Best Online Nursing Programs in Freeport, IL (2026)
Freeport, Illinois has a population of about 23,636. The city’s median household income is $48,181 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 20.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Freeport, with tuition ranging from $4,696 to $25,508 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 Freeport
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Freeport city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Community College | Freeport, IL | 1.8 mi | $4,696 - $12,397 | – |
| Rasmussen University-Illinois | Rockford, IL | 27.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College | Rockford, IL | 31.2 mi | $16,699 - $25,508 | – |
| Sauk Valley Community College | Dixon, IL | 32.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rock Valley College | Rockford, IL | 32.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Illinois schools on the Illinois nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Freeport
| 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.
Freeport at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,636 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $48,181 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 20.0% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Nursing-related employment in Stephenson County | 675 workers, 14 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Freeport-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Rockford, IL – 29.3 mi away (286,727 pop)
- Machesney Park, IL – 31.6 mi away (22,873 pop)
- Loves Park, IL – 32.7 mi away (23,413 pop)
- Sterling, IL – 34.0 mi away (27,961 pop)
- Beloit, WI – 35.4 mi away (63,470 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Freeport, IL?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Freeport. The closest is Highland Community College in Freeport, IL (1.8 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Rock Valley College (32.8 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 Freeport workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Rockford instead of Freeport?
Rockford, IL is 29.3 miles from Freeport 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 Freeport an affordable place to study nursing?
Freeport’s median household income of $48,181 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Freeport 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.