Best Online Nursing Programs in Columbus, MS (2026)
Columbus, Mississippi has a population of about 23,616. The city’s median household income is $40,588 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 25.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Columbus, with tuition ranging from $3,420 to $14,779 per year. In Mississippi, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $197,490 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Columbus
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Columbus city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Mississippi Community College | Scooba, MS | 47.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Itawamba Community College | Fulton, MS | 53.0 mi | $3,420 - $11,557 | – |
| Shelton State Community College | Tuscaloosa, AL | 56.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Bevill State Community College | Jasper, AL | 69.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Northeast Mississippi Community College | Booneville, MS | 80.5 mi | $4,770 - $14,779 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Mississippi schools on the Mississippi nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Columbus
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Mississippi, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $74,470 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $48,850 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $197,490 |
| Nurse Midwife | N/A |
| Nurse Practitioner | $119,290 |
| Nursing Assistant | $30,460 |
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.
Columbus at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,616 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $40,588 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 25.8% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Columbus-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Starkville, MS – 24.2 mi away (32,441 pop)
- Northport, AL – 50.1 mi away (25,045 pop)
- Tupelo, MS – 55.2 mi away (46,095 pop)
- Meridian, MS – 79.3 mi away (39,478 pop)
- Bessemer, AL – 83.7 mi away (26,511 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Columbus, MS?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Columbus. The closest is East Mississippi Community College in Scooba, MS (47.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Northeast Mississippi Community College (80.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in Mississippi?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in Mississippi are: Nurse Anesthetist ($197,490), Nurse Practitioner ($119,290), Registered Nurse ($74,470). Wages for Columbus workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Starkville instead of Columbus?
Starkville, MS is 24.2 miles from Columbus 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 Columbus an affordable place to study nursing?
Columbus’s median household income of $40,588 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Columbus while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Mississippi 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
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