Best Online Nursing Programs in Hays, KS (2026)
Hays, Kansas has a population of about 21,078. The city’s median household income is $56,861 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 43.9% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Hays. In Kansas, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $182,770 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Hays
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Hays city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barton County Community College | Great Bend, KS | 45.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| North Central Kansas Technical College | Beloit, KS | 77.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Dodge City Community College | Dodge City, KS | 85.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Pratt Community College | Pratt, KS | 88.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Salina Area Technical College | Salina, KS | 91.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Kansas schools on the Kansas nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Hays
| 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.
Hays at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,078 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $56,861 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 43.9% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Hays-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Dodge City, KS – 86.1 mi away (27,429 pop)
- Salina, KS – 91.9 mi away (47,123 pop)
- Hutchinson, KS – 94.9 mi away (43,507 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Hays, KS?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Hays. The closest is Barton County Community College in Great Bend, KS (45.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Salina Area Technical College (91.0 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 Hays workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Dodge City instead of Hays?
Dodge City, KS is 86.1 miles from Hays 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 Hays an affordable place to study nursing?
Hays’s median household income of $56,861 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Hays 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.