Best Online Nursing Programs in Billings, MT (2026)
Billings, Montana has a population of about 118,321. The city’s median household income is $71,855 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 37.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 2 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Billings, with tuition ranging from $4,935 to $15,710 per year. In the Billings, MT metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Practitioner at a median $136,050 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Billings
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Billings city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana State University Billings | Billings, MT | 1.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Northwest College | Powell, WY | 71.7 mi | $4,935 - $15,710 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Montana schools on the Montana nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Billings
Billings is part of the Billings, MT metro area (BLS area code 13740). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Montana statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $85,580 | Billings, MT | $91,529 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $57,500 | Billings, MT | $61,497 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A | MT statewide | – |
| Nurse Midwife | N/A | MT statewide | – |
| Nurse Practitioner | $136,050 | Billings, MT | $145,508 |
| Nursing Assistant | $41,170 | Billings, MT | $44,032 |
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.
Billings at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $71,855 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 37.0% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 93.5 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Yellowstone County | 9,598 workers, 69 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Billings, MT?
Our directory lists 2 nursing programs within 100 miles of Billings. The closest is Montana State University Billings in Billings, MT (1.5 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Northwest College (71.7 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Billings?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Billings are: Nurse Practitioner ($136,050), Registered Nurse ($85,580), Licensed Practical Nurse ($57,500). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Montana statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Is Billings an affordable place to study nursing?
Billings’s median household income of $71,855 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Billings while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Montana 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.