Best Online Nursing Programs in DeKalb, IL (2026)
DeKalb, Illinois has a population of about 40,464. The city’s median household income is $46,564 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 35.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of DeKalb, with tuition ranging from $3,432 to $25,508 per year. In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Practitioner at a median $131,690 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to DeKalb
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from DeKalb city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kishwaukee College | Malta, IL | 6.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Waubonsee Community College | Sugar Grove, IL | 17.6 mi | $3,432 - $14,661 | – |
| Elgin Community College | Elgin, IL | 22.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College | Rockford, IL | 26.7 mi | $16,699 - $25,508 | – |
| Rock Valley College | Rockford, IL | 29.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Illinois schools on the Illinois nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near DeKalb
DeKalb is part of the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area (BLS area code 16980). 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 | $96,480 | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $93,127 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $72,920 | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $70,386 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A | IL statewide | – |
| Nurse Midwife | $110,090 | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $106,264 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $131,690 | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $127,114 |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,050 | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $44,450 |
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.
DeKalb at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,464 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $46,564 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 35.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 103.6 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other DeKalb-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Geneva, IL – 22.1 mi away (21,880 pop)
- Saint Charles, IL – 22.5 mi away (32,717 pop)
- Huntley, IL – 22.7 mi away (26,611 pop)
- Elgin, IL – 23.1 mi away (112,123 pop)
- Belvidere, IL – 23.2 mi away (25,070 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near DeKalb, IL?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of DeKalb. The closest is Kishwaukee College in Malta, IL (6.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Rock Valley College (29.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near DeKalb?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near DeKalb are: Nurse Practitioner ($131,690), Nurse Midwife ($110,090), Registered Nurse ($96,480). 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 Geneva instead of DeKalb?
Geneva, IL is 22.1 miles from DeKalb 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 DeKalb an affordable place to study nursing?
DeKalb’s median household income of $46,564 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in DeKalb 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.