Best Online Nursing Programs in Chico, CA (2026)
Chico, California has a population of about 102,032. The city’s median household income is $67,929 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 41.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Chico. In California, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Midwife at a median $196,700 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Chico
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Chico city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butte College | Oroville, CA | 11.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Feather River Community College District | Quincy, CA | 46.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Shasta College | Redding, CA | 65.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Lassen Community College | Susanville, CA | 77.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| American River College | Sacramento, CA | 80.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all California schools on the California nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Chico
Chico is part of the Chico, CA metro area (BLS area code 17020). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to California statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $141,720 | Chico, CA | $140,040 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $70,020 | Chico, CA | $69,190 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A | CA statewide | – |
| Nurse Midwife | $196,700 | CA statewide | $194,368 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $159,400 | Chico, CA | $157,510 |
| Nursing Assistant | $44,010 | Chico, CA | $43,488 |
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.
Chico at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,032 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $67,929 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 41.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 101.2 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Butte County | 9,092 workers, 81 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Chico-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Paradise, CA – 11.1 mi away (35,163 pop)
- Oroville, CA – 22.2 mi away (45,445 pop)
- Yuba City, CA – 44.0 mi away (120,159 pop)
- Grass Valley, CA – 54.8 mi away (34,508 pop)
- Redding, CA – 63.2 mi away (120,288 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Chico, CA?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Chico. The closest is Butte College in Oroville, CA (11.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is American River College (80.7 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Chico?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Chico are: Nurse Midwife ($196,700), Nurse Practitioner ($159,400), Registered Nurse ($141,720). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with California statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Paradise instead of Chico?
Paradise, CA is 11.1 miles from Chico 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 Chico an affordable place to study nursing?
Chico’s median household income of $67,929 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Chico while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and California 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.