Best Online Nursing Programs in Indianapolis, IN (2026)
Indianapolis, Indiana has a population of about 1,550,488. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Indianapolis. In the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $178,020 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Indianapolis
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Indianapolis city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | 1.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | 1.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | Marion, IN | 56.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | 60.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Purdue University Global | West Lafayette, IN | 62.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Indiana schools on the Indiana nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Indianapolis
Indianapolis is part of the Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN metro area (BLS area code 26900). 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 | $81,310 | Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $84,963 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $64,950 | Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $67,868 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $178,020 | Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $186,019 |
| Nurse Midwife | $120,510 | Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $125,925 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $130,950 | Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $136,834 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,170 | Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $39,885 |
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.
Indianapolis at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 95.7 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Marion County | 43,857 workers, 252 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Indianapolis-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Lawrence, IN – 10.3 mi away (47,866 pop)
- Greenwood, IN – 12.3 mi away (56,545 pop)
- Carmel, IN – 13.0 mi away (91,065 pop)
- Brownsburg, IN – 13.2 mi away (25,408 pop)
- Plainfield, IN – 13.2 mi away (31,409 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Indianapolis, IN?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Indianapolis. The closest is Indiana University-Indianapolis in Indianapolis, IN (1.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Purdue University Global (62.6 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Indianapolis?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Indianapolis are: Nurse Anesthetist ($178,020), Nurse Practitioner ($130,950), Nurse Midwife ($120,510). 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 Lawrence instead of Indianapolis?
Lawrence, IN is 10.3 miles from Indianapolis 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.
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.