Compare costs, NCLEX pass rates, program lengths, and career outcomes across Missouri's top practical nursing schools.
Missouri’s demand for LPNs is projected to grow 5.71% through 2032 (Missouri Economic Research and Information Center), with median pay reaching $50,910 statewide. But behind the headline numbers, outcomes in LPN programs diverge sharply. Graduate earnings for LPNs in Missouri range from about $32,000 to nearly $56,000 a year, while net costs span from $5,800 to over $29,000. Choosing a program means weighing not just price and location, but the long-term return: debt, earnings, and pass rates all matter. The first year’s salary often covers the entire net cost of the lowest-priced programs, but borrowing heavily for a low-return credential can delay financial stability.
We weighed tuition costs, graduate earnings, and NCLEX-PN pass rates to identify Missouri's standout practical nursing programs. The ten schools below deliver strong career preparation at a reasonable price, with options spanning urban and rural communities across the state. Whether you need a fast-track certificate or a clear bridge to RN, these rankings can help you choose the right fit.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ozarks Technical Community College | Springfield, MO | $7,000/yr (net price) | Hybrid learners with three campus choices | |
OTC’s Practical Nursing Certificate is a one-year hybrid program with a 100% licensure pass rate and a strong track record of graduate employment. With classes starting fall and spring at Springfield, Table Rock, and Lebanon campuses, students can find a schedule that fits their life. The 49-credit curriculum covers hands-on clinical skills, and graduates report a median first-year salary of $51,000. It also serves as a stepping stone to OTC’s ASN program, allowing LPNs to bridge to RN in about 32 weeks.
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| #2 | Saint Louis Community College | Bridgeton, MO | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | Budget-minded St. Louis area students | |
Saint Louis Community College’s Practical Nursing certificate is an affordable, two-semester option that prepares you for the NCLEX-PN. The program integrates IV therapy training and covers medical-surgical, mental health, obstetrics, and pediatrics nursing through clinicals with local partners like Lutheran Senior Services and Mercy Health. With tuition around $6,000 and free tutoring, you can graduate with little debt and even transition directly into STLCC’s RN Bridge course.
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| #3 | Moberly Area Community College | Moberly, MO | $7,000/yr | Rural students targeting ACEN accreditation | |
MACC’s 12-month Practical Nursing certificate combines classroom and clinical training, with an emphasis on intravenous therapy skills and certification. Students can attend at one of three Missouri campuses, making it accessible to rural learners. The program is a candidate for ACEN accreditation and prepares you for the NCLEX-PN. With a net price of $6,810 and median graduate debt of $10,658, MACC offers strong value for in-state students.
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| #4 | St. Charles Community College | Cottleville, MO | $6,000/yr | ||
The Practical Nursing Certificate at St. Charles Community College boasts a 100% job placement and NCLEX-PN pass rate for recent cohorts. Based at the Dardenne Creek Campus, the 46-credit program includes hands-on clinical training and strong partnerships with BJC and SSM Health. Admission is competitive, requiring a 2.7 GPA and HESI exam, but the net price under $6,000 and median debt just $6,187 make it one of the most affordable options in the state.
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| #5 | State Fair Community College | Sedalia, MO | $8,000/yr (net price) | ||
State Fair’s Professional Certificate in Practical Nursing is ranked #1 in Missouri by PracticalNursing.org and features a seamless Year-One pathway into the college’s ADN program. The 55-credit program accepts students on a rolling, first-qualified basis and is offered at Sedalia, Lake of the Ozarks, and Clinton campuses. With a $0 application fee and hybrid delivery option at the Clinton campus, it’s designed for maximum accessibility. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-PN and immediate employment across healthcare settings.
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| #6 | Three Rivers College | Poplar Bluff, MO | $8,000/yr (net price) | ||
Three Rivers’ one-year Practical Nurse certificate is tailored for southeast Missouri, with campuses in Poplar Bluff and Sikeston. The curriculum includes high-tech simulation, IV therapy, and BLS certification, and graduates consistently post a 99% NCLEX-PN pass rate and 94% job placement. Admission requires a TEAS exam and a minimum 2.0 GPA, and financial aid is available for those who qualify.
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| #7 | Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | $8,000/yr (net price) | ||
MCC’s Practical Nursing Certificate is a fast-paced program located in the Health Science Institute in Kansas City. It can be completed in under one year and prepares you for the NCLEX-PN with a curriculum covering IV therapy, medication administration, and patient care across the lifespan. The program notes a median annual salary of $59,030 for Missouri LPNs and faster-than-average job growth in the metro area. With a net price of $8,398 and $126 per credit hour, it’s a solid value for Kansas City-area students.
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| #8 | Crowder College | Neosho, MO | $6,000 – $8,000/yr | ||
Crowder College’s Practical Nurse (LPN) certificate is a 52-credit, two-semester program offered in a hybrid format at Nevada and McDonald County campuses. The curriculum focuses on foundational nursing skills, patient care, and clinical competencies, with no college-level prerequisites required. Graduates report a median salary of $58,900, and the program emphasizes individualized instruction and a seamless bridge to RN programs.
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| #9 | East Central College | Union, MO | ~$13,000/yr (est.) | ||
East Central College’s Licensed Practical Nursing program uses a point-based selective admission process to prioritize local applicants. With sites in Rolla, Washington, and Union, it serves east-central Missouri’s rural communities. Students must complete prerequisites with a C or better, score 77 or higher on the HESI reading exam, and attend an information session. The program prepares you for the NCLEX-PN and notes starting LPN salaries in the $35,000–$65,000 range.
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| #10 | Mineral Area College | Park Hills, MO | $10,000 – $15,000/yr | ||
Mineral Area College’s Practical Nursing certificate is a three-semester, campus-based program designed for students in southeast Missouri’s Lead Belt region. MAC offers a fast-track option that bridges directly into its Advanced Placement ADN program, and a $0 application fee reduces upfront costs. With a TEAS exam requirement and scholarships available through MAOF, the program maintains a supportive, accessible pathway to LPN licensure.
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Choosing an LPN program often means balancing affordability against other quality signals. Our rankings are designed to give cost-conscious students a clear starting point for finding affordable lpn programs, so financial factors carry the most weight.
We focus heavily on what you will actually pay, not sticker prices. Each school's net price for full-time beginning students who receive federal financial aid is a core metric. To make fair comparisons across public and private institutions, we use an adjusted figure that accounts for sector-wide averages. This gives you a realistic sense of lpn program cost, but it is not a guaranteed tuition quote, since individual aid packages vary.
Beyond cost, our ranking considers institution-wide graduation rates, which signal overall student support and outcomes. We also incorporate program-level data from the College Scorecard, including median earnings and typical monthly debt payments of graduates. These metrics help gauge whether a program delivers a return on your investment.
You will not find NCLEX pass rates or program duration in our ranking formula, even though both matter deeply. Those factors are covered in dedicated sections of this article so you can weigh them alongside our cost-driven list.
Choosing an LPN program is a significant financial decision. The table below shows annual tuition, out-of-state costs, net price after grants and scholarships, and median graduate debt for accredited practical nursing programs across Missouri. Use these figures to compare the true cost of your education.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Charles Community College | $5,820 | $7,620 | $5,837 | $6,187 |
| Moberly Area Community College | $6,750 | $8,640 | $6,810 | $10,658 |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | $5,744 | $7,040 | $6,936 | $10,453 |
| State Fair Community College | $5,784 | $7,416 | $7,985 | $10,500 |
| Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City | $7,110 | $9,600 | $8,398 | $10,073 |
| Saint Louis Community College | $5,130 | $6,990 | $8,440 | $6,725 |
| Three Rivers College | $6,060 | $6,060 | $8,496 | $10,000 |
| Crowder College | $5,784 | $5,784 | $9,023 | $9,000 |
| Mineral Area College | $7,010 | $8,570 | $12,045 | $10,500 |
| East Central College | $5,568 | $7,680 | $13,128 | $9,500 |
| North Central Missouri College | $7,560 | $8,820 | $13,626 | $10,500 |
| State Technical College of Missouri | $8,160 | $14,610 | $15,190 | $10,986 |
| Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center | N/A | N/A | $17,598 | $8,750 |
| Texas County Technical College | $19,025 | $19,025 | $19,429 | $13,195 |
| Hannibal-LaGrange University | $26,880 | $26,880 | $22,814 | $18,599 |
| St Louis College of Health Careers-Fenton | N/A | N/A | $24,395 | $11,750 |
| Concorde Career College-Kansas City | N/A | N/A | $29,500 | $9,500 |
The length of an LPN program and when classes are held directly shape how quickly you can start working as a nurse. In Missouri, most practical nursing programs are designed to be completed in under a year, but scheduling formats vary widely, from traditional weekday cohorts to part-time evening and hybrid options that let you keep a job while studying.
The majority of Missouri LPN programs run 11 to 12 months. For example, St. Louis Community College, Ozarks Technical Community College, and Texas County Technical College all finish within 11 to 12 months. A few schools offer an accelerated pace: Cass Career Center's program is just 10.5 months. On the longer side, Concorde Career College near Kansas City lists a 13-month track, and some programs may take up to 18 months if you attend part-time. These timelines are based on full-time enrollment; part-time paths extend accordingly. Programs award either a certificate or a diploma, both qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-PN. There is no associate-degree LPN program in the state; the LPN is a shorter credential that can later bridge into an ADN or BSN if you decide to become an RN.
While many schools offer only daytime, in-person classes (for example, State Technical College of Missouri, Moberly Area Community College, and St. Charles Community College operate fully on campus during weekdays), several programs cater to students who work or have families. Concorde Career College stands out with part-time evening and weekend options alongside its full-time track. Ozarks Technical Community College and Crowder College label their programs as hybrid, meaning some coursework is online, but scheduled on-campus sessions may still be during regular business hours. The takeaway: if you need a specific schedule, like nights or weekends, reach out to programs directly. Not every school publishes these details on a directory listing; admissions offices can clarify whether a given start date will offer an evening cohort.
Didactic (classroom/theory) portions are increasingly available online at select Missouri LPN schools, though clinical rotations always take place in person at hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics. North Central Missouri College explicitly includes online coursework in its LPN program. Cass Career Center lists its delivery as hybrid, combining online learning with in-person labs. Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City and State Fair Community College (Clinton Campus) also use hybrid formats. The program_type field in school listings on topnursing.org indicates whether a program is campus-based or hybrid, but it won't tell you the exact mix of online vs. on-campus hours. Always ask about the weekly schedule and technology requirements before enrolling.
How do Missouri LPN programs perform on the NCLEX-PN, and how can you check a program's track record before you enroll? Pass rates are one of the most reliable indicators of how well a program prepares students for licensure. This section explains where to find official Missouri pass rates, what the numbers mean, and how to use them to make a confident choice.
The NCLEX-PN is the national licensing exam that every practical nurse must pass to practice. First-time pass rates show the percentage of a program's graduates who pass the exam on their first attempt. A consistently high rate suggests the curriculum teaches the right material, instructors provide strong support, and students leave ready to test. A low or declining rate may point to gaps in course content or student preparation. Because the exam is the same across the country, pass rates also offer a fair, objective way to compare schools.
State approval alone does not guarantee strong exam outcomes. Missouri requires all approved practical nursing programs to post annual NCLEX-PN results, so you do not need to rely on a school's marketing claims. The Missouri Board of Nursing collects and makes public detailed results for every program, allowing you to see exactly how many recent graduates took the test and how many passed on the first try.
The Missouri Board of Nursing publishes pass rate data through quarterly performance reports available on the Division of Professional Registration website. These reports list each approved practical nursing program along with its recent cohort of test-takers and first-time pass rate. The board groups programs by region and includes multi-year figures if you want to check a program's stability over time. National comparison data is released annually by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, giving you a benchmark to see how Missouri programs stack up against national trends.
When reviewing a school's report, pay close attention to how many students took the test. A very high pass rate based on a tiny group may not tell you much; a program that graduates larger cohorts and maintains strong results shows consistent quality. Look for programs where the pass rate stays above the board's minimum expectations year after year.
A one-year dip is not always a red flag, cohorts vary, and a program may have adjusted its curriculum to address a weak score. What matters is the trend. Check for improvement over the last two to three years, or at least steady, above-average performance. If a school's pass rate regularly falls below state or national averages, ask direct questions about what the program is doing to boost outcomes. Strong programs will openly share their plans and point to concrete changes like increased tutoring, test-prep resources, or revised coursework.
The board reports also let you compare similar programs in your area. If you are choosing between two LPN programs in Kansas City, for example, comparing their NCLEX-PN pass rates can tip the balance toward the one that consistently sets its graduates up for first-time success. This data is public for a reason, it exists to help you make an informed decision about your education and career.
Specific earnings for graduates of individual Missouri LPN programs are not yet reported in federal data. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offers a statewide view. LPNs in Missouri earn a median annual salary of $50,910.
Gaining admission to an LPN program in Missouri requires careful preparation, as most schools demand more than just a high school diploma. Understanding the baseline LPN education requirements and how they differ across institutions helps you assemble a competitive application.
Every Missouri LPN program expects applicants to hold a high school diploma or GED. Beyond that, a clean background check is nearly universal, and many schools also require a drug screening. Immunization records are mandatory at most campuses, and clinical partners may impose additional health requirements.
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a standard gatekeeper for many programs, though not every school uses it. Where required, minimum scores range from the mid-50s to 60 percent. For example, State Technical College of Missouri sets a 60% minimum,1 North Central Missouri College requires 54.6%,2 and St. Louis Community College asks for 58.7%.3 Attempt limits and waiting periods vary: State Tech allows three attempts per cycle within a five-year TEAS validity window,1 while North Central permits three attempts per year with a 30-day wait between exams.2 St. Louis Community College caps attempts at three in twelve months and enforces an eight-week wait period.3
GPA thresholds vary: State Technical College of Missouri expects a 2.75,1 North Central Missouri College sets a minimum of 2.0,2 and St. Louis Community College requires a 2.5.3 Some programs specify a cumulative college GPA, while others consider high school or GED scores. Prerequisite coursework often includes anatomy, physiology, and math at the high school or college level. A solid foundation in these subjects strengthens your application and prepares you for the rigorous clinical curriculum.
Once you complete an approved practical nursing program, you apply to the Missouri State Board of Nursing for licensure. The application includes a fee, fingerprint background check, and official transcripts. You must also register for and pass the NCLEX-PN exam, which carries a $200 testing fee.2 Upon passing, you receive your LPN license to practice in Missouri.
Program application fees and deadlines differ by school. Some LPN programs use rolling admissions, while others admit cohorts once or twice a year. Confirm specific dates and fee amounts directly with your target schools well before the intended start term.
Missouri's LPN employment is projected to grow 5.71 percent from 2022 to 2032, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.
The national median annual wage for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses reached $62,340 in 2024, or $29.97 per hour.1 In Missouri, earnings vary meaningfully by location, employer, and experience, with many LPNs seeing pay that reflects the state’s lower cost of living relative to coastal regions.
Missouri’s urban hubs typically offer the highest LPN salaries. In the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan areas, wages often approach or exceed the national median, buoyed by major hospital networks and skilled nursing facilities. The Springfield metro area, with a mix of providers, provides solid middle-ground earnings. Nonmetropolitan and rural areas in the state usually fall below the urban figures, but lower living expenses can offset the differences. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nationwide, the lowest 10 percent of LPNs earned $47,960, while the top 10 percent brought in $80,510, a spread that mirrors the range seen in Missouri when comparing entry-level rural roles to seasoned nurses in high-demand metro settings.1
Industry choice is just as important as geography. Across Missouri and surrounding states, the highest median wages for LPNs are typically found in home health care services, where pay often reflects the challenges of one-on-one patient management and flexible scheduling. General medical and surgical hospitals, along with nursing care facilities, also rank among the top-paying employers, driven by staffing needs and the complexity of patient care. Government positions and outpatient clinics round out the list of well-compensated settings, offering stable schedules and benefits that add to total compensation.
Many LPN programs in this guide list total tuition and fees well below the national median annual LPN wage. In Missouri, where some programs cost under $10,000 for in-state students, the return on investment can be immediate. A new graduate working in a Kansas City hospital might earn back their entire educational expense in less than a year, even after factoring in licensing fees and living costs during training. That fast payoff is a key reason practical nursing remains an accessible path into health care. LPN-to-RN bridge programs later leverage that early career earnings for even greater upward mobility, making the initial LPN investment a strategic first step rather than a final destination.
An LPN-to-RN bridge program lets practicing licensed practical nurses build on their existing education and clinical experience to become registered nurses in less time than a traditional two-year or four-year degree. Instead of starting from scratch, you earn credit for your LPN training, then complete advanced coursework and clinical rotations. In Missouri, these programs most commonly lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), qualifying you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for state licensure as an RN. A handful of schools also offer articulation agreements that can later streamline a transition into a BSN program.
Several colleges across the state run dedicated bridge tracks. Program lengths range from 11 to 18 months, and costs vary depending on whether you attend a public community college or a private technical school.
Balancing work and family while attending school is common for LPNs. Missouri State-West Plains, Moberly Area Community College, and East Central College each offer hybrid programs that blend online coursework with in-person clinical placements. These models reduce commute time while still providing the hands-on training required for RN licensure. Purely online bridge programs remain rare because clinical rotations must be completed at approved healthcare facilities, but the hybrid structure can make a full-time schedule more manageable.
Upgrading from an LPN to an RN license unlocks a meaningful jump in earning potential. According to graduate earnings data reported through the College Scorecard, registered nurses in Missouri typically out-earn licensed practical nurses by a significant margin. The salary increase often covers the tuition cost of a bridge program within the first few years of employment. For LPNs already working in long-term care, home health, or clinics, the RN credential also opens doors to acute-care hospital roles, charge nurse positions, and specialty certifications that come with higher pay.
Earning your LPN license in Missouri follows a clear sequence of steps, from education to ongoing renewal. Here is the complete pathway to begin your nursing career.
Choosing an LPN program in Missouri involves understanding program length, costs, admissions, and career outcomes. The FAQs below address the most common questions prospective students have when researching practical nursing education in the state.
Beyond the top-ranked options, many other quality LPN programs in Missouri are worth your consideration. The following directory includes additional schools with practical nursing training across the state.
