Best Online Nursing Programs in Estero, FL (2026)
Estero, Florida has a population of about 37,258. The city’s median household income is $100,459 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 49.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Estero. In the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $197,660 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Estero
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Estero city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premiere International College | Fort Myers, FL | 15.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Fort Myers Technical College | Fort Myers, FL | 15.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Cape Coral Technical College | Cape Coral, FL | 19.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Lorenzo Walker Technical College | Naples, FL | 19.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Immokalee Technical College | Immokalee, FL | 22.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Florida schools on the Florida nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Estero
Estero is part of the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL metro area (BLS area code 15980). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Florida statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $86,090 | Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $84,154 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $60,320 | Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $58,964 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $197,660 | Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $193,216 |
| Nurse Midwife | $115,440 | FL statewide | $112,845 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $143,670 | Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $140,440 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,970 | Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $39,071 |
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.
Estero at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 37,258 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $100,459 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 49.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 102.3 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Lee County | 6,450 workers, 164 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Estero-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Bonita Springs, FL – 5.0 mi away (382,869 pop)
- Fort Myers, FL – 13.5 mi away (77,146 pop)
- Naples, FL – 19.1 mi away (21,845 pop)
- Cape Coral, FL – 19.4 mi away (617,896 pop)
- North Port, FL – 50.1 mi away (190,003 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Estero, FL?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Estero. The closest is Premiere International College in Fort Myers, FL (15.2 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Immokalee Technical College (22.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Estero?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Estero are: Nurse Anesthetist ($197,660), Nurse Practitioner ($143,670), Nurse Midwife ($115,440). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Florida statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Bonita Springs instead of Estero?
Bonita Springs, FL is 5.0 miles from Estero 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 Estero an affordable place to study nursing?
Estero’s median household income of $100,459 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Estero while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Florida 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.