Best Online Nursing Programs in Ruston, LA (2026)
Ruston, Louisiana has a population of about 22,224. The city’s median household income is $32,765 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 42.9% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Ruston, with tuition ranging from $4,109 to $24,496 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 Ruston
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Ruston city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Delta Community College | Monroe, LA | 35.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College | Minden, LA | 36.7 mi | $4,109 - $17,202 | – |
| South Arkansas College | El Dorado, AR | 46.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Bossier Parish Community College | Bossier City, LA | 58.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Natchitoches, LA | 60.7 mi | $8,864 - $24,496 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Louisiana schools on the Louisiana nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Ruston
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Louisiana, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,880 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $53,930 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $225,440 |
| Nurse Midwife | $95,420 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $125,980 |
| Nursing Assistant | $30,240 |
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.
Ruston at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,224 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $32,765 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 42.9% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Nursing-related employment in Lincoln County | 1,061 workers, 21 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Ruston-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Monroe, LA – 32.6 mi away (117,673 pop)
- Bossier City, LA – 60.0 mi away (68,485 pop)
- Shreveport, LA – 67.7 mi away (291,749 pop)
- Alexandria, LA – 86.3 mi away (82,995 pop)
- Marshall, TX – 99.9 mi away (22,014 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Ruston, LA?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Ruston. The closest is Louisiana Delta Community College in Monroe, LA (35.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Northwestern State University of Louisiana (60.7 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in Louisiana?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in Louisiana are: Nurse Anesthetist ($225,440), Nurse Practitioner ($125,980), Nurse Midwife ($95,420). Wages for Ruston workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Monroe instead of Ruston?
Monroe, LA is 32.6 miles from Ruston 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 Ruston an affordable place to study nursing?
Ruston’s median household income of $32,765 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Ruston 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.