Best Online Education Programs in Independence, MO (2026)
Independence, Missouri has a population of about 121,944. The city’s median household income is $59,480 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 20.9% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 4 accredited education programs within 100 miles of Independence. In the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, Postsecondary at a median $105,600 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Independence
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Independence city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockhurst University | Kansas City, MO | 12.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Avila University | Kansas City, MO | 17.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Fayette, MO | 89.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Northwest Missouri State University | Maryville, MO | 92.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Missouri schools on the Missouri education page.
Education Wages Near Independence
Independence is part of the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area (BLS area code 28140). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Missouri statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $60,230 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $65,114 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,140 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $63,935 |
| Middle School Teacher | $61,470 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $66,454 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $59,580 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $64,411 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $101,430 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $109,654 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $105,600 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $114,162 |
| Tutor | $42,070 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $45,481 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $60,050 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $64,919 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Independence at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $59,480 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 20.9% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 92.5 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Education-related employment in Jackson County | 7,155 workers, 270 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Independence-Area Cities With Education Programs
- Blue Springs, MO – 6.6 mi away (54,431 pop)
- Raytown, MO – 8.8 mi away (29,261 pop)
- Liberty, MO – 11.1 mi away (30,614 pop)
- Kansas City, MO – 11.2 mi away (1,590,762 pop)
- Lees Summit, MO – 11.9 mi away (89,467 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Independence, MO?
Our directory lists 4 education programs within 100 miles of Independence. The closest is Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO (12.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Northwest Missouri State University (92.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles near Independence?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying education-related roles near Independence are: Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($105,600), Education Administrator, K-12 ($101,430), Middle School Teacher ($61,470). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Missouri statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Blue Springs instead of Independence?
Blue Springs, MO is 6.6 miles from Independence and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Independence an affordable place to study education?
Independence’s median household income of $59,480 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Independence while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Missouri public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.