Best Online Nursing Programs in East Chicago, IN (2026)
East Chicago, Indiana has a population of about 26,158. The city’s median household income is $41,071 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 9.9% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of East Chicago, with tuition ranging from $5,093 to $12,683 per year. In Indiana, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $233,200 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to East Chicago
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from East Chicago city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Suburban College | South Holland, IL | 8.7 mi | $5,093 - $12,683 | – |
| Prairie State College | Chicago Heights, IL | 12.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| CAAN Academy of Nursing | Matteson, IL | 17.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| MDT College of Health Sciences | Chicago, IL | 18.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College | Chicago, IL | 19.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Indiana schools on the Indiana nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near East Chicago
East Chicago 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 Indiana 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 | $233,200 | IN statewide | $225,097 |
| 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.
East Chicago at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,158 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $41,071 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 9.9% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 103.6 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Lake County | 15,775 workers, 86 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other East Chicago-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Hammond, IN – 2.9 mi away (77,134 pop)
- Calumet City, IL – 5.6 mi away (36,732 pop)
- Gary, IN – 6.8 mi away (76,424 pop)
- Highland, IN – 6.9 mi away (22,737 pop)
- Munster, IN – 7.5 mi away (22,825 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near East Chicago, IN?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of East Chicago. The closest is South Suburban College in South Holland, IL (8.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College (19.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near East Chicago?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near East Chicago are: Nurse Anesthetist ($233,200), Nurse Practitioner ($131,690), Nurse Midwife ($110,090). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Indiana statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Hammond instead of East Chicago?
Hammond, IN is 2.9 miles from East Chicago 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 East Chicago an affordable place to study nursing?
East Chicago’s median household income of $41,071 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in East Chicago while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Indiana 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.