Best Online Nursing Programs in South Bend, IN (2026)
South Bend, Indiana has a population of about 102,866. The city’s median household income is $52,512 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 29.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of South Bend, with tuition ranging from $6,026 to $16,152 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 South Bend
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from South Bend city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Michigan College | Dowagiac, MI | 22.1 mi | $6,026 - $14,999 | – |
| Glen Oaks Community College | Centreville, MI | 42.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Ross Medical Education Center-Portage | Portage, MI | 51.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Michigan Career and Technical Institute | Plainwell, MI | 61.9 mi | $8,300 - $16,152 | – |
| University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne | Fort Wayne, IN | 69.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Indiana schools on the Indiana nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near South Bend
South Bend is part of the South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI metro area (BLS area code 43780). 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 | $85,660 | South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $92,207 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,770 | South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $68,644 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $233,200 | IN statewide | $251,023 |
| Nurse Midwife | $129,010 | IN statewide | $138,870 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $126,690 | South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $136,372 |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,760 | South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $40,646 |
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.
South Bend at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,866 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $52,512 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 29.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 92.9 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in St. Joseph County | 11,210 workers, 74 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other South Bend-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Elkhart, IN – 15.9 mi away (147,181 pop)
- LaPorte, IN – 23.5 mi away (21,732 pop)
- Benton Harbor, MI – 31.7 mi away (60,298 pop)
- Warsaw, IN – 37.0 mi away (32,622 pop)
- Portage, IN – 47.4 mi away (36,505 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near South Bend, IN?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of South Bend. The closest is Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac, MI (22.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne (69.7 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near South Bend?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near South Bend are: Nurse Anesthetist ($233,200), Nurse Midwife ($129,010), Nurse Practitioner ($126,690). 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 Elkhart instead of South Bend?
Elkhart, IN is 15.9 miles from South Bend 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 South Bend an affordable place to study nursing?
South Bend’s median household income of $52,512 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in South Bend 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.