Best Online Nursing Programs in Des Moines, IA (2026)
Des Moines, Iowa has a population of about 212,464. The city’s median household income is $63,966 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 29.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Des Moines, with tuition ranging from $5,304 to $13,993 per year. In the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $232,960 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Des Moines
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Des Moines city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny, IA | 9.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Marshalltown Community College | Marshalltown, IA | 46.6 mi | $5,304 - $13,993 | – |
| Southwestern Community College | Creston, IA | 52.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Graceland University-Lamoni | Lamoni, IA | 68.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Ellsworth Community College | Iowa Falls, IA | 68.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Iowa schools on the Iowa nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Des Moines
Des Moines is part of the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area (BLS area code 19780). 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 | $78,970 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $86,118 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $61,120 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $66,652 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $232,960 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $254,046 |
| Nurse Midwife | $136,450 | IA statewide | $148,800 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $131,820 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $143,751 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,790 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $43,391 |
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.
Des Moines at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $63,966 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 29.0% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.7 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Polk County | 16,198 workers, 169 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Des Moines-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- West Des Moines, IA – 8.9 mi away (64,560 pop)
- Johnston, IA – 9.6 mi away (21,114 pop)
- Urbandale, IA – 10.0 mi away (43,018 pop)
- Ankeny, IA – 10.7 mi away (58,627 pop)
- Ames, IA – 31.4 mi away (67,841 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Des Moines, IA?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Des Moines. The closest is Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, IA (9.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Ellsworth Community College (68.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Des Moines?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Des Moines are: Nurse Anesthetist ($232,960), Nurse Midwife ($136,450), Nurse Practitioner ($131,820). 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 West Des Moines instead of Des Moines?
West Des Moines, IA is 8.9 miles from Des Moines 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 Des Moines an affordable place to study nursing?
Des Moines’s median household income of $63,966 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Des Moines 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.