Best Online Nursing Programs in Charleston, IL (2026)
Charleston, Illinois has a population of about 17,212. The city’s median household income is $49,057 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 34.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Charleston, with tuition ranging from $4,390 to $17,518 per year. In Illinois, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Practitioner at a median $128,620 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Charleston
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Charleston city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Land College | Mattoon, IL | 12.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Lincoln Trail College | Robinson, IL | 41.4 mi | $4,390 - $17,091 | – |
| Parkland College | Champaign, IL | 45.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Richland Community College | Decatur, IL | 47.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Olney Central College | Olney, IL | 52.1 mi | $4,390 - $17,518 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Illinois schools on the Illinois nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Charleston
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Illinois, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $86,410 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $66,030 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A |
| Nurse Midwife | $114,420 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,620 |
| Nursing Assistant | $44,750 |
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.
Charleston at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,212 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $49,057 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 34.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Nursing-related employment in Coles County | 2,301 workers, 29 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Charleston-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Terre Haute, IN – 42.8 mi away (92,841 pop)
- Urbana, IL – 43.3 mi away (42,014 pop)
- Champaign, IL – 43.8 mi away (155,368 pop)
- Decatur, IL – 47.7 mi away (89,653 pop)
- Danville, IL – 54.5 mi away (48,785 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Charleston, IL?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Charleston. The closest is Lake Land College in Mattoon, IL (12.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Olney Central College (52.1 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in Illinois?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in Illinois are: Nurse Practitioner ($128,620), Nurse Midwife ($114,420), Registered Nurse ($86,410). Wages for Charleston workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Terre Haute instead of Charleston?
Terre Haute, IN is 42.8 miles from Charleston 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 Charleston an affordable place to study nursing?
Charleston’s median household income of $49,057 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Charleston 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.