Best Online Nursing Programs in Willmar, MN (2026)
Willmar, Minnesota has a population of about 21,136. The city’s median household income is $63,368 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 24.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Willmar, with tuition ranging from $6,213 to $18,962 per year. In Minnesota, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Practitioner at a median $128,570 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Willmar
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Willmar city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgewater College | Willmar, MN | 1.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College | Granite Falls, MN | 33.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota | St. Cloud, MN | 50.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| St Cloud Technical and Community College | Saint Cloud, MN | 53.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College | Alexandria, MN | 54.0 mi | $6,213 - $18,962 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Minnesota schools on the Minnesota nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Willmar
| 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.
Willmar at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,136 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $63,368 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 24.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Willmar-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Saint Cloud, MN – 51.5 mi away (113,649 pop)
- Alexandria, MN – 54.3 mi away (20,814 pop)
- Monticello, MN – 62.4 mi away (26,875 pop)
- Chaska, MN – 73.8 mi away (26,016 pop)
- Elk River, MN – 73.9 mi away (24,364 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Willmar, MN?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Willmar. The closest is Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN (1.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Alexandria Technical & Community College (54.0 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 Willmar workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Saint Cloud instead of Willmar?
Saint Cloud, MN is 51.5 miles from Willmar 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 Willmar an affordable place to study nursing?
Willmar’s median household income of $63,368 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Willmar 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.