Best Online Nursing Programs in Central, LA (2026)
Central, Louisiana has a population of about 29,603. The city’s median household income is $90,091 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 32.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Central, with tuition ranging from $4,079 to $22,647 per year. In Louisiana, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $225,440 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Central
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Central city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta College of Arts & Technology | Baton Rouge, LA | 8.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Baton Rouge Community College | Baton Rouge, LA | 9.7 mi | $4,221 - $16,303 | – |
| River Parishes Community College | Gonzales, LA | 26.2 mi | $4,079 - $15,274 | – |
| Compass Career College | Hammond, LA | 33.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southeastern Louisiana University | Hammond, LA | 33.9 mi | $8,373 - $22,647 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Louisiana schools on the Louisiana nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Central
Central is part of the Baton Rouge, LA metro area (BLS area code 12940). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Louisiana statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,210 | Baton Rouge, LA | $86,134 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $57,410 | Baton Rouge, LA | $63,227 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $225,440 | LA statewide | $248,282 |
| Nurse Midwife | $95,420 | LA statewide | $105,088 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $127,260 | Baton Rouge, LA | $140,154 |
| Nursing Assistant | $30,660 | Baton Rouge, LA | $33,767 |
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.
Central at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,603 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $90,091 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 32.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 90.8 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in East Baton Rouge County | 17,200 workers, 157 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Central-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Baton Rouge, LA – 9.9 mi away (589,675 pop)
- Hammond, LA – 34.8 mi away (69,616 pop)
- Mandeville, LA – 57.8 mi away (95,576 pop)
- Morgan City, LA – 59.8 mi away (30,061 pop)
- Kenner, LA – 60.1 mi away (67,089 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Central, LA?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Central. The closest is Delta College of Arts & Technology in Baton Rouge, LA (8.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Southeastern Louisiana University (33.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Central?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Central are: Nurse Anesthetist ($225,440), Nurse Practitioner ($127,260), Nurse Midwife ($95,420). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Louisiana statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Baton Rouge instead of Central?
Baton Rouge, LA is 9.9 miles from Central 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 Central an affordable place to study nursing?
Central’s median household income of $90,091 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Central while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Louisiana 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.