Best Online Nursing Programs in Ottumwa, IA (2026)
Ottumwa, Iowa has a population of about 25,352. The city’s median household income is $56,994 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 20.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Ottumwa, with tuition ranging from $4,872 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 Ottumwa
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Ottumwa city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Hills Community College | Ottumwa, IA | 2.2 mi | $4,872 - $14,774 | – |
| Kirksville Area Technical Center | Kirksville, MO | 58.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | 62.1 mi | $10,964 - $32,927 | – |
| Southeastern Community College | West Burlington, IA | 66.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Marshalltown Community College | Marshalltown, IA | 72.5 mi | $5,304 - $13,993 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Iowa schools on the Iowa nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Ottumwa
| 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.
Ottumwa at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 25,352 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $56,994 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 20.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Nursing-related employment in Wapello County | 516 workers, 25 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Ottumwa-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Coralville, IA – 63.4 mi away (20,397 pop)
- Iowa City, IA – 63.7 mi away (116,891 pop)
- Burlington, IA – 69.1 mi away (29,124 pop)
- Des Moines, IA – 72.7 mi away (476,689 pop)
- Marshalltown, IA – 74.5 mi away (26,640 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Ottumwa, IA?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Ottumwa. The closest is Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, IA (2.2 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Marshalltown Community College (72.5 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 Ottumwa workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Coralville instead of Ottumwa?
Coralville, IA is 63.4 miles from Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa an affordable place to study nursing?
Ottumwa’s median household income of $56,994 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Ottumwa 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.