Best Online Nursing Programs in Saint Joseph, MO (2026)
Saint Joseph, Missouri has a population of about 71,542. The city’s median household income is $55,578 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 22.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Saint Joseph. In Missouri, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $221,550 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Saint Joseph
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Saint Joseph city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Community College | Highland, KS | 24.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Donnelly College | Kansas City, KS | 44.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Kansas City Kansas Community College | Kansas City, KS | 44.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | 50.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | 51.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Missouri schools on the Missouri nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph is part of the St. Joseph, MO-KS metro area (BLS area code 41140). 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 | $74,750 | St. Joseph, MO-KS | $86,516 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $58,040 | St. Joseph, MO-KS | $67,176 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $221,550 | MO statewide | $256,424 |
| Nurse Midwife | $134,970 | MO statewide | $156,215 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,680 | St. Joseph, MO-KS | $153,565 |
| Nursing Assistant | $36,390 | St. Joseph, MO-KS | $42,118 |
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 Joseph at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 71,542 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $55,578 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 22.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 86.4 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other Saint Joseph-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Leavenworth, KS – 30.7 mi away (46,445 pop)
- Gladstone, MO – 40.2 mi away (27,114 pop)
- Liberty, MO – 41.9 mi away (30,614 pop)
- Kansas City, KS – 44.2 mi away (151,709 pop)
- Kansas City, MO – 46.2 mi away (1,590,762 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Saint Joseph, MO?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Saint Joseph. The closest is Highland Community College in Highland, KS (24.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of Missouri-Kansas City (51.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Saint Joseph?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Saint Joseph are: Nurse Anesthetist ($221,550), Nurse Midwife ($134,970), Nurse Practitioner ($132,680). 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 Leavenworth instead of Saint Joseph?
Leavenworth, KS is 30.7 miles from Saint Joseph 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 Joseph an affordable place to study nursing?
Saint Joseph’s median household income of $55,578 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Saint Joseph 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.