Best Online Nursing Programs in Emporia, KS (2026)
Emporia, Kansas has a population of about 24,098. The city’s median household income is $52,787 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 25.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Emporia, with tuition ranging from $9,578 to $20,949 per year. In Kansas, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $182,770 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Emporia
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Emporia city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flint Hills Technical College | Emporia, KS | 2.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rasmussen University-Kansas | Topeka, KS | 49.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Washburn Institute of Technology | Topeka, KS | 50.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Washburn University | Topeka, KS | 51.0 mi | $9,578 - $20,949 | – |
| Allen County Community College | Iola, KS | 53.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Kansas schools on the Kansas nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Emporia
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Kansas, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,060 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $59,920 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $182,770 |
| Nurse Midwife | N/A |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,690 |
| Nursing Assistant | $36,910 |
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.
Emporia at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,098 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $52,787 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 25.8% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Nursing-related employment in Lyon County | 498 workers, 25 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Emporia-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Topeka, KS – 51.3 mi away (149,220 pop)
- Junction City, KS – 55.8 mi away (40,157 pop)
- Manhattan, KS – 58.7 mi away (57,442 pop)
- Lawrence, KS – 63.2 mi away (95,800 pop)
- Newton, KS – 67.9 mi away (20,625 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Emporia, KS?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Emporia. The closest is Flint Hills Technical College in Emporia, KS (2.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Allen County Community College (53.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in Kansas?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in Kansas are: Nurse Anesthetist ($182,770), Nurse Practitioner ($124,690), Registered Nurse ($78,060). Wages for Emporia workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Topeka instead of Emporia?
Topeka, KS is 51.3 miles from Emporia 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 Emporia an affordable place to study nursing?
Emporia’s median household income of $52,787 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Emporia while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Kansas 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.