Best Online Nursing Programs in Jonesboro, AR (2026)
Jonesboro, Arkansas has a population of about 79,187. The city’s median household income is $52,559 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 29.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Jonesboro. In Arkansas, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $134,230 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Jonesboro
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Jonesboro city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University-Newport | Newport, AR | 31.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Black River Technical College | Pocahontas, AR | 32.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Arkansas Northeastern College | Blytheville, AR | 42.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville | Batesville, AR | 52.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Arkansas State University Mid-South | West Memphis, AR | 53.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Arkansas schools on the Arkansas nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Jonesboro
Jonesboro is part of the Jonesboro, AR metro area (BLS area code 27860). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Arkansas statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,730 | Jonesboro, AR | $91,653 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $49,400 | Jonesboro, AR | $57,509 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $134,230 | AR statewide | $156,263 |
| Nurse Midwife | N/A | AR statewide | – |
| Nurse Practitioner | $114,250 | Jonesboro, AR | $133,003 |
| Nursing Assistant | $33,270 | Jonesboro, AR | $38,731 |
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.
Jonesboro at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 79,187 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $52,559 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 29.8% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 85.9 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Craighead County | 6,046 workers, 25 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Jonesboro-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Paragould, AR – 18.7 mi away (26,617 pop)
- West Memphis, AR – 53.5 mi away (25,284 pop)
- Atoka, TN – 57.2 mi away (20,478 pop)
- Bartlett, TN – 63.1 mi away (58,622 pop)
- Memphis, TN – 63.3 mi away (1,069,661 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Jonesboro, AR?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Jonesboro. The closest is Arkansas State University-Newport in Newport, AR (31.2 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Arkansas State University Mid-South (53.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Jonesboro?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Jonesboro are: Nurse Anesthetist ($134,230), Nurse Practitioner ($114,250), Registered Nurse ($78,730). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Arkansas statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Paragould instead of Jonesboro?
Paragould, AR is 18.7 miles from Jonesboro and has its own set of local nursing programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Jonesboro an affordable place to study nursing?
Jonesboro’s median household income of $52,559 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Jonesboro while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Arkansas 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.