Best Online Nursing Programs in Austin, MN (2026)
Austin, Minnesota has a population of about 26,167. The city’s median household income is $66,488 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 23.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Our directory has 39 accredited schools offering nursing programs near Austin, with tuition ranging from $50,320 to $62,845 per year for indexed programs. In Minnesota, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Practitioner at a median $128,570 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Austin
The 10 accredited institutions below are the closest among the 39 schools in our directory that offer nursing programs near Austin. Distances are calculated from Austin city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverland Community College | Austin, MN | 1.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science | Rochester, MN | 35.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rochester Community and Technical College | Rochester, MN | 36.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City, IA | 36.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Waldorf University | Forest City, IA | 43.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| St Olaf College | Northfield, MN | 55.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | 60.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Bethany Lutheran College | Mankato, MN | 61.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| South Central College | North Mankato, MN | 63.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Luther College | Decorah, IA | 63.8 mi | $50,320 - $62,845 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Minnesota schools on the Minnesota nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Austin
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Minnesota, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $100,870 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $60,870 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A |
| Nurse Midwife | $127,180 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,570 |
| Nursing Assistant | $45,580 |
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.
Austin at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,167 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $66,488 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 23.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Nursing-related employment in Mower County | 1,192 workers, 19 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Austin-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Owatonna, MN – 31.7 mi away (25,567 pop)
- Rochester, MN – 34.3 mi away (114,976 pop)
- Mason City, IA – 37.9 mi away (26,487 pop)
- Faribault, MN – 45.9 mi away (24,012 pop)
- Northfield, MN – 55.0 mi away (22,005 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing schools are near Austin, MN?
Our directory has 39 accredited schools offering nursing programs near Austin. The closest is Riverland Community College in Austin, MN (1.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Luther College (63.8 miles). 0 of the highlighted schools are flagged as offering distance education.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in Minnesota?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in Minnesota are: Nurse Practitioner ($128,570), Nurse Midwife ($127,180), Registered Nurse ($100,870). Wages for Austin workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Owatonna instead of Austin?
Owatonna, MN is 31.7 miles from Austin 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 Austin an affordable place to study nursing?
Austin’s median household income of $66,488 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Austin while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Minnesota 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.
Related Resources
Data verified: May 5, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2024; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.