Best Online Nursing Programs in Champaign, IL (2026)
Champaign, Illinois has a population of about 88,822. The city’s median household income is $57,544 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 53.6% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Champaign. In the Champaign-Urbana, IL metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Practitioner at a median $124,740 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Champaign
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Champaign city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parkland College | Champaign, IL | 1.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Danville Area Community College | Danville, IL | 36.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Richland Community College | Decatur, IL | 36.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Illinois State University | Normal, IL | 47.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Lake Land College | Mattoon, IL | 48.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Illinois schools on the Illinois nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Champaign
Champaign is part of the Champaign-Urbana, IL metro area (BLS area code 16580). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Illinois statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $81,960 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $88,414 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $62,600 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $67,530 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A | IL statewide | – |
| Nurse Midwife | $114,420 | IL statewide | $123,430 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,740 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $134,563 |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,720 | Champaign-Urbana, IL | $47,163 |
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.
Champaign at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 88,822 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $57,544 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 53.6% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 92.7 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Champaign County | 10,255 workers, 31 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Champaign-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Urbana, IL – 4.0 mi away (42,014 pop)
- Danville, IL – 35.0 mi away (48,785 pop)
- Decatur, IL – 39.3 mi away (89,653 pop)
- Charleston, IL – 43.8 mi away (21,105 pop)
- Bloomington, IL – 44.4 mi away (135,015 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Champaign, IL?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Champaign. The closest is Parkland College in Champaign, IL (1.5 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Lake Land College (48.6 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Champaign?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Champaign are: Nurse Practitioner ($124,740), Nurse Midwife ($114,420), Registered Nurse ($81,960). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Illinois statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Urbana instead of Champaign?
Urbana, IL is 4.0 miles from Champaign 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 Champaign an affordable place to study nursing?
Champaign’s median household income of $57,544 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Champaign while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Illinois 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.