Best Online Nursing Programs in Saint Cloud, MN (2026)
Saint Cloud, Minnesota has a population of about 69,926. The city’s median household income is $61,112 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 29.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Saint Cloud, with tuition ranging from $6,267 to $16,662 per year. In the St. Cloud, MN metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Practitioner at a median $130,280 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Saint Cloud
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Saint Cloud city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota | St. Cloud, MN | 2.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| St Cloud Technical and Community College | Saint Cloud, MN | 3.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Anoka Technical College | Anoka, MN | 42.9 mi | $6,267 - $16,662 | – |
| Hennepin Technical College | Brooklyn Park, MN | 48.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Ridgewater College | Willmar, MN | 51.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Minnesota schools on the Minnesota nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Saint Cloud
Saint Cloud is part of the St. Cloud, MN metro area (BLS area code 41060). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Minnesota statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $103,890 | St. Cloud, MN | $118,596 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $58,200 | St. Cloud, MN | $66,438 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A | MN statewide | – |
| Nurse Midwife | $127,180 | MN statewide | $145,183 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $130,280 | St. Cloud, MN | $148,721 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,090 | St. Cloud, MN | $44,623 |
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.
Saint Cloud at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 69,926 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $61,112 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 29.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 87.6 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Stearns County | 8,901 workers, 88 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Saint Cloud-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Monticello, MN – 24.4 mi away (26,875 pop)
- Elk River, MN – 32.5 mi away (24,364 pop)
- Ramsey, MN – 39.8 mi away (26,206 pop)
- Andover, MN – 45.3 mi away (32,461 pop)
- Maple Grove, MN – 45.3 mi away (69,576 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Saint Cloud, MN?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Saint Cloud. The closest is Rasmussen University-Minnesota in St. Cloud, MN (2.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Ridgewater College (51.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Saint Cloud?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Saint Cloud are: Nurse Practitioner ($130,280), Nurse Midwife ($127,180), Registered Nurse ($103,890). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Minnesota statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Monticello instead of Saint Cloud?
Monticello, MN is 24.4 miles from Saint Cloud 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 Saint Cloud an affordable place to study nursing?
Saint Cloud’s median household income of $61,112 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Saint Cloud 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.