than the next cheapest option. The school maintains a 61.30% graduation rate while keeping costs low through its work-study program. Though graduates earn $52,107 annually, the minimal debt burden creates strong financial returns. The 21.13% acceptance rate ensures quality education despite the low cost.

How do public university nursing programs compare in cost and outcomes?

Missouri's public nursing programs charge between $11,653 and $19,889 in net costs, with most clustering around $12,000 to $15,000. University of Missouri-Columbia leads in graduation rates at 76.20% but costs $19,889 net. Missouri Southern State University offers the lowest barrier to entry with 99.48% acceptance and $11,653 net cost. Most public programs produce graduates earning $53,000 to $59,000 annually.

Does Webster University justify its higher cost with better earning potential?

Webster University graduates earn $79,081 annually, about $20,000 more than most other Missouri nursing programs. However, the school charges $26,196 in net costs, roughly double the typical public option. The 61.10% graduation rate matches other quality programs. Students must weigh the $15,000 annual cost premium against the higher earning potential in competitive markets.

Where do Missouri nursing graduates find the best job opportunities?

BJC HealthCare employs thousands of nurses across the St. Louis metropolitan area, while Kansas City hosts major health systems and Cerner's healthcare technology operations. Rural areas face nursing shortages, creating opportunities for graduates from programs like Missouri Southern State University in Joplin. The state's agriculture and defense sectors also employ occupational health nurses. Missouri's central location provides access to markets in neighboring states.

What role does the A+ Scholarship play in nursing education costs?

The A+ Scholarship covers community college tuition for eligible Missouri students, creating a pathway to reduce overall nursing education costs. Students can complete prerequisite courses at minimal expense before transferring to four-year programs. This approach particularly benefits those planning to attend higher-cost universities. The scholarship helps offset the $18,000 to $27,000 range many programs require for completion.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.