Best Online Nursing Programs in Kalamazoo, MI (2026)
Kalamazoo, Michigan has a population of about 73,132. The city’s median household income is $48,965 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 37.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Kalamazoo, with tuition ranging from $6,026 to $16,152 per year. In Michigan, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $234,520 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Kalamazoo
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Kalamazoo city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ross Medical Education Center-Portage | Portage, MI | 3.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Michigan Career and Technical Institute | Plainwell, MI | 11.9 mi | $8,300 - $16,152 | – |
| Kellogg Community College | Battle Creek, MI | 21.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Glen Oaks Community College | Centreville, MI | 26.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southwestern Michigan College | Dowagiac, MI | 33.1 mi | $6,026 - $14,999 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Michigan schools on the Michigan nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo is part of the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI metro area (BLS area code 28020). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Michigan statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $84,300 | Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $88,924 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,180 | Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $66,646 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $234,520 | MI statewide | $247,384 |
| Nurse Midwife | $114,940 | Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $121,245 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $127,600 | Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $134,599 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,570 | Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $41,741 |
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.
Kalamazoo at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 73,132 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $48,965 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 37.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 94.8 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Kalamazoo County | 10,110 workers, 75 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Kalamazoo-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Portage, MI – 5.2 mi away (48,508 pop)
- Battle Creek, MI – 18.4 mi away (77,174 pop)
- Kentwood, MI – 42.2 mi away (51,689 pop)
- Holland, MI – 42.8 mi away (101,421 pop)
- Wyoming, MI – 43.0 mi away (75,567 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Kalamazoo, MI?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Kalamazoo. The closest is Ross Medical Education Center-Portage in Portage, MI (3.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Southwestern Michigan College (33.1 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Kalamazoo?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Kalamazoo are: Nurse Anesthetist ($234,520), Nurse Practitioner ($127,600), Nurse Midwife ($114,940). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Michigan statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Portage instead of Kalamazoo?
Portage, MI is 5.2 miles from Kalamazoo 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 Kalamazoo an affordable place to study nursing?
Kalamazoo’s median household income of $48,965 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Kalamazoo while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Michigan 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.