Best Online Nursing Programs in Topeka, KS (2026)
Topeka, Kansas has a population of about 126,103. The city’s median household income is $55,902 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 29.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Topeka, 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 Topeka
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Topeka city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washburn University | Topeka, KS | 0.3 mi | $9,578 - $20,949 | – |
| Rasmussen University-Kansas | Topeka, KS | 2.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Washburn Institute of Technology | Topeka, KS | 3.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Kansas | Lawrence, KS | 24.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Manhattan Area Technical College | Manhattan, KS | 50.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Kansas schools on the Kansas nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Topeka
Topeka is part of the Topeka, KS metro area (BLS area code 45820). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Kansas statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,870 | Topeka, KS | $88,818 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $60,180 | Topeka, KS | $67,770 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $182,770 | KS statewide | $205,822 |
| Nurse Midwife | N/A | KS statewide | – |
| Nurse Practitioner | $127,960 | Topeka, KS | $144,099 |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,020 | Topeka, KS | $41,689 |
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.
Topeka at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $55,902 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 29.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 88.8 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other Topeka-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Lawrence, KS – 23.7 mi away (95,800 pop)
- Gardner, KS – 43.8 mi away (21,110 pop)
- Leavenworth, KS – 45.8 mi away (46,445 pop)
- Shawnee, KS – 47.7 mi away (65,194 pop)
- Olathe, KS – 48.2 mi away (135,473 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Topeka, KS?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Topeka. The closest is Washburn University in Topeka, KS (0.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Manhattan Area Technical College (50.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Topeka?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Topeka are: Nurse Anesthetist ($182,770), Nurse Practitioner ($127,960), Registered Nurse ($78,870). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Kansas statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Lawrence instead of Topeka?
Lawrence, KS is 23.7 miles from Topeka 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 Topeka an affordable place to study nursing?
Topeka’s median household income of $55,902 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Topeka 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.