Missouri offers 14 accelerated BSN programs, with the strongest concentrations in Kansas City and St. Louis.
Last Updated: October 12, 2026
Programs range from affordable public options like the University of Missouri and Central Methodist University to hospital-based pathways with substantial loan forgiveness through Research College of Nursing and MU Health.
Students without a completed bachelor’s degree have several options, while those looking for online flexibility can choose from hybrid and distance-friendly programs available statewide.
Because Missouri’s programs vary widely in cost, admissions requirements, and employer partnerships, choosing the right program often comes down to where you want to practice, how you plan to finance your education, and whether you prefer an in-person or hybrid format.
Compare Missouri ABSN Programs by Metro Area
Kansas City
Compare five accelerated BSN programs, including Research College of Nursing, UMKC, Rockhurst, Avila, and William Jewell.
St. Louis
Compare Barnes-Jewish College, Saint Louis University, and Missouri Baptist University, plus accreditation guidance for GCU’s St. Louis site.
Missouri ABSN Programs at a Glance
| School | Location | Est. Cost | Duration | Min. GPA | NCLEX Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kansas City, MO | $40,500 tuition; $49,670 with listed fees | 12 months | 3.0 prerequisite | 89.6% (2025 BSN) | |
Columbia | $21K net ($15K award) / $36K in-state | 17 months | 3.0 | ~96% (recent) | |
Columbia | $30K | 14 months | 3.0 (2.5 science) | Not published | |
St. Louis | $37K | 12 months | 3.2 (no bachelor’s required) | 95% (2022) | |
Liberty (KC metro) | $41K | 12 months | 2.8 | 100% (2023, 2024, 2025) | |
Kansas City | $42,700 published tuition | 16 months | 2.8 + TEAS 70% | See profile | |
Kansas City (hybrid) | $48K | 16 months | 2.7 | 97% (2023) | |
St. Louis | $50K | 12 months | 3.0 | Not published | |
Online (MO eligible) | $51K | 16 months | 3.0 (2.8 science) | 86% (2023) | |
GCU* | St. Louis | $52K | 16 months | 3.0 3.25 prereq; HESI A2 | Not published for MO |
Springfield | $53K | 16 months | 3.0 (2.5 science); TEAS scoring | Not published | |
St. Louis | $57K | 12 months | 3.0 (holistic below 3.0) | 97% | |
Online (MO eligible) | $65K | 20 months | 2.75 (no prereqs) | 94.31% (2024) | |
Kansas City, MO | See profile: simplified rates include fees | Five semesters | 2.75 cumulative | Not published |
*Grand Canyon University’s St. Louis nursing program does not list CCNE accreditation and currently holds initial approval only from the Missouri State Board of Nursing. Confirm accreditation status and full board approval directly with GCU before enrolling, and verify that program completion will satisfy Missouri RN licensure requirements.
How to Choose the Best ABSN Program for You
Best Missouri ABSN Programs by Goal
- Lowest tuition: Central Methodist University: ~$29,160 (54 credits × $540)
- Best loan forgiveness:
- Research College of Nursing — 12-month campus program, January and May starts, individual DEU mentorship; $40,500 tuition and $49,670 with listed fees. Eligible HCA forgiveness can leave $19,295 in tuition and fees with a two-year RN commitment.
- University of Missouri: offers a $15,000 non-payback MU Health award for graduates who work at MU Health for two years; estimated net in-state cost ~$20,684
- Published NCLEX outcomes:
- William Jewell College: 100% (2023, 2024, 2025)
- Research College of Nursing — 89.6% first-time BSN NCLEX pass rate in 2025; 94.1% in 2024.
- No bachelor’s degree required:
- Avila University — current ABSN checklist lists 60 transferable credits; confirm the applicable prior-credit entry route.
- Missouri Baptist University: prerequisites and 3.2 GPA only
- GCU 60+ transferable credits
- Most scheduling flexibility (3 annual starts):
- Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Rockhurst University: three cohorts/year, hybrid format
- Online or mostly online format:
- Rockhurst University: 100% online coursework with a 10-day Kansas City residency and local clinical placements
- Elmhurst University: 100% online with two on-campus Illinois residencies
- Joyce University: fully asynchronous online with three Utah immersions; Missouri eligible.
- Lowest GPA bar:
- Rockhurst University: 2.7 GPA minimum, the lowest among Missouri programs.
- Avila University: 2.8
- William Jewell College: 2.8
- No prerequisites needed before applying: Joyce University
Best Missouri ABSN Programs by Student Type
Financial Priorities
You want the lowest cost
- Central Methodist University — ~$29,160; Columbia; 14 months; Fall + Spring starts; Adaptation Nursing model
- University of Missouri — ~$35,684 in-state (~$20,684 net after $15K MU Health award); Columbia; 17 months
- Missouri Baptist University — ~$36,480; St. Louis; 12 months; laptop included; no bachelor’s or TEAS required
- Research College of Nursing — 12-month campus program, January and May starts, individual DEU mentorship; $40,500 tuition and $49,670 with listed fees. Eligible HCA forgiveness can leave $19,295 in tuition and fees with a two-year RN commitment.
You want employer-backed loan forgiveness
- Research College of Nursing — the current program lists $30,375 in HCA tuition forgiveness for eligible recipients with a two-year RN commitment; listed fees are additional to tuition.
- University of Missouri — $15,000 non-payback award from MU Health; 2-year MU Health employment required
- William Jewell College — Liberty Hospital partnership pathway lowers net cost; terms vary by arrangement
Learning Style
You want the fastest finish (12 months)
- William Jewell College — Liberty (KC metro); 100% NCLEX 3 years; hybrid option ~$40,500
- Research College of Nursing — 12-month campus program, January and May starts, individual DEU mentorship; $40,500 tuition and $49,670 with listed fees. Eligible HCA forgiveness can leave $19,295 in tuition and fees with a two-year RN commitment.
- Saint Louis University — St. Louis; 97% NCLEX; top 7% nationally; ~$56,180
- Missouri Baptist University — St. Louis; no bachelor’s required; no TEAS; 95% NCLEX; ~$36,480
- Barnes-Jewish College — St. Louis; 3 annual starts; BJC clinical access (Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s); ~$49,322
You want online or mostly online coursework
- Rockhurst University — 100% online; 10-day Kansas City residency; 3 annual starts; 97% NCLEX; ~$47,100
- Elmhurst University — 100% online; 2 on-campus Illinois residencies; 450+ hours; 86% NCLEX (2023);
- Joyce University — fully asynchronous online; no prerequisites; 3 Utah immersions
Admissions
You don’t have a completed bachelor’s degree
- Avila University — current checklist: 60 transferable credits, 2.8 cumulative GPA, completed prerequisites and NursingCAS; confirm entrance testing.
- Missouri Baptist University — no bachelor’s or TEAS required; 3.2 GPA + prerequisite completion; St. Louis; 12 months; 95% NCLEX
Geography
You’re in Kansas City
- Research College of Nursing — 12-month campus program, January and May starts, individual DEU mentorship; $40,500 tuition and $49,670 with listed fees. Eligible HCA forgiveness can leave $19,295 in tuition and fees with a two-year RN commitment.
- William Jewell College — 12 months; Liberty; 100% NCLEX 3 years; hybrid option; ~$40,500
- UMKC — five semesters, more than 1,050 total clinical hours including a 300-hour internship, and a Health Sciences District location. Missouri/Kansas residents receive the resident rate; Heartland residents receive a separate discount. Daytime classes and assigned clinical schedules require flexibility.
- Avila University — its guide describes 16 months and more than 500 clinical hours; current published tuition is $42,700, with cohort credit and fee details to confirm.
- Rockhurst University — 16 months; hybrid; 10-day residency; 3 annual starts; 97% NCLEX; ~$47,100
You’re in St. Louis
- Saint Louis University — 12 months; created first US ABSN (1971); 97% NCLEX; top 7% nationally; Jesuit Catholic; ~$56,180
- Barnes-Jewish College — 12 months; 3 annual starts; BJC HealthCare hospital-based; Barnes-Jewish Hospital + St. Louis Children’s; ~$49,322
- Missouri Baptist University — 12 months; no bachelor’s or TEAS; 3.2 GPA; laptop included; INACSL simulation; evangelical Christian; ~$36,480
You’re in mid-Missouri or elsewhere in the state
- University of Missouri — Columbia; 17 months; ~$20,684 net; MU Health care including Level I trauma; ~96% NCLEX; Fall + Spring
- Central Methodist University — Columbia; 14 months; ~$29,160; Adaptation Nursing model; Fall + Spring; up to 40 students per cohort
- Cox College — Springfield; 16 months; 1,000+ clinical hours; CoxHealth system pipeline; Spring start; ~$52,595
Which Program Length Is Right for You?
Need to become an RN as quickly as possible?
- William Jewell College — Liberty; May start; hybrid option; 100% NCLEX 3 yrs; Liberty Hospital partnership
- Research College of Nursing — 12-month campus program, January and May starts, individual DEU mentorship; $40,500 tuition and $49,670 with listed fees. Eligible HCA forgiveness can leave $19,295 in tuition and fees with a two-year RN commitment.
- Saint Louis University — St. Louis; rolling review/annual cohort; 97% NCLEX; top 7% nationally
- Missouri Baptist University — St. Louis; June cohort; 95% NCLEX; no bachelor’s or TEAS; ~$36,480
- Barnes-Jewish College — St. Louis; Spring, Summer, or Fall start; BJC hospital-based clinical access
Want 14–16 months?
- Central Methodist University — 14 months; Columbia; ~$29,160; Fall + Spring; Adaptation Nursing model
- Avila University — Kansas City; guide describes 16 months; current admissions checklist requires 60 transferable credits and a 2.8 cumulative GPA.
- Cox College — 16 months; Springfield; 1,000+ clinical hours; CoxHealth pipeline; Spring start
- Elmhurst University — 16 months; 100% online; MO residents eligible; Fall + Spring starts
- Rockhurst University — 16 months; hybrid; 3 annual starts; Iowa/Kansas/Missouri only; 97% NCLEX
Want 17+ months or need more time?
- University of Missouri — 17 months; Columbia; ~$20,684 net; Fall + Spring; ~96% NCLEX; Level I trauma clinicals
- UMKC — five semesters, more than 1,050 total clinical hours including a 300-hour internship, and a Health Sciences District location. Missouri/Kansas residents receive the resident rate; Heartland residents receive a separate discount. Daytime classes and assigned clinical schedules require flexibility.
- Joyce University — ~20 months; fully online; no prerequisites; 94.31% NCLEX; Utah immersions; statewide MO eligible
Most Affordable Programs
Central Methodist University — ~$29,160: At $540/credit for approximately 54 nursing credits, CMU is the most affordable published ABSN tuition in Missouri by a wide margin.
University of Missouri — ~$20,684 net: Mizzou’s in-state tuition for the 17-month program runs approximately $35,684. The MU Health $15,000 non-payback award reduces this to roughly $20,684 for graduates who work at MU Health for two years — making it among the lowest effective costs among CCNE-accredited 17-month programs nationally.
Research College funding: current tuition is $40,500 and tuition with listed fees is $49,670. The program lists $30,375 in HCA tuition forgiveness and $19,295 remaining in tuition and fees for eligible recipients with a two-year RN work commitment.
Bottom line: Central Methodist has the lowest published tuition. However, students who qualify for employer commitments may pay even less at Research College of Nursing or the University of Missouri after loan forgiveness or employment awards are applied. For many Missouri applicants, employment incentives matter just as much as sticker price.
Prerequisite Course Patterns
Every Missouri program requires Anatomy & Physiology (I and II or separate Anatomy and Physiology courses), Microbiology, Chemistry, and Statistics as the foundational core. Nutrition and a psychology or lifespan development course appear on most checklists.
Pathophysiology stands out as a standalone prerequisite at Cox College, Research College of Nursing, Mizzou, William Jewell, and MBU — not just integrated into the nursing curriculum. Programs requiring Pathophysiology as a prerequisite tend to have a lower in-program credit load.
Two Missouri programs have no prerequisites at all: Joyce University builds anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and statistics directly into its 85-credit curriculum, eliminating the prerequisite phase entirely.
Saint Louis University requires Theology, Philosophy, Fine Arts, Oral Communication, and English Composition II alongside the standard sciences — a broader general education prerequisite set reflecting its Jesuit identity.
Start Dates and Application Deadlines
| School | Location | Start Date(s) | Application Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Louis | Spring, Summer, Fall | April 10 (Summer); July 31 (Fall) | 3 annual starts; rolling until filled; outside employment strongly discouraged | |
Kansas City (hybrid) | 3 per year | Contact program | IA, KS, MO residents only; 10-day KC residency; 97% NCLEX; no institutional scholarships | |
Kansas City | January, May | Nov 1 for January start; confirm May deadline | TEAS Proficient; up to 75% tuition support with HCA service commitment | |
Online (MO eligible) | August, January/February | Rolling | Fall 2026 start: Aug 31; Spring 2027: Feb 1; must reside in IL/IN/IA/MO/WI; no app fee | |
Columbia | Fall, Spring | Contact program | Up to 40 students/cohort; two cohorts/year; Adaptation Nursing model; LPN challenge option | |
Columbia | Fall, Spring | Jan 8–31 (Fall); Aug 15–Sep 15 (Spring) | Window-based; Kira Talent interview; $15K MU Health award; 5 of 7 prereqs at application | |
Kansas City | Fall | Jan 31 | 30 direct patient-care hours within two years; university and clinical applications | |
Liberty | Late May | March 1 | 100% NCLEX 3 years; hybrid option; Liberty Hospital partnership; NursingCAS | |
St. Louis | June | November 1–February 1; decisions Feb 15 | No bachelor’s or TEAS; 3.2 GPA; 32-student cohort cap; CastleBranch background check | |
Kansas City | Contact program | Contact program | 60+ credits/associate/bachelor’s accepted; 2.8 GPA; TEAS 70%; online + NERC simulation | |
Springfield | Spring | September 1 | 1,000+ clinical hours; CoxHealth pipeline; TEAS used in scoring; 3.0 GPA; 2.5 science GPA | |
St. Louis | Annual (contact for date) | Rolling; review starts August; no fixed deadline | First US ABSN (1971); 97% NCLEX; holistic review; personal statement + 1 reference | |
St. Louis | 3 per year | Contact GCU counselor | Initial MO Board of Nursing approval only; HESI A2 required; confirm accreditation status | |
Online (MO eligible) | Contact program | Contact program | No prerequisites; 3 Utah immersions; 94.31% NCLEX (2024); 517.5 local clinical hours |
Barnes-Jewish and Rockhurst offer the most start flexibility — three annual cohorts each — giving Missouri students the best chance of an entry point that fits their prerequisite timeline without waiting a full year.
Mizzou and UMKC both use application windows rather than rolling review. Missing the window means waiting for the next cycle; apply as early in the window as possible to ensure complete file review.
UMKC requires 30 hours of direct patient interaction completed within two years of applying — the only Missouri program with this specific pre-application clinical experience requirement. Plan for this well in advance of the November supplemental application opening.
SLU uses no fixed application deadline. The cohort review begins in August and continues weekly until the class fills. Early submission is strongly encouraged since seats are awarded on a rolling competitive basis.
Clinical Training Structure
UMKC clinical learning: the program reports more than 1,050 total clinical hours, including its 300-hour final internship. The internship is part of that total, rather than an additional 300 hours.
Cox College reports 1,000+ clinical hours in Springfield, substantially more than the typical 500–600 hours at accelerated programs.
MBU publishes 765 hours, including a 168-hour Senior Capstone preceptored experience.
Hospital-embedded programs: Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing is housed within BJC HealthCare and places students at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital — both nationally ranked teaching hospitals affiliated with Washington University Medical Center. This level of system integration is rare among ABSN programs nationally.
Research College of Nursing uses a Dedicated Education Unit across six HCA Midwest Health hospitals, with one-to-one nurse mentorship during clinical learning. Its tuition-support option has separate eligibility and RN work-commitment conditions.
Cox College trains students in the CoxHealth hospital network and has long served as a direct employment pipeline into the CoxHealth system in Springfield.
Placement support for online programs: Rockhurst University uses a dedicated clinical placement coordinator who arranges all sites and preceptors near each student’s home — students don’t source their own placements.
Elmhurst University provides complimentary clinical placement services with no extra fees, managing logistics so students can focus on coursework.
Joyce University arranges local clinical placements for Missouri students, with the only required travel being three Utah simulation immersions (~1 week each).
Simulation standouts: Missouri Baptist University operates an INACSL-endorsed simulation program — a certification for simulation quality standards from the International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning.
Avila University’s Nursing Education and Resource Center (NERC) is described as technologically advanced with free unsupervised access for skills practice.
MU’s Miller Family Simulation Center and William Jewell’s internationally endorsed simulation center both anchor their respective program’s clinical preparation infrastructure.
Missouri ABSN Program Summaries
Avila University ABSN Program
Kansas City | $42,700 | 16 Months
Avila University’s ABSN in Kansas City, Missouri combines nursing coursework, simulation and in-person clinical practica. Its current checklist requires 60 transferable college credits, a 2.8 cumulative GPA and completed prerequisites, with applications through NursingCAS.
Barnes Jewish College ABSN Program
St Louis | $46,000 | 12 Months
Barnes-Jewish College offers a 12-month Accelerated Option BSN in St. Louis for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. A hospital-based nursing college within BJC HealthCare, its Goldfarb School of Nursing gives students clinical access to nationally ranked teaching hospitals.
Highlights
- Clinicals at nationally ranked Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals
- Three start dates a year (Spring, Summer, Fall)
- Fast 12-month, three-term format (58 credits)
Central Methodist University ABSN Program
Columbia | $29,160 | 14 Months
Central Methodist University offers a 14-month Accelerated BSN in Columbia for students who have completed nursing prerequisites and substantial prior college coursework. Grounded in the Adaptation Nursing model, it is one of the most affordable accelerated BSN options in Missouri.
Highlights
- Among Missouri's most affordable ABSNs (~$29,160 at $540/credit)
- Distinctive curriculum built on the Adaptation Nursing model
- Mid-Missouri clinical access; two cohorts a year (Fall and Spring)
Cox College ABSN Program
Springfield | $52,595 | 16 Months
Cox College offers a 16-month BSN Accelerated Track in Springfield for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. Founded in 1907 and deeply integrated with the CoxHealth system, it pairs a direct hiring pipeline with unusually deep clinical training.
Highlights
- Integrated with CoxHealth: clinical placements and a direct hiring pipeline
- Over 1,000 clinical hours — well above the typical accelerated program
- 16-month spring cohort from a nursing school founded in 1907
Elmhurst University ABSN Program
Online but must reside in Missouri. | $50,000 | 16 Months
Elmhurst’s 16-month ABSN delivers coursework online for residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. Students complete 60 semester hours, university-arranged in-person clinical placements and two campus residencies. Published tuition is $50,000, with $849 NCLEX preparation and other expenses separate.
Grand Canyon University ABSN Program
St Louis | $53,550 | 16 Months
Grand Canyon University brings its 16-month hybrid ABSN to a St. Louis learning site, giving Missouri career changers an accelerated path to nursing without leaving the state. Theory coursework is online, while skills labs, simulation, and clinical rotations take place in person at local St. Louis-area facilities.
Why Grand Canyon University Stands Out
- GCU's St. Louis program holds initial approval from the Missouri Board of Nursing (applicants should review Section 335.066 of the Missouri Nurse Practice Act).
- Hybrid delivery with three cohort starts a year; clinicals coordinated locally near St. Louis.
- Ranked #13 nationally for nursing (2026); two entry pathways (60+ transfer credits or a prior degree, or prerequisites through GCU).
- A Christian worldview is integrated throughout the curriculum.
- $53,550 estimated tuition for the 63-credit accelerated portion; HLC-accredited institution (programs designed to meet AACN Essentials).
Joyce University ABSN Program
Draper | $60,520 | 20 Months
Joyce’s hybrid second-degree BSN combines online study, assigned clinical placements and three Utah immersions. Completion in as few as 20 months requires qualifying transfer credits; published tuition is $60,520 before fees and transfer adjustments... read more.
Missouri Baptist University ABSN Program
St Louis | $36,480 | 12 Months
Missouri Baptist University offers a 12-month, campus-based Accelerated BSN in St. Louis. Unusually, it doesn't require a completed bachelor's degree or a TEAS exam — just the prerequisites — and pairs strong outcomes with an INACSL-endorsed simulation program at the only evangelical Christian university in St. Louis.
Highlights
- No bachelor's degree or TEAS required — a more flexible entry path
- 95% NCLEX pass rate (2022) and 100% employment; laptop included
- INACSL-endorsed simulation; small 32-student cohort
Research College of Nursing ABSN Program
Kansas City | $40,500 | 12 Months
Research College’s 12-month, in-person ABSN pairs a new 60-credit nursing plan with individual clinical mentorship through HCA Midwest Health. Eligible students can apply for tuition support tied to a two-year RN work commitment.
Rockhurst University ABSN Program
Kansas City | $47,100 incl. fees | 16 Months
Rockhurst’s 16-month Hybrid ABSN accepts Iowa, Kansas and Missouri residents with a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree and 2.7 cumulative and prerequisite GPAs. It combines 60 credits of online coursework, 583.5 clinical hours and a 10-day Kansas City residency, with coordinated in-person placements. The current fee-inclusive rate totals $47,100 across 60 credits. Rockhurst advertises 93% ABSN NCLEX passage without a reporting year or attempt measure.
St Louis University ABSN Program
St. Louis | $84,340 | 12 Months
Saint Louis University offers a 12-month Accelerated BSN in St. Louis for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. Through its Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, SLU created the nation's first accelerated BSN in 1971 and remains a top-ranked, holistic-admissions program.
Highlights
- Created the nation's first accelerated BSN (1971); top 7% undergrad nursing (U.S. News)
- 97% first-time NCLEX pass rate; low clinical student-to-faculty ratio
- Holistic admissions (3.00 GPA floor) with a junior-entry pathway
University of Missouri ABSN Program
Columbia | $35,684 | 17 Months
The University of Missouri offers a 17-month Accelerated BSN in Columbia for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. Delivered by the flagship Sinclair School of Nursing, it pairs deep MU Health Care clinical access with affordable in-state tuition and a substantial forgivable award.
Highlights
- MU Health Care clinical access, including Level I trauma and pediatric care
- Affordable in-state tuition (~$35,684; ~$20,684 net with the $15,000 MU Health award)
- ~96% NCLEX pass rate; fall and spring starts, up to 32 per cohort
University of Missouri–Kansas City ABSN Program
Kansas City | $42,248.70 incl. bundled fees | 20 months
UMKC’s five-semester ABSN has 69 nursing credits and more than 1,050 clinical hours. At current rates, estimated simplified tuition is $42,248.70 for Kansas/Missouri residents, including bundled program fees; separate university fees are extra. Applications close January 31.
William Jewell ABSN Program
Liberty | $40,500 | 12 Months
William Jewell College offers a 12-month Accelerated Track BSN in Liberty for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree. It pairs standout licensure outcomes with a flexible hybrid option and a hospital partnership that can lower net cost.
Highlights
- 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate three years running (2023, 2024, 2025)
- Hybrid option: online coursework with evening classes and weekend clinicals
- Liberty Hospital partnership can lower net cost; accessible 2.8 GPA