Online RN to BSN Programs in Missouri: Selecting a School

Comparing Missouri RN to BSN Programs Online

Online RN to BSN bridge programs in Missouri are designed to provide current RNs with a nursing diploma or associated degree an affordable, quick, and convenient path to earning their BSN and advancing their careers in to leadership and specialized practice roles. This is accomplished through a number of program components, including:

• Generous credit transfer policies allowing students to apply a substantial number of credits earned in their diploma or ADN program to their BSN degree requirements. Most programs additionally award students credits for having an active RN license.
• Fully-online didactic coursework often presented in an asynchronous format that allows students to log on and complete their coursework according to their own busy schedules.

To help you find the right program, we’ve spotlighted three popular online RN to BSN programs in Missouri. Use these profiles to better understand how they work, how much they cost, and what to expect both during and after your program.

Common RN to BSN Questions from Missouri Students

Going back to school is a big investment, so it’s normal to have questions before you move forward with your application. Below, we’ve answered five of the most frequently asked questions by prospective online RN to BSN students in Missouri to help get you going.

What should I look for in an RN to BSN degree program in Missouri?

Two important components to look for in the online RN to BSN programs you consider:

• Approval by the Missouri Board of Nursing
• Programmatic accreditation by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Proper programmatic accreditation ensures that a program meets stated standards of academic quality. It also means that qualifying students are eligible for a wide variety of financial aid resources.

Beyond all of the above, look for an affordable program that offers the flexibility you need to accommodate your unique learning needs and busy schedule.

Is there financial aid available to Missouri RN to BSN students?

Yes. In fact, most RN to BSN programs both offer and accept financial aid. Common financial aid types include:

• Scholarships and grants
• Employer tuition reimbursement
• Student loans
• Tuition deferment and installment plans

Students interested in pursuing federal funding resources will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is also often used by state financial aid programs and others to evaluate applicants for funding help.

Other potential funding sources include colleges and universities themselves. Examples include:

• Southeast Missouri State University, which offers several scholarships for nursing students and provides resources to find more.
• The University of Central Missouri, which offers the Mule Grant for associate degree students looking to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Another potential source is the Missouri League for Nursing, offering a number of funding opportunities for qualifying nursing students.

Be sure to contact the financial aid office at each school you’re considering for the most up-to-date information on funding opportunities for your RN to BSN education.

What are the benefits of securing a degree from an RN to BSN program in Missouri?

The three biggest benefits to getting your BSN degree are:

• Enhanced nursing knowledge and skills
• Greater job opportunities and higher salaries when compared to RNs without a BSN
• Preparation for furthering your education to earn a nursing graduate degree leading to advanced nurse practitioner and top level leadership roles

The biggest benefits to obtaining your BSN through an online RN to BSN program are:

• Affordability
• Short program lengths
• Convenience and flexibility of online study

How long is an RN to BSN program in Missouri?

Completion times for online RN to BSN programs in Missouri vary depending mostly on:

• The total number of previously-earned credits from the student’s nursing diploma or ADN program that can be transferred in to meet BSN credit requirements
• The number of credits awarded to the student for possessing an active RN license.
• The student’s chosen study pace (full-time, part-time)

It’s not unusual for RN to BSN students in Missouri to need to complete only around 30 total credits in their programs to earn their BSN. And that, in turn, can often be accomplished with as little as one year of full-time study.

Those opting to study part-time will typically add another year to their total completion times.

How much do RN to BSN programs in Missouri cost?

Costs of online RN to BSN programs in Missouri also vary from program to program. Major factors impacting costs include:

• Whether the school offering the program is public or private. Private schools often charge higher tuition rates than public schools.
• The student’s resident status. Public schools sometimes charge substantially higher tuition rates to out-of-state students.
• The total number of credits the student must complete in their RN to BSN program.

Notwithstanding, online RN to BSN students in Missouri can expect, on average, to pay from around $300 to $600 per credit.

Bear in mind that tuition rates typically do not include additional costs of program fees, books and supplies, etc. And, of course, be sure to factor in any financial aid funding you are able to secure to help lower your total program price tag.

Salary & Career Info for BSNs in Missouri

There are many salary and career benefits to heading back to school and enrolling in an RN to BSN program. The American Association of Colleges of Nurses offers evidence that your advanced education will enhance your practice, setting you up for new leadership opportunities.

Higher salaries, too. According to ZipRecruiter (January 2026), RNs in Missouri with a BSN degree earn an average annual salary of $95,011, substantially higher than that for RNs in the state with an ADN degree ($82,420).

In terms of job prospects, registered nurses in Missouri enjoy a notably strong projected job growth rate of 9.9% between 2022 and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Projections Central website. That's substantially higher than the projected 5.6% job growth rate for RNs in the nation overall for the same period.

Ranking Missouri’s Online RN to BSN Degree Programs

We’ve ranked below what we believe to be the top online RN to BSN programs in Missouri today. This ranking uses criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Factors weighed in making our selections include:

• Number of online programs in the subject area
• Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class
• Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full time
• Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in six years
• Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates
• Student/faculty ratio

Click the “About the ranking” button for details on our selection process.