Best Online Nursing Programs in Sonora, CA (2026)
Sonora, California has a population of about 4,965. The city’s median household income is $62,621 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 30.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Sonora. In California, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Midwife at a median $196,700 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Sonora
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Sonora city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modesto Junior College | Modesto, CA | 41.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Merced College | Merced, CA | 45.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Xavier College School of Nursing | Stockton, CA | 49.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| San Joaquin Delta College | Stockton, CA | 51.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Carrington College-Sacramento | Sacramento, CA | 66.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all California schools on the California nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Sonora
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (California, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $140,330 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $77,170 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A |
| Nurse Midwife | $196,700 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $166,610 |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,420 |
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.
Sonora at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,965 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $62,621 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 30.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Sonora-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Oakdale, CA – 29.5 mi away (22,564 pop)
- Riverbank, CA – 35.2 mi away (24,389 pop)
- Modesto, CA – 41.4 mi away (377,755 pop)
- Ceres, CA – 41.4 mi away (48,278 pop)
- Turlock, CA – 42.0 mi away (106,100 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Sonora, CA?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Sonora. The closest is Modesto Junior College in Modesto, CA (41.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Carrington College-Sacramento (66.7 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in California?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in California are: Nurse Midwife ($196,700), Nurse Practitioner ($166,610), Registered Nurse ($140,330). Wages for Sonora workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Oakdale instead of Sonora?
Oakdale, CA is 29.5 miles from Sonora 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 Sonora an affordable place to study nursing?
Sonora’s median household income of $62,621 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Sonora 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.