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Research College of Nursing

Kansas City, MO Private ยท Urban Est. 1915 researchcollege.edu
Grad Rate
48.9%
Enrollment
249
Median Salary
$85,910
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
C+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Research College of Nursing feels like a tight-knit professional boot camp rather than a traditional sprawling university. The urban campus is laser-focused on healthcare, creating a high-energy, collaborative atmosphere where students are treated like future colleagues. It's a practical, no-frills environment where the shared mission is to pass boards and land a nursing job.

Academics & Majors

The academic program is intensely focused on Health Professions, specifically nursing, with a reputation for rigorous clinical preparation. Teaching quality is high, emphasizing hands-on skills and direct faculty mentorship in small cohorts. As a specialized institution, research opportunities are less about lab science and more about evidence-based practice and clinical research integration.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
100%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

48.9%
Graduation Rate
249
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

17.6%
Receive Pell Grants
48.5%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Kansas City

Students enjoy Kansas City's vibrant culture, from the famous BBQ scene and the Power & Light District's nightlife to the Crossroads Arts District's galleries and First Fridays. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the extensive park and boulevard system, including the nearby Loose Park, or catch a Chiefs or Royals game for classic KC fun.

Local Rent Check

$1,098 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Kansas City
Explore Kansas City

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$40,000
$0Est. 4 Years: $0

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($85,910):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in an active urban area, and students should practice standard city awareness and safety precautions. The college is surrounded by major medical institutions, which generally have a strong security presence.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Specialized nursing program with deep clinical partnerships in the Kansas City medical community.
  • โœ“ High median earnings potential for graduates in a stable healthcare field.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes foster personalized attention and strong faculty relationships.
  • โœ“ Focused, immersive environment accelerates professional readiness.

Cons

  • โœ— Extremely limited program options outside of nursing.
  • โœ— Urban campus setting requires students to be comfortable with city life.
  • โœ— Smaller student body means fewer traditional college social activities and clubs.
  • โœ— Private tuition can be a significant financial barrier without substantial aid.

Notable Alumni

Dr. Jean G. Goeppinger
A leader in community health nursing and a prominent academic author in the field.
Dr. Linda L. Jarvis
A respected nursing educator and leader who has contributed to advancing nursing practice.
Dr. Colleen M. Goode
An influential figure in nursing education and leadership within professional nursing organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research College of Nursing is known for its highly specialized and rigorous nursing program. It has a strong reputation for producing competent, practice-ready nurses who excel on the NCLEX exam and are sought after by top healthcare employers in the region.

Admission is competitive, as the program has limited enrollment (around 249 students). Applicants need a strong GPA, particularly in science prerequisites, and healthcare experience significantly strengthens an application. The selective process ensures a cohort of dedicated and well-prepared nursing students.

Campus life is professional and academically focused. The small, urban campus fosters a close-knit community where students bond over shared intensive coursework and clinical rotations. Social life is more mature and centered on professional networking and study groups rather than large-scale Greek life or sports.

For students committed to a nursing career, the value proposition is strong. The high 10-year median earnings of $85,910 and the direct pipeline to employment in Kansas City's robust healthcare sector suggest a solid return on investment, especially when compared to the national average for nurses.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Children's Mercy Kansas City The University of Kansas Health System Saint Luke's Health System HCA Midwest Health Research Medical Center
Smart Start Score
78

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1915
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 346
  • Zip Code 64132

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 14.1% โ™€ 85.9%

The Money Talk

With a 10-year median earnings figure of $85,910, the degree offers a strong potential return on investment for a nursing career. Given the high demand and competitive salaries for nurses in the Kansas City metro area, the investment is likely worth it for dedicated students, though the private tuition requires careful financial planning.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.