Best Online Nursing Programs in Waterville, ME (2026)
Waterville, Maine has a population of about 16,704. The city’s median household income is $47,489 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 32.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 4 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Waterville. In Maine, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $229,900 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Waterville
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Waterville city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine College of Health Professions | Lewiston, ME | 41.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Husson University | Bangor, ME | 47.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southern Maine Community College | South Portland, ME | 68.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Southern Maine | Portland, ME | 68.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Maine schools on the Maine nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Waterville
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Maine, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $82,860 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $70,870 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $229,900 |
| Nurse Midwife | $132,920 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $125,040 |
| Nursing Assistant | $45,640 |
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.
Waterville at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 16,704 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $47,489 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 32.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Waterville-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Augusta, ME – 14.9 mi away (21,876 pop)
- Lewiston, ME – 40.0 mi away (58,664 pop)
- Auburn, ME – 43.0 mi away (22,948 pop)
- Bangor, ME – 47.2 mi away (59,259 pop)
- Portland, ME – 67.1 mi away (206,193 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Waterville, ME?
Our directory lists 4 nursing programs within 100 miles of Waterville. The closest is Maine College of Health Professions in Lewiston, ME (41.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of Southern Maine (68.1 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in Maine?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in Maine are: Nurse Anesthetist ($229,900), Nurse Midwife ($132,920), Nurse Practitioner ($125,040). Wages for Waterville workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Augusta instead of Waterville?
Augusta, ME is 14.9 miles from Waterville 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 Waterville an affordable place to study nursing?
Waterville’s median household income of $47,489 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Waterville 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.