Best Online Nursing Programs in Missouri (2026)

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Missouri Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$113,962
Salary OutlookMissouri offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyMissouri Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in Missouri offers a flexible path into nursing careers. Missouri offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Missouri students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Nursing Schools in Missouri

The following schools offer accredited online nursing programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Missouri.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Cape Girardeau, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
77.9 BOC Score
Graduation rate 73%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $60,918
Avg net price $19,390/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 80%
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
74.6 BOC Score
Graduation rate 75%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $70,783
Avg net price $24,398/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 88%
  • Programs offered: 20

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Cox College

Springfield, MO
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
74.1 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 100%
Graduation rate 68%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $56,867
Tuition
In‑state$14,822
Out‑of‑state$14,822
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 25%
  • Programs offered: 4

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Missouri

Nursing professionals in Missouri experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Missouri.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Missouri)
Registered Nurse$81,780
Licensed Practical Nurse$61,530
Nurse Anesthetist$242,630
Nurse Midwife$130,220
Nurse Practitioner$129,930
Nursing Assistant$37,680

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Nursing Degree in Missouri?

Choosing a program in Missouri can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Missouri offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local nursing programs are designed to meet Missouri Board of Nursing requirements, facilitating your path to RN or APRN licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online nursing programs in Missouri accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Nursing pay in Missouri compare to other states?

Missouri offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Missouri a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for nursing in Missouri?

The Missouri Board of Nursing oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Missouri. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Online Nursing Programs by City in Missouri

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Arnold · Ballwin · Belton · Blue Springs · Branson · Cape Girardeau · Chesterfield · Columbia · Farmington · Ferguson · Florissant · Gladstone · Grandview · Hazelwood · Independence · Jefferson City · Joplin · Kansas City · Kirkwood · Lees Summit · Liberty · Maryland Heights · Nixa · O · Poplar Bluff · Raymore · Raytown · Rolla · Sedalia · Springfield · Saint Charles · Saint Joseph · Saint Louis · Saint Peters · University City · Warrensburg · Webster Groves · Wentzville · Wildwood


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