Best Online Nursing Programs in Portland, ME (2026)
Portland, Maine has a population of about 68,505. The city’s median household income is $76,174 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 59.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Portland. In Maine, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $229,900 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Portland
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Portland city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern Maine | Portland, ME | 1.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southern Maine Community College | South Portland, ME | 3.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Maine College of Health Professions | Lewiston, ME | 29.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | Durham, NH | 49.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Northern Essex Community College | Haverhill, MA | 72.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Maine schools on the Maine nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Portland
Portland is part of the Portland-South Portland, ME metro area (BLS area code 38860). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Maine statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $82,830 | Portland-South Portland, ME | $81,286 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $75,270 | Portland-South Portland, ME | $73,867 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $229,900 | ME statewide | $225,613 |
| Nurse Midwife | $132,920 | ME statewide | $130,442 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $121,810 | Portland-South Portland, ME | $119,539 |
| Nursing Assistant | $47,430 | Portland-South Portland, ME | $46,546 |
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.
Portland at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,505 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $76,174 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 59.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 101.9 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Cumberland County | 7,782 workers, 197 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Portland-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- South Portland, ME – 3.3 mi away (25,577 pop)
- Biddeford, ME – 17.1 mi away (21,362 pop)
- Auburn, ME – 28.2 mi away (22,948 pop)
- Lewiston, ME – 29.1 mi away (58,664 pop)
- Sanford, ME – 30.0 mi away (29,139 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Portland, ME?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Portland. The closest is University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME (1.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Northern Essex Community College (72.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Portland?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Portland are: Nurse Anesthetist ($229,900), Nurse Midwife ($132,920), Nurse Practitioner ($121,810). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Maine statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in South Portland instead of Portland?
South Portland, ME is 3.3 miles from Portland 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 Portland an affordable place to study nursing?
Portland’s median household income of $76,174 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Portland while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Maine 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.