5 Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into in Missouri 2025

Enrolling in a nursing program is an essential part of starting a career as a registered nurse (RN). Maybe you live in Missouri and are wondering about the state-approved programs available to you; specifically, you'd like to know more about the easiest nursing schools to get into in your state.

Read on as we discuss some top schools of nursing with easy admission standards and high acceptance rates. We'll also provide answers to some common questions about the easiest nursing programs to get into.

How Competitive Are Nursing Schools in Missouri?

Missouri boasts numerous schools with nursing degree programs. Some of these are far more competitive than others.

The easiest nursing schools to get into in Missouri typically come from community colleges featuring high acceptance rates and easy admissions standards. We'll discuss a few of these programs in greater detail below.

Private schools and large public universities, like the University of Missouri, tend to have more selective programs with stringent admissions requirements and lower acceptance rates. Often, even highly qualified applicants are passed over for these programs because they only admit small cohorts of new nursing students each year.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for Missouri Nursing Schools?

All RN programs have a specific set of nursing school requirements that incoming students must meet. These requirements can vary depending on the school, but commonly include:

• having a high school diploma or GED
• meeting minimum GPA requirements (often 3.0 or above)
• meeting minimum scores on standardized tests (e.g., ACT or TEAS exams)
• completing prerequisite coursework
• submitting to a background check
• meeting immunization requirements

Students are encouraged to check with their chosen nursing school to find out about specific admission requirements or general information about the admissions process. An academic advisor can walk you through the process of enrolling in your program and provide tips on how to stay on track.

Nursing Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rates in Missouri

Many approved schools in Missouri prepare students for nursing licensure. Let's take a closer look at some of the easiest nursing degrees available in the state.

1. Missouri State University West Plains

Missouri State University West Plains is a community college affiliated with Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. Students planning to begin a healthcare career can complete the school's on-campus Associate of Science in nursing (ASN) program.

Both traditional and licensed practical nurse (LPN) to RN bridge options are available, and students can enroll full-time or part-time. Students must submit official transcripts, complete prerequisites with a grade of C or better, have a 2.5 GPA, and pass the TEAS exam.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,936 (in-state); $8,106 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. St. Louis Community College

St. Louis Community College is a public school system located in St. Louis County, MO. First-time and returning students can enroll in the school's Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.

The program consists of at least 66 credit hours and is completed in person. The school has an open admissions policy; to be accepted into the nursing program, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a minimum TEAS score of 58.7%.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,660-$5,130 (in-state); $6,990 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: ACEN

3. Moberly Area Community College

Moberly Area Community College is a public school headquartered in Moberly, MO. Students in its ADN program learn essential methodologies to help them become effective healthcare providers.

Nursing program eligibility requirements include having a TEAS score of 58% or higher and a GPA of 2.7 or higher. Students must maintain a C grade in all required courses to graduate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,110-$6,750 (in-state); $8,640 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: Missouri State Board of Nursing

4. Crowder College

Crowder College is a community college network headquartered in Neosho, MO. Students at this public school can complete a 73-credit ASN program to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam or pursue further studies in the form of BSN, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and/or MSN programs.

The school features an open admissions policy and requires nursing applicants to have a minimum 2.75 GPA. Learners can choose to submit TEAS or ACT scores for consideration; they do not need to submit both. Additionally, students must complete required general education courses before enrolling in the nursing program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,180 to $8,280 (in-state and out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: ACEN

5. Lincoln University

Lincoln University is a public historically Black school in Jefferson City, MO. It offers both ADN and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs with relaxed admissions standards.

Students in the BSN program must have a 2.5 minimum GPA and satisfactory scores on either the ACT or HESI A2 exams. They will also need to complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better and submit letters of recommendation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,796 (in-state); $17,692 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100% (overall acceptance rate)
• Accreditation: ACEN

How We Rank Schools

We endeavor to choose only high-quality education programs when creating our school rank lists. We used the following standards when selecting the schools to feature above:

• Accreditation: All schools maintain institutional accreditation, and their colleges of nursing are approved by the ACEN and/or the Missouri State Board of Nursing.
• Acceptance rates: Each school features an open admissions policy, meaning that it accepts 100% of qualified applicants.
• Program reputation: Each school is known for providing top-notch ADN programs to prepare students for nursing careers and advanced studies.

What Can I Expect From a Nursing Degree Program?

There are different types of nursing programs. Most students enroll in prelicensure ADN or BSN degrees. Sometimes, students who initially earned an associate will go back to school by pursuing one of the easiest RN to BSN program online.

Regardless of the program you choose, you'll complete various general education and nursing courses that teach patient care techniques and soft skills (e.g., critical thinking and communication). Some schools offer online programs that allow students to complete coursework remotely, and others provide self-paced nursing prerequisites online to give students a more flexible option.

The curriculum may cover various topics, including pharmacology, pathophysiology, and nursing fundamentals. BSN programs may provide additional coursework on nursing theory, research, and leadership.

In addition to coursework, students will gain hands-on experience in simulation labs and through on-the-job training during clinical experiences. These components are essential to any nursing program, as they allow learners to gain experience in their field while working under the supervision of a nurse practitioner or physician.

FAQs About the Easiest Nursing Programs To Get Into

If you still have questions about earning an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing, you're not alone. Let's explore answers to some frequently asked questions you may have.

Is Nursing School Hard?

Nursing school can be quite challenging for many students. The clinical rotations alone are often long and emotionally draining. Many of the nursing courses and prerequisites are also difficult. In addition to advanced science courses, students may have to take advanced math courses, which may be extra difficult for some students.

Read More: Can I Be a Nurse If I Am Bad at Math?

Are Nursing Schools With High Acceptance Rates Lower Quality?

Generally speaking, schools with lower acceptance rates are considered higher quality; however, the reverse doesn't necessarily hold true. Community colleges often have the highest acceptance rates and fewest entry requirements, and there are many exceptional community colleges in Missouri and beyond that provide high-quality nursing programs.

What Is the Lowest GPA To Get Into Nursing School?

Nursing schools often require students to have a minimum GPA compiled from their general education and prerequisite courses. In many cases, the GPA may be 3.0; master's degree programs, such as the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), often require a GPA of at least 3.5. However, some schools routinely admit learners with much lower GPAs, as low as 2.5 or even 2.0.

What Is the Career Outlook for Nurses in Missouri?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the nursing career outlook is good. More than 70,000 nurses are employed in the state and earn a median average salary of $77,590, below the national average of $93,600. Nationally, the demand for nurses is projected to increase by 6% by 2033, suggesting that nurses will enjoy good job security over the next several years.

What Is the Hardest Nursing School To Get Into in Missouri?

The hardest nursing schools in Missouri combine tough admissions requirements with low acceptance rates to ensure they offer enrollment to only the most promising students. They may also offer the hardest nursing classes. These schools may include Washington University in St. Louis, Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

What Is the Average Cost of a Nursing Degree in Missouri?

Nursing degree costs can vary widely. Community colleges tend to provide the lowest tuition rates at under $5,000 per year, while large public and private schools may charge $50,000 to $60,000 per year or more. Among the schools featured above, tuition costs range from around $3,600 to around $9,800 per year. Financial aid options like scholarships and grants may be available to help you afford school.

Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into Near You

If you're ready to get your education at one of the best nursing schools in Missouri, check out the colleges and universities featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools to find out more about their programs and choose the right one for you.