Best Online Nursing Programs in Mason City, IA (2026)
Mason City, Iowa has a population of about 27,135. The city’s median household income is $62,369 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 21.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Mason City. In Iowa, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $229,950 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Mason City
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Mason City city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City, IA | 3.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Riverland Community College | Austin, MN | 37.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Ellsworth Community College | Iowa Falls, IA | 43.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Allen College | Waterloo, IA | 61.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Northeast Iowa Community College | Calmar, IA | 67.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Iowa schools on the Iowa nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Mason City
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Iowa, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $76,960 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $59,460 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $229,950 |
| Nurse Midwife | $136,450 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,420 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,630 |
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.
Mason City at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,135 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $62,369 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 21.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Nursing-related employment in Cerro Gordo County | 1,060 workers, 31 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Mason City-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Austin, MN – 37.9 mi away (25,105 pop)
- Cedar Falls, IA – 57.6 mi away (41,390 pop)
- Waterloo, IA – 62.5 mi away (112,635 pop)
- Owatonna, MN – 65.2 mi away (25,567 pop)
- Fort Dodge, IA – 66.3 mi away (24,359 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Mason City, IA?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Mason City. The closest is North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, IA (3.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Northeast Iowa Community College (67.4 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in Iowa?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in Iowa are: Nurse Anesthetist ($229,950), Nurse Midwife ($136,450), Nurse Practitioner ($129,420). Wages for Mason City workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Austin instead of Mason City?
Austin, MN is 37.9 miles from Mason City 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 Mason City an affordable place to study nursing?
Mason City’s median household income of $62,369 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Mason City 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.