Best Online Nursing Programs in Gardner, MA (2026)
Gardner, Massachusetts has a population of about 21,075. The city’s median household income is $62,948 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 22.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Gardner, with tuition ranging from $37,791 to $50,999 per year. In Massachusetts, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Midwife at a median $155,710 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Gardner
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Gardner city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Wachusett Community College | Gardner, MA | 0.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Monty Tech | Fitchburg, MA | 6.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Quinsigamond Community College | Worcester, MA | 21.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Assabet Valley Regional Technical School | Marlborough, MA | 26.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rivier University | Nashua, NH | 28.9 mi | $37,791 - $50,999 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Massachusetts schools on the Massachusetts nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Gardner
Gardner is part of the Worcester, MA metro area (BLS area code 49340). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Massachusetts statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $103,490 | Worcester, MA | $100,966 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $74,870 | Worcester, MA | $73,044 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A | MA statewide | – |
| Nurse Midwife | $155,710 | MA statewide | $151,912 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $144,200 | Worcester, MA | $140,683 |
| Nursing Assistant | $44,080 | Worcester, MA | $43,005 |
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.
Gardner at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,075 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $62,948 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 22.8% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 102.5 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Worcester County | 34,390 workers, 413 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Gardner-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Fitchburg, MA – 8.7 mi away (40,414 pop)
- Leominster, MA – 11.8 mi away (119,538 pop)
- Worcester, MA – 23.5 mi away (495,856 pop)
- Nashua, NH – 27.6 mi away (230,061 pop)
- Marlborough, MA – 27.7 mi away (39,697 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Gardner, MA?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Gardner. The closest is Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, MA (0.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Rivier University (28.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Gardner?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Gardner are: Nurse Midwife ($155,710), Nurse Practitioner ($144,200), Registered Nurse ($103,490). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Massachusetts statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Fitchburg instead of Gardner?
Fitchburg, MA is 8.7 miles from Gardner 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 Gardner an affordable place to study nursing?
Gardner’s median household income of $62,948 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Gardner while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Massachusetts 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.
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