Best Online Nursing Programs in Joplin, MO (2026)
Joplin, Missouri has a population of about 52,218. The city’s median household income is $51,154 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 26.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Joplin. In Missouri, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $221,550 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Joplin
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Joplin city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Technology Center Adult Education | Joplin, MO | 0.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Carthage R9 School District-Carthage Technical Center | Carthage, MO | 12.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Crowder College | Neosho, MO | 19.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Labette Community College | Parsons, KS | 45.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Fort Scott Community College | Fort Scott, KS | 52.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Missouri schools on the Missouri nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Joplin
Joplin is part of the Joplin, MO-KS metro area (BLS area code 27900). 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 | $73,190 | Joplin, MO-KS | $85,403 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $56,800 | Joplin, MO-KS | $66,278 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $221,550 | MO statewide | $258,518 |
| Nurse Midwife | $134,970 | MO statewide | $157,491 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $124,260 | Joplin, MO-KS | $144,994 |
| Nursing Assistant | $34,660 | Joplin, MO-KS | $40,443 |
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.
Joplin at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 52,218 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $51,154 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 26.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 85.7 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other Joplin-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Pittsburg, KS – 25.7 mi away (23,069 pop)
- Bella Vista, AR – 44.0 mi away (28,406 pop)
- Bentonville, AR – 51.9 mi away (47,093 pop)
- Rogers, AR – 55.9 mi away (65,021 pop)
- Siloam Springs, AR – 61.7 mi away (21,136 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Joplin, MO?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Joplin. The closest is Franklin Technology Center Adult Education in Joplin, MO (0.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Fort Scott Community College (52.4 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Joplin?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Joplin are: Nurse Anesthetist ($221,550), Nurse Midwife ($134,970), Nurse Practitioner ($124,260). 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 Pittsburg instead of Joplin?
Pittsburg, KS is 25.7 miles from Joplin 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 Joplin an affordable place to study nursing?
Joplin’s median household income of $51,154 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Joplin 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.