Best Online Nursing Programs in Monroe, LA (2026)
Monroe, Louisiana has a population of about 47,241. The city’s median household income is $36,521 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 28.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Monroe, with tuition ranging from $4,109 to $24,496 per year. In the Monroe, LA metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $229,960 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Monroe
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Monroe city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Delta Community College | Monroe, LA | 3.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| South Arkansas College | El Dorado, AR | 58.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College | Minden, LA | 69.2 mi | $4,109 - $17,202 | – |
| University of Arkansas at Monticello | Monticello, AR | 75.7 mi | $8,868 - $20,741 | – |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Natchitoches, LA | 80.1 mi | $8,864 - $24,496 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Louisiana schools on the Louisiana nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Monroe
Monroe is part of the Monroe, LA metro area (BLS area code 33740). 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 | $75,440 | Monroe, LA | $90,239 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $53,010 | Monroe, LA | $63,409 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $229,960 | Monroe, LA | $275,072 |
| Nurse Midwife | $95,420 | LA statewide | $114,139 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $119,870 | Monroe, LA | $143,385 |
| Nursing Assistant | $29,850 | Monroe, LA | $35,706 |
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.
Monroe at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 47,241 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $36,521 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 28.8% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 83.6 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Ouachita County | 5,405 workers, 60 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Monroe-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Ruston, LA – 32.6 mi away (28,371 pop)
- Vicksburg, MS – 70.8 mi away (27,887 pop)
- Natchez, MS – 78.6 mi away (26,977 pop)
- Greenville, MS – 84.4 mi away (32,089 pop)
- Alexandria, LA – 87.8 mi away (82,995 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Monroe, LA?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Monroe. The closest is Louisiana Delta Community College in Monroe, LA (3.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Northwestern State University of Louisiana (80.1 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Monroe?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Monroe are: Nurse Anesthetist ($229,960), Nurse Practitioner ($119,870), 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 Ruston instead of Monroe?
Ruston, LA is 32.6 miles from Monroe 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 Monroe an affordable place to study nursing?
Monroe’s median household income of $36,521 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Monroe 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.