Compare BSN costs, NCLEX pass rates, and outcomes for accredited programs near Overland Park
Overland Park sits at the center of the Kansas City metro’s expanding healthcare corridor, where major hospital systems like Saint Luke’s and The University of Kansas Health System prefer to hire BSN-prepared nurses, making the bachelor’s degree a baseline credential and driving demand for prelicensure programs across the region, including nursing programs in Missouri.
Students can choose from traditional four-year BSN tracks, accelerated second-degree options lasting 12 to 18 months, and online RN-to-BSN completion programs for working nurses: the quality, cost, and clinical partnerships of these programs differ sharply.
While top programs like KU School of Nursing post NCLEX pass rates near 99%, some lower-cost alternatives report lower rates, and clinical placements at regional employers directly shape job prospects.
Finding the right nursing school near Overland Park means balancing program format, cost, and location. While many Kansas nursing programs are hours away, several excellent options lie within commuting distance, including hybrid and on-campus offerings tailored to working students. Our ranking spotlights the top programs within the expanded search radius, emphasizing affordability, graduate success, and local accessibility.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Donnelly College | Kansas City, KS | ~$11,000/yr (est.) | Working RNs in the Kansas City metro | |
Located just across the river in Kansas City, Donnelly College offers a hybrid RN-to-BSN program tailored for working nurses in the Overland Park area. Evening classes and no Friday commitments make it feasible to balance work and study. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, nursing leadership, and community health, with financial aid available.
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| #2 | University of Kansas | Lawrence, KS | $12,000 – $30,000/yr | Aspiring nurses seeking a university-based BSN | |
The University of Kansas in Lawrence, a 40-minute drive from Overland Park, offers a rigorous on-campus BSN program alongside a flexible hybrid option through its Community College Nursing Partnership. With a strong emphasis on clinical experience and leadership, KU nursing graduates are well-prepared for diverse healthcare settings and graduate study. The university’s high retention rate reflects a supportive learning environment.
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| #3 | Pittsburg State University | Pittsburg, KS | $16,000/yr (net price) | Pre-licensure students wanting hands-on simulation training | |
Pittsburg State’s BSN program, located about two hours south of Overland Park, offers a supportive campus environment with small class sizes and simulation hospital training. The accredited curriculum thoroughly prepares students for the NCLEX-RN, and the university’s high retention rate underscores its student-centered approach.
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| #4 | North Central Kansas Technical College | Beloit, KS | $12,000/yr | ||
North Central Kansas Technical College in Beloit provides an 18-month accelerated Associate Degree in Nursing that prepares students for both PN and RN licensure. The program is known for its hands-on clinical training, small class sizes, and strong NCLEX preparation, making it a high-ROI choice for Kansas residents willing to relocate.
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| #5 | Salina Area Technical College | Salina, KS | $6,000/yr | ||
Salina Tech’s 9-month ADN program is a fast bridge from LPN to RN, ideal for practical nurses seeking quick advancement. With a low net price and strong graduate earnings, it stands out as a budget-friendly option. Students benefit from a combination of classroom, simulation, and clinical experiences.
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| #6 | Seward County Community College | Liberal, KS | $4,000 – $5,000/yr | ||
Seward County Community College in Liberal offers a two-year ADN program for LPNs aiming to become registered nurses. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and aligns with ANA standards, with hands-on clinical rotations in diverse settings. Its low median debt and high ROI appeal to cost-conscious students.
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| #7 | Garden City Community College | Garden City, KS | ~$8,000/yr (est.) | ||
Garden City Community College’s ADN program is tailored for Kansas LPNs and boasts licensing pass rates above national and state averages. Small class sizes and high job placement make it a practical choice for career advancement. Scholarships and financial aid help keep costs manageable.
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| #8 | Colby Community College | Colby, KS | $8,000/yr (net price) | ||
Colby Community College combines a practical nursing and associate degree curriculum over two years, producing graduates eligible for LPN and RN licensure. The program is accredited by KSBN and ACEN, with transition options for paramedics and respiratory therapists. Financial aid is available to qualifying students.
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| #9 | Hesston College | Hesston, KS | ~$26,000/yr (est.) | ||
Hesston College’s private BSN program offers a faith-based education with small class sizes and a strong support network. The 121-credit curriculum covers general education and nursing courses, with admission options for freshmen, sophomores, and transfer students. Its solid graduate earnings and manageable debt make it a viable private option.
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| #10 | Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology | Wichita, KS | $9,000/yr (net price) | ||
WSU Tech’s two-year ADN program in Wichita combines academic coursework with clinical experiences, preparing students for the NCLEX exam. The program offers a fast track into nursing with a focus on practical skills and patient care. Its low net price and reasonable graduate debt make it an accessible pathway.
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The net price shown here is the average cost after grants and scholarships for all students at each institution, not specifically for BSN programs. These figures come from the most recent federal data and reflect what the typical student actually pays. For context, note that these schools primarily offer associate degree nursing programs, so costs for a traditional BSN may differ.
NCLEX-RN pass rates are a critical measure of program quality. KU School of Nursing leads with a 2024 pass rate of 98.39%, well above the national average for first-time test-takers. Earnings data for these programs is not yet available through the College Scorecard.
| School | NCLEX Pass Rate (2024) | Median Earnings 1 Year Post-Graduation |
|---|---|---|
| KU School of Nursing | 98.39% | N/A |
| National Average (U.S. BSN Programs) | 87-89% | N/A |
What does it take to get accepted into a BSN program in the Overland Park area, and how soon could you graduate?
Admissions requirements vary by school. Chamberlain University’s Overland Park campus uses a holistic review process and asks for a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.4. Applicants must submit scores from the HESI A2, TEAS, ACT, or SAT, the school does not publish a minimum cutoff. For the University of Kansas School of Nursing, the bar is slightly higher: a 2.75 college GPA is required, along with 58 credit hours of prerequisite coursework. (KU’s program is located in Lawrence, about 40 miles west of Overland Park, but draws many metro-area students.) Other nearby private programs, such as those at MidAmerica Nazarene University and Research College of Nursing, have their own thresholds; check with each admissions office directly, as published data is sparse.
A standard prelicensure BSN at a Kansas public university typically takes four years of full-time study. Chamberlain’s curriculum, however, is designed to be completed in three years of year-round study, and the school also offers a 24-month fast-track option for highly motivated students. Accelerated second-degree tracks, for those who already hold a bachelor’s in another field, are not universally available. Chamberlain does not offer a dedicated second-degree accelerated BSN, though its fast track can shorten the timeline. For registered nurses with an ADN, RN-to-BSN completion programs in the region are widely available in hybrid or online formats and can often be finished in as little as 12 to 18 months while working.
Overall acceptance rates can be misleading. KU reports an institution-wide admit rate of 93%, but that figure reflects all undergraduate applicants, not nursing majors specifically. Nursing admission is often competitive once prerequisite grades and test scores are reviewed. Chamberlain’s holistic approach means no single stat guarantees entry, while programs with limited clinical spots may have de facto cutoffs above the published minimums. If you are a borderline candidate, strengthening your application with healthcare experience or stellar TEAS scores can make a difference.
Where you complete clinical hours often determines where you land your first nursing job. In Overland Park, BSN students benefit from relationships with some of the region's strongest hospital systems, making these partnerships a pivotal factor when comparing programs.
Chamberlain University's Overland Park campus also coordinates placements across these sites, often allowing students to experience more than one system during their program.
Clinical rotations double as extended job interviews. Units that work with students routinely hire high-performing graduates, so the hospital where you rotate can directly shape your first position. Many Overland Park nursing graduates accept offers from the same floors where they completed their preceptorships, skipping the lengthy application and orientation cycle.
The clinical experience you accumulate translates into real earning power. The Kansas City metropolitan area, which includes Overland Park, consistently posts RN wages above the national average. According to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual salary for registered nurses in the Kansas City metro sat near $82,000 in 2025.
If you're considering nursing school in Overland Park, you likely have questions about local BSN programs, tuition, and exam pass rates. These frequently asked questions provide quick, straightforward answers to help you compare your options across the Kansas City metro area.
Choosing a BSN program in Overland Park comes down to three factors: net price after aid, NCLEX-RN pass rates, and clinical placement opportunities. Chamberlain’s local campus and the University of Kansas School of Nursing each offer distinct advantages: KU’s pass rate (98.39% in 2024) stands out, while Chamberlain’s rolling admissions can accelerate your start. Both feed into major employers like the University of Kansas Health System and Overland Park Regional Medical Center, so clinical rotations often turn into job interviews. If you’re open to options beyond the immediate metro, Kansas nursing schools reveal additional programs across the state.
