2026 Best Value Nursing Schools in Missouri
Looking for the best-value Nursing degree programs in Missouri? Our ranking highlights 140 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Nursing Degree Search evaluated 37 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Missouri
Explore the best-value schools below:
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Nursing degree schools in Missouri. Located in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,500. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,991. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at State Fair Community College earned it the #2 place in Missouri. Based in Sedalia, MO, State Fair Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,176, while out-of-state students pay about $7,416. Students borrow a median of $15,328 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,562. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full State Fair Community College profile
A rank of #3 makes Saint Louis Community College one of the best values in Missouri. Based in Bridgeton, MO, Saint Louis Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $6,990. Students borrow a median of $11,424 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $35,325 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Saint Louis Community College profile
A rank of #4 makes East Central College one of the best values in Missouri. Based in Union, MO, East Central College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,272, with out-of-state students paying around $7,680. The median Nursing program debt is $12,062. East Central College alumni report median earnings of $36,916 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,062 median debt. Get the full East Central College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Ozarks Technical Community College earned it the #5 place in Missouri. Located in Springfield, MO, Ozarks Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,256, with out-of-state students paying around $7,040. Ozarks Technical Community College Nursing students take on a median of $15,866 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,455 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ozarks Technical Community College report
St Charles Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Cottleville, MO, St Charles Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,810, compared with $7,620 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $12,606. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,422. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on St Charles Community College
Crowder College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Neosho, MO, Crowder College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,104 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,784 for out-of-state students. Crowder College Nursing students take on a median of $9,887 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,987. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Crowder College report
North Central Missouri College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Trenton, MO, North Central Missouri College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,370, with out-of-state students paying around $8,820. Typical Nursing student debt is $16,685. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,837 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about North Central Missouri College
Moberly Area Community College placed #9 among the best-value Nursing schools in Missouri. Located in Moberly, MO, Moberly Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,110, while out-of-state students pay about $8,640. Moberly Area Community College Nursing students take on a median of $12,507 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,537 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,507 median debt. Get the full Moberly Area Community College report
Linn State Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Linn State Technical College is a public school based in Linn, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,160, compared with $14,610 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $11,042. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,901. That is a strong return on a $11,042 median debt. See the full Linn State Technical College profile
Missouri State University West Plains came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in West Plains, MO. Students from in state pay about $5,936 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,106 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,250 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,250 median debt. Read more about Missouri State University West Plains
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #12 spot for value in Missouri this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,408 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Mineral Area College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Park Hills, MO. Students from in state pay about $5,660 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,570 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,175 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $35,352 ten years out. Set against $11,175 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mineral Area College
Jefferson College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Jefferson College is a public school based in Hillsboro, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,250, compared with $8,850 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $13,664. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,782. That is a strong return on a $13,664 median debt. Get the full Jefferson College report
Truman State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Students borrow a median of $23,168 to complete their Nursing program here. Truman State University alumni report median earnings of $56,280 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Truman State University
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kansas City, MO, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,630, while out-of-state students pay about $9,600. The median Nursing program debt is $12,281. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,796. Set against $12,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Kansas City
Southeast Missouri State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,903. The median Nursing program debt is $23,289. Southeast Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $44,030 a decade after entry. Set against $23,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southeast Missouri State University
University Of Central Missouri offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. University Of Central Missouri is a public school based in Warrensburg, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,050, while out-of-state students pay about $18,600. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,304. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,560. Set against $24,304 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Central Missouri
Missouri Western State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Saint Joseph, MO, Missouri Western State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,545, compared with $18,455 for out-of-state students. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,362. Median earnings reach $42,647 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Missouri Western State University
Missouri Southern State University placed #20 among the best-value Nursing schools in Missouri. Located in Joplin, MO, Missouri Southern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,600, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Graduates carry a median of $22,241 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,620. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri Southern State University admits about 97% of applicants. Read the full report on Missouri Southern State University
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #21 among the best-value Nursing schools in Missouri. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. The median Nursing program debt is $21,818. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile
University Of Missouri Kansas City landed the #22 spot for value in Missouri this year. Located in Kansas City, MO, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,371, with out-of-state students paying around $32,271. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,741. University Of Missouri Kansas City alumni report median earnings of $59,637 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Missouri Kansas City
Webster University placed #23 among the best-value Nursing schools in Missouri. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Nursing program here. Webster University alumni report median earnings of $50,876 a decade after entry. Set against $25,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Webster University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Webster University report
Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Poplar Bluff, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,830, with out-of-state students paying around $6,060. Graduates carry a median of $11,350 in student loans. Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff alumni report median earnings of $32,442 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,350 median debt. Read the full report on Three Rivers Community College Poplar Bluff
Lincoln University Missouri came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Jefferson City, MO, Lincoln University Missouri is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,796, with out-of-state students paying around $17,692. Lincoln University Missouri Nursing students take on a median of $32,831 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,463 ten years after entry. Set against $32,831 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lincoln University Missouri
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Degree Schools in Missouri
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Maryville University Of Saint Louis landed the #26 spot for value in Missouri this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,166. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,499. Maryville University Of Saint Louis alumni report median earnings of $62,105 a decade after entry. Set against $24,499 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Maryville University Of Saint Louis has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Columbia College Missouri placed #27 among the best-value Nursing schools in Missouri. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $12,276 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,213 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,378. That is a strong return on a $29,213 median debt. Get the full Columbia College Missouri report
University Of Missouri St Louis came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Louis, MO, University Of Missouri St Louis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,120, while out-of-state students pay about $37,620. Graduates carry a median of $25,943 in student loans. University Of Missouri St Louis alumni report median earnings of $53,037 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri St Louis admits about 63% of applicants. Read more about University Of Missouri St Louis
Park University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,116. Students borrow a median of $22,112 to complete their Nursing program here. Park University alumni report median earnings of $56,309 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. Read more about Park University
William Jewell College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Liberty, MO, William Jewell College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $20,610. Typical Nursing student debt is $25,950. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,268. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. William Jewell College has an acceptance rate of 38%. See the full William Jewell College profile
Hannibal Lagrange College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hannibal, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $26,880. Typical Nursing student debt is $21,705. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,643. That is a strong return on a $21,705 median debt. Hannibal Lagrange College has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read the full report on Hannibal Lagrange College
Avila University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kansas City, MO, Avila University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,200. Students borrow a median of $29,750 to complete their Nursing program here. Avila University alumni report median earnings of $52,773 a decade after entry. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Avila University profile
Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences is a private not-for-profit school based in Fayette, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,620. Students borrow a median of $24,633 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,991. That is a strong return on a $24,633 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences
Saint Louis University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $55,760 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,586 to complete their Nursing program here. Saint Louis University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $70,783 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Louis University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. More on Saint Louis University Main Campus
Rockhurst University landed the #35 spot for value in Missouri this year. Rockhurst University is a private not-for-profit school based in Kansas City, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,966. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,111. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,102. That is a strong return on a $24,111 median debt. Rockhurst University admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Rockhurst University
Southwest Baptist University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Southwest Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bolivar, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,566. Typical Nursing student debt is $24,436. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,112. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwest Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full Southwest Baptist University profile
Evangel University placed #37 among the best-value Nursing schools in Missouri. Based in Springfield, MO, Evangel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,548. Evangel University Nursing students take on a median of $24,876 in debt. Evangel University alumni report median earnings of $46,573 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Evangel University report
Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Get the full Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center report
Wellspring School Of Allied Health Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. See the full Wellspring School Of Allied Health Springfield profile
Calvary Bible College And Theological Seminary placed #40 among the best-value Nursing schools in Missouri. See the full Calvary Bible College And Theological Seminary profile
Harris Stowe State University landed the #41 spot for value in Missouri this year. Read more about Harris Stowe State University
Midwest Technical Institute Springfield Mo placed #42 among the best-value Nursing schools in Missouri. See the full Midwest Technical Institute Springfield Mo profile
Academy Of Salon Professionals ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Get the full Academy Of Salon Professionals report
Four Rivers Career Center landed the #44 spot for value in Missouri this year. Read more about Four Rivers Career Center
Salem College Of Hairstyling landed the #45 spot for value in Missouri this year. Read more about Salem College Of Hairstyling
Paul Mitchell The School St Louis came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Paul Mitchell The School St Louis
Arizona College Of Nursing St Louis placed #47 among the best-value Nursing schools in Missouri. See the full Arizona College Of Nursing St Louis profile
Skin Institute
Skin Institute offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Read more about Skin Institute
Ea La Mars Cosmetology And Barber College placed #49 among the best-value Nursing schools in Missouri. Read the full report on Ea La Mars Cosmetology And Barber College
Central College Of Cosmetology came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. See the full Central College Of Cosmetology profile
More Nursing Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Nursing Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 37 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 140 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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