Best Online Nursing Programs in Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)
Cedar Rapids, Iowa has a population of about 136,859. The city’s median household income is $67,859 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 32.9% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Cedar Rapids, with tuition ranging from $5,304 to $32,927 per year. In Iowa, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $229,950 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Cedar Rapids
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Cedar Rapids city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA | 3.6 mi | $5,980 - $14,797 | – |
| University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | 24.2 mi | $10,964 - $32,927 | – |
| Allen College | Waterloo, IA | 51.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Clarke University | Dubuque, IA | 62.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Marshalltown Community College | Marshalltown, IA | 63.4 mi | $5,304 - $13,993 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Iowa schools on the Iowa nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids is part of the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area (BLS area code 16300). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Iowa statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $76,560 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $86,022 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $58,790 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $66,056 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $229,950 | IA statewide | $258,371 |
| Nurse Midwife | $136,450 | IA statewide | $153,315 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,660 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $144,562 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,260 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $44,112 |
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.
Cedar Rapids at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $67,859 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 32.9% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 89.0 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Linn County | 3,964 workers, 111 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Cedar Rapids-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Marion, IA – 7.2 mi away (38,480 pop)
- Coralville, IA – 19.0 mi away (20,397 pop)
- Iowa City, IA – 22.8 mi away (116,891 pop)
- Muscatine, IA – 49.2 mi away (26,481 pop)
- Waterloo, IA – 50.1 mi away (112,635 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Cedar Rapids, IA?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Cedar Rapids. The closest is Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA (3.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Marshalltown Community College (63.4 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Cedar Rapids?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Cedar Rapids are: Nurse Anesthetist ($229,950), Nurse Midwife ($136,450), Nurse Practitioner ($128,660). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Iowa statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Marion instead of Cedar Rapids?
Marion, IA is 7.2 miles from Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids an affordable place to study nursing?
Cedar Rapids’s median household income of $67,859 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Cedar Rapids while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Iowa 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.