Best Online Nursing Programs in Peru, IL (2026)
Peru, Illinois has a population of about 9,863. The city’s median household income is $68,147 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 21.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Our directory has 72 accredited schools offering nursing programs near Peru, with tuition ranging from $3,432 to $17,251 per year for indexed programs. In Illinois, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Practitioner at a median $128,620 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Peru
The 10 accredited institutions below are the closest among the 72 schools in our directory that offer nursing programs near Peru. Distances are calculated from Peru city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Valley Community College | Oglesby, IL | 3.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Sauk Valley Community College | Dixon, IL | 40.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Kishwaukee College | Malta, IL | 42.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Northern Illinois University | Dekalb, IL | 44.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Waubonsee Community College | Sugar Grove, IL | 46.7 mi | $3,432 - $14,661 | – |
| Methodist College | Peoria, IL | 48.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Illinois Central College | East Peoria, IL | 48.7 mi | $4,650 - $17,251 | – |
| Aurora University | Aurora, IL | 49.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Joliet Junior College | Joliet, IL | 50.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing | Peoria, IL | 50.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Illinois schools on the Illinois nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Peru
| 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.
Peru at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 9,863 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $68,147 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 21.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Nursing-related employment in LaSalle County | 1,071 workers, 18 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Peru-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Ottawa, IL – 15.7 mi away (20,087 pop)
- Sterling, IL – 42.6 mi away (27,961 pop)
- DeKalb, IL – 44.9 mi away (67,501 pop)
- Oswego, IL – 47.3 mi away (34,571 pop)
- Braidwood, IL – 47.6 mi away (22,563 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing schools are near Peru, IL?
Our directory has 72 accredited schools offering nursing programs near Peru. The closest is Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby, IL (3.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing (50.6 miles). 0 of the highlighted schools are flagged as offering distance education.
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 Peru workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Ottawa instead of Peru?
Ottawa, IL is 15.7 miles from Peru 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 Peru an affordable place to study nursing?
Peru’s median household income of $68,147 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Peru 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.
Related Resources
Data verified: May 5, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2024; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.