Best Online Nursing Programs in Dubuque, IA (2026)
Dubuque, Iowa has a population of about 59,271. The city’s median household income is $64,985 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 33.6% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Dubuque, with tuition ranging from $4,696 to $14,797 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 Dubuque
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Dubuque city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarke University | Dubuque, IA | 1.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College | Fennimore, WI | 33.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Highland Community College | Freeport, IL | 55.1 mi | $4,696 - $12,397 | – |
| Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA | 63.2 mi | $5,980 - $14,797 | – |
| Eastern Iowa Community College District | Davenport, IA | 67.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Iowa schools on the Iowa nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Dubuque
Dubuque is part of the Dubuque, IA metro area (BLS area code 20220). 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 | $70,740 | Dubuque, IA | $81,031 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $58,740 | Dubuque, IA | $67,285 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $229,950 | IA statewide | $263,402 |
| Nurse Midwife | $136,450 | IA statewide | $156,300 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $130,010 | Dubuque, IA | $148,923 |
| Nursing Assistant | $40,460 | Dubuque, IA | $46,346 |
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.
Dubuque at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 59,271 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $64,985 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 33.6% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 87.3 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Dubuque County | 2,406 workers, 61 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Dubuque-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Clinton, IA – 51.3 mi away (30,930 pop)
- Marion, IA – 54.9 mi away (38,480 pop)
- Freeport, IL – 56.6 mi away (24,717 pop)
- Cedar Rapids, IA – 61.9 mi away (184,610 pop)
- Davenport, IA – 65.5 mi away (288,233 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Dubuque, IA?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Dubuque. The closest is Clarke University in Dubuque, IA (1.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Eastern Iowa Community College District (67.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Dubuque?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Dubuque are: Nurse Anesthetist ($229,950), Nurse Midwife ($136,450), Nurse Practitioner ($130,010). 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 Clinton instead of Dubuque?
Clinton, IA is 51.3 miles from Dubuque 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 Dubuque an affordable place to study nursing?
Dubuque’s median household income of $64,985 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Dubuque 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.