Best Online Nursing Programs in Independence, MO (2026)
Independence, Missouri has a population of about 121,944. The city’s median household income is $59,480 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 20.9% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Independence. In the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $189,740 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Independence
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Independence city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | 12.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | 13.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Donnelly College | Kansas City, KS | 16.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Concorde Career College-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | 17.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Kansas City Kansas Community College | Kansas City, KS | 21.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Missouri schools on the Missouri nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Independence
Independence is part of the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area (BLS area code 28140). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Missouri statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $82,630 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $89,330 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $62,700 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $67,784 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $189,740 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $205,124 |
| Nurse Midwife | $134,970 | MO statewide | $145,914 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $127,800 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $138,162 |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,130 | Kansas City, MO-KS | $42,303 |
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.
Independence at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $59,480 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 20.9% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 92.5 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Jackson County | 26,569 workers, 254 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Independence-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Blue Springs, MO – 6.6 mi away (54,431 pop)
- Raytown, MO – 8.8 mi away (29,261 pop)
- Liberty, MO – 11.1 mi away (30,614 pop)
- Kansas City, MO – 11.2 mi away (1,590,762 pop)
- Lees Summit, MO – 11.9 mi away (89,467 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Independence, MO?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Independence. The closest is University of Missouri-Kansas City in Kansas City, MO (12.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Kansas City Kansas Community College (21.4 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Independence?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Independence are: Nurse Anesthetist ($189,740), Nurse Midwife ($134,970), Nurse Practitioner ($127,800). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Missouri statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Blue Springs instead of Independence?
Blue Springs, MO is 6.6 miles from Independence 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 Independence an affordable place to study nursing?
Independence’s median household income of $59,480 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Independence while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Missouri 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.