Best Online Nursing Programs in Lake City, FL (2026)
Lake City, Florida has a population of about 12,404. The city’s median household income is $51,175 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 25.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Lake City, with tuition ranging from $2,563 to $14,353 per year. In Florida, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $197,940 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Lake City
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Lake City city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Gateway College | Lake City, FL | 3.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Riveroak Technical College | Live Oak, FL | 21.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| North Florida Technical College | Starke, FL | 35.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Santa Fe College | Gainesville, FL | 37.4 mi | $2,563 - $14,353 | – |
| Galen Health Institutes-Gainesville | Gainesville, FL | 42.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Florida schools on the Florida nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Lake City
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Florida, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $82,850 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $60,080 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $197,940 |
| Nurse Midwife | $115,440 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,010 |
| Nursing Assistant | $36,850 |
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.
Lake City at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,404 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $51,175 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 25.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Nursing-related employment in Columbia County | 747 workers, 28 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Lake City-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Gainesville, FL – 39.5 mi away (198,702 pop)
- Jacksonville, FL – 58.8 mi away (1,141,459 pop)
- Valdosta, GA – 59.2 mi away (79,844 pop)
- Palatka, FL – 69.8 mi away (23,740 pop)
- Waycross, GA – 72.7 mi away (24,741 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Lake City, FL?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Lake City. The closest is Florida Gateway College in Lake City, FL (3.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Galen Health Institutes-Gainesville (42.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in Florida?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in Florida are: Nurse Anesthetist ($197,940), Nurse Practitioner ($129,010), Nurse Midwife ($115,440). Wages for Lake City workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Gainesville instead of Lake City?
Gainesville, FL is 39.5 miles from Lake City 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 Lake City an affordable place to study nursing?
Lake City’s median household income of $51,175 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Lake City 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.