Best Online Nursing Programs in Anchorage, AK (2026)
Anchorage, Alaska has a population of about 289,069. The city’s median household income is $98,152 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 37.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 2 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Anchorage. In the Anchorage, AK metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Practitioner at a median $145,140 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Anchorage
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Anchorage city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Pacific University | Anchorage, AK | 23.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage, AK | 23.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Alaska schools on the Alaska nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Anchorage
Anchorage is part of the Anchorage, AK metro area (BLS area code 11260). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Alaska statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $110,690 | Anchorage, AK | $105,019 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $78,060 | Anchorage, AK | $74,061 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A | AK statewide | – |
| Nurse Midwife | $130,030 | Anchorage, AK | $123,368 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $145,140 | Anchorage, AK | $137,704 |
| Nursing Assistant | $45,550 | Anchorage, AK | $43,216 |
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.
Anchorage at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 289,069 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $98,152 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 37.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 105.4 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Anchorage County | 10,179 workers, 261 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Anchorage, AK?
Our directory lists 2 nursing programs within 100 miles of Anchorage. The closest is Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage, AK (23.2 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of Alaska Anchorage (23.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Anchorage?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Anchorage are: Nurse Practitioner ($145,140), Nurse Midwife ($130,030), Registered Nurse ($110,690). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Alaska statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Is Anchorage an affordable place to study nursing?
Anchorage’s median household income of $98,152 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Anchorage while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Alaska 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.