Best Nursing Schools in St Louis, MO in 2024 (On-Campus & Online)

Are you looking for a nursing school in Missouri? You’re in luck. Although nursing is by far the most popular medical profession, there is a major nursing shortage in the United States. Over the next ten years, more than 200,000 new nursing job openings are expected with very few qualified nurses to fill the positions. Nursing schools in St Louis MO have addressed the need for more nurses by creating flexible learning options for prospective healthcare workers.

Most nursing schools in St Louis, MO area offer at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). LPN nursing schools in St Louis, MO are becoming rare. Fewer colleges are including vocational nurse degree tracks like LPN and instead are promoting more immersive RN programs. However, registered Nursing schools in St Louis, MO are offering advancement options. Registered nurses and vocational nurses may be eligible to enroll in an accelerated program to earn a BSN or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a reduced course load. At certain, St Louis colleges registered nurses may be able to take all classes needed for a BSN fully online. Online degree options from nursing schools in St Louis can also include a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a PhD in Nursing. Nurses with these degrees can obtain lucrative positions as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives.

Nursing jobs promise long-term employee benefits. Some distinct advantages for nurses include scheduling flexibility, retirement plans, insurance coverage, job security, advancement opportunities, low overall unemployment rates, and high rates of reported job satisfaction.

Nursing schools in St Louis MO

St Louis is one of the best geographical locations to attend nursing school. Saint Louis has more than 50 major hospitals, including the nationally-ranked Barnes Jewish Hospital. The hospital has a main St Louis campus as well as four satellite locations in the area. The medical center has been nationally ranked in the following adult specialties: dermatology, digestive disorders, trauma care, cancer, cardiology, and gynecology. Additional notable medical facilities in St Louis include Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Mercy Hospital St Louis, and St Luke’s Hospital. While attending nursing schools in St Louis MO, students will be able to earn clinical hours at local hospitals or potentially secure a permanent position post-graduation.

St Louis is considered one of the top 100 places to live in the United States. The city has a very low unemployment rate with an average of just 3.4 percent. Nursing is one of the top professions in the city with more than 36,700 registered nurses employed in St Louis. Many graduates of nursing schools in St Louis choose to remain in the metropolitan area due to the high average starting salary and low cost of living.

The following are the top nursing schools in St Louis with on-campus and online courses for prospective nurses. Whether you’re looking for an RN to BSN program in MO or another type of nursing program, you’ll be sure to find an option here.

List of the Best Nursing Schools in St. Louis, Missouri in 2024

1. University of Missouri-St. Louis

The University of Missouri specializes in offering competitive BSN and doctoral programs to nursing students. Prospective students can enroll in a pre-licensure BSN program with no prior nursing experience or choose to pursue a BSN at an expedited rate through the RN to BSN option. Doctoral programs include a DNP for those looking to become nurse practitioners and the research-intensive Ph.D. in Nursing program for future educators. Post-graduate certificate programs are available in the areas of pediatrics, psychiatric, and women’s health. The University of Missouri-St Louis offers a high return on investment due to low in-state tuition costs.

• Tuition: $9,792
• Admissions: RN license for bridge programs
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, BSN, DNP, PhD in Nursing, Post-Graduate Certificates
• Minimum Program Length: 1 year for bridge programs, 2 to 4 years for all other degrees

2. Saint Louis Community College

Saint Louis Community College is one of the best nursing schools in St Louis, MO—especially for those looking to complete pre-requisites at an affordable tuition rate. Programs include an associate’s degree program that awards the nursing student with an Associate in Applied Science upon graduation. A bridge option is available for those with an LPN to apply credits to the associate degree. The college also has several transfer agreements with public Missouri colleges for BSN degree completion.

• Tuition: $4,725
• Admissions: None
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: AAS
• Minimum Program Length: 2 years

3. Saint Charles Community College

At Saint Charles Community College, prospective nurses can start their training by earning an associate’s degree in nursing. The two-year program prepares nurses to take and pass the NCLEX examination at the conclusion of their courses. An LPN bridge option is available for practical nurses who wish to apply their experience to reduce degree times. Saint Charles Community College has positive outcomes when compared to other nursing schools in St Louis MO. NCLEX pass rates are higher than the state and national average. Within the nursing program, the college has an approximate 87 percent graduation rate.

• Tuition: $4,770
• Admissions: None
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Degree Options: ASN
• Minimum Program Length: 2 years

4. Columbia College-St. Louis

Columbia College’s St Louis location has an RN to BSN program option available to licensed registered nurses. The degree track can be taken exclusively online by accessing coursework through the virtual portal. A total of 120 credits are required for graduation with transfer credits accepted. Topics covered during coursework include pharmacology, health assessments, community health, nursing leadership, and biomedical ethics.

• Tuition: $8,400
• Admissions: RN license for bridge program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: RN to BSN
• Minimum Program Length: 2 to 3 years

5. Lutheran School of Nursing

The nursing programs available at the Lutheran School of Nursing include an LPN track and RN track. The registered nurse courses are a very popular choice among enrollees with full-time day students able to graduate within 26 months. The nursing school is part of the St Alexius Hospital Network with clinical experience gained on site. The LPN program is an abbreviated version of the RN track with requirements fulfilled in just 18 months of full-time study.

• Tuition: $15,338
• Admissions: None
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: LPN, RN
• Minimum Program Length: 18 months for LPN, 26 months for RN

6. Barnes Jewish College

Barnes Jewish College holds its on-campus nursing programs through the Goldfarb School of Nursing. The college provides multiple degree options to nurses including a BSN, MSN, and DNP. Accelerated options are available including a 12-month course of study for current registered nurses or non-nursing bachelor degree holders. Specialties are available at the graduate-level including nurse anesthesia, nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and nurse educator. Barnes Jewish College provides exceptional career support services such as networking events, counseling, and job placements.

• Tuition: $20,022
• Admissions: RN license for bridge programs
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, BSN, MSN, DNP, Ph.D. in Nursing
• Minimum Program Length: 12 years for bridge and accelerated programs, 2 to 4 years for all other degrees

7. Chamberlain College of Nursing-Saint Louis

Chamberlain College of Nursing-Saint Louis has a pre-licensure BSN program that can be finished in just three years of full-time study. A total of 122 credits are required for graduation from Chamberlain’s BSN program with classes that cover pharmacology, medical assessments, public health, and much more. Chamberlain College has several local chapters of nursing associations available on campus including the Student Nurses’ Association, the Nursing Christian Fellowship, and the Phi Pi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Honor Society. These organizations are useful for networking purposes.

• Tuition: $19,375
• Admissions: None
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: BSN
• Minimum Program Length: 3 years

8. Maryville University

No campus visits are required for the fully online nursing programs at Maryville University. To be eligible for admissions, the prospective student must have at least an RN license. Online degrees include RN to BSN, BSN to DNP, MSN, and DNP. Post-master’s certificates are also available for nurses who aim to receive specialized training in areas such as gerontology, pediatrics, or psychiatry. Degree tracks are self-paced to allow for students to finish on their preferred timelines.

• Tuition: $28,470
• Admissions: RN license for bridge program
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, Post-Master’s Certificates
• Minimum Program Length: 2 to 4 years

9. Bradley University

New Orleans area nurses can earn their graduate degrees through one of Bradley University’s online programs. The MSN degree program has two specializations to choose from—nurse administration or family nurse practitioner. The online DNP allows nurses to select between leadership and family nurse practitioner tracks. A post-master’s certificate is also available for family nurse practitioner. Bradley University is considered one of the preferred options for nursing schools in St Louis due to a 100 percent job placement rate within six months of graduation.

• Tuition: $33,760
• Admissions: BSN
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: MSN, DNP, Post-Master’s Certificates
• Minimum Program Length: 2 years

10. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is considered one of the top innovative public nursing schools in St Louis for bachelor degree seekers. The college has an online RN to BSN degree program for nursing students. One of the key highlights of the program is flexible scheduling that includes finishing degree requirements at an accelerated rate. The bridge program is expensive but considered a high value since all classes can be taken fully online.

• Tuition: $43,884
• Admissions: RN license for bridge program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: RN to BSN
• Minimum Program Length: 2 to 3 years

Bonus Online Nursing Programs

Northern Illinois University Online

Northern Illinois University provides online nursing degrees to students located in St Louis. Nursing students attend virtual courses and earn credits toward the RN to BSN bridge program or MSN degree track. Northern Illinois University recently decreased tuition rates for nursing students located outside of Illinois to make college affordable for all. The programs are highly convenient with flexible schedules that can be adjusted to meet the needs of currently working nurses.

• Tuition: $9,200
• Admissions: RN license for bridge program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, MSN
• Minimum Program Length: 2 to 4 years

Misericordia University Online

Misericordia University’s online college is the perfect option for busy nurses who are at the mid-point of their careers. Misericordia University is one of the few nursing schools in St Louis to have a DNP bridge program for nurses with a BSN (no MSN needed). Clinical hours can be scheduled at an approved medical facility within the St Louis area. In 2018, Misercodia University had an impressive 95 percent NCLEX-RN pass rate among graduates.

• Tuition: $30,740
• Admissions: BSN
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: MSN, BSN to DNP, DNP
• Minimum Program Length: 2 to 4 years

South University Online Campus

Nursing students in St Louis can earn their undergraduate and graduate degrees fully online through South University. The virtual degree programs include a comprehensive RN to BSN bridge track for licensed nurses. Multiple online graduate nursing degrees are available from the accredited college including RN to MSN and DNP. Degree programs are self-paced with nursing students able to choose the amount of classes that work best for their work and family schedules. The online nursing programs at South University boast a high annual graduation rate.

• Tuition: $17,400
• Admissions: RN license for bridge programs
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, RN to MSN, DNP
• Minimum Program Length: 2 to 4 years

Benedictine University Online

At Benedictine University’s online campus, two nursing degrees are available: RN to BSN bridge or MSN. Nursing classes are done fully online with no campus visits required for degree conferment. The RN to BSN degree requirements can be met in just one year of full-time study. The MSN degree is typically finished after two years of online course completion. Positive program outcomes for the online degrees include a high NCLEX pass rate and almost 100 percent post-graduation job placements.

• Tuition: $34,290
• Admissions: RN license for bridge program
• Accreditation:  Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, MSN
• Minimum Program Length: 1 year for online RN to BSN, 2 years for MSN

Upper Iowa University Online

Upper Iowa University has an online-only option for RN to BSN degree seekers. Classes start every eight weeks with students able to choose how quickly they earn their bachelor’s degrees. Clinical requirements are met either through past or current nursing employment. The RN to BSN bridge permits up to 78 undergraduate transfer credits. A draw for nursing students to Upper Iowa University is the flexible scheduling options and self-paced course loads.

• Tuition: $30,450
• Admissions: RN license for RN to BSN bridge
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degree Options: RN to BSN
• Minimum Program Length: 2 to 3 years for RN to BSN

Sacred Heart University Online

The online campus for Sacred Heart University has a large selection of nursing programs to choose from. Currently, the college has three graduate-level degrees: MSN, DNP, and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Bridge programs offered include RN to BSN and RN to MSN with one to two years shaved off of total graduation time. A major benefit for students is the option for clinical hours to be earned abroad in locations such as Haiti, Jamaica, Luxembourg, and Mexico. Sacred Heart is one of the more expensive out of nursing schools in St Louis, but there is a significant convenience with attending classes fully online.

• Tuition: $41,420
• Admissions: RN license for bridge programs
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP, FNP
• Minimum Program Length: 2 to 4 years

Regis College Online Campus

Regis College’s online MSN program is a good fit for nurses who have earned at least an associate’s degree from accredited nursing schools in St Louis, MO or elsewhere. No BSN or GRE test scores are needed for admission consideration. Specializations for the MSN degree are pediatrics, geriatrics, family health, psychiatry, and women’s health. The MSN program is self-paced but can be finished in as little as two years with full-time course loads.

• Tuition: $41,100
• Admissions: ADN or above
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Degree Options: MSN
• Minimum Program Length: 2 years

Ranking Methodology

All nursing schools in St Louis MO were ranked on three points: current year tuition costs, nursing degree options, and graduation/NCLEX pass rates. Tuition consisted of 50 percent of the school’s total score while program availability and positive outcomes were calculated equally for the other 50 percent. Tuition changes annually for nursing schools in St Louis MO. Tuition is also adjustable based on residency. Community colleges and public colleges typically accept out-of-state students but charge a higher per credit rate. If any nursing schools in St Louis that offer at least an RN licensing program were not listed above or any colleges note an error, please contact the editorial team of RNtoBSNProgram.com to make any corrections.

Looking to pursue an undergraduate or graduate nursing degree? Visit the RNtoBSNProgram.com website to learn more about the best nursing schools in and outside of St Louis. Compare tuition, programs, admissions requirements, and more to find the best nursing program to help you achieve success in the industry.