Best Online Nursing Programs in Northfield, MN (2026)
Northfield, Minnesota has a population of about 20,678. The city’s median household income is $92,000 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 51.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Northfield. In Minnesota, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Practitioner at a median $128,570 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Northfield
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Northfield city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota County Technical College | Rosemount, MN | 20.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Inver Hills Community College | Inver Grove Heights, MN | 26.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Normandale Community College | Bloomington, MN | 27.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Saint Paul College | Saint Paul, MN | 34.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Minneapolis Community and Technical College | Minneapolis, MN | 36.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Minnesota schools on the Minnesota nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Northfield
| 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.
Northfield at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 20,678 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $92,000 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 51.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Nursing-related employment in Rice County | 1,233 workers, 54 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Northfield-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Faribault, MN – 12.1 mi away (24,012 pop)
- Farmington, MN – 14.0 mi away (22,656 pop)
- Lakeville, MN – 15.9 mi away (61,938 pop)
- Apple Valley, MN – 20.1 mi away (51,957 pop)
- Rosemount, MN – 20.8 mi away (23,911 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Northfield, MN?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Northfield. The closest is Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, MN (20.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Minneapolis Community and Technical College (36.2 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
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 Northfield workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Faribault instead of Northfield?
Faribault, MN is 12.1 miles from Northfield 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 Northfield an affordable place to study nursing?
Northfield’s median household income of $92,000 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Northfield 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.