Best Online Nursing Programs in Missoula, MT (2026)
Missoula, Montana has a population of about 75,600. The city’s median household income is $65,329 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 51.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 4 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Missoula. In the Missoula, MT metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Practitioner at a median $127,920 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Missoula
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Missoula city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Montana | Missoula, MT | 0.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Flathead Valley Community College | Kalispell, MT | 95.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Helena College University of Montana | Helena, MT | 96.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Highlands College of Montana Tech | Butte, MT | 96.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Montana schools on the Montana nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Missoula
Missoula is part of the Missoula, MT metro area (BLS area code 33540). 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 | $79,210 | Missoula, MT | $82,168 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $60,190 | Missoula, MT | $62,438 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A | MT statewide | – |
| Nurse Midwife | N/A | MT statewide | – |
| Nurse Practitioner | $127,920 | Missoula, MT | $132,697 |
| Nursing Assistant | $40,390 | Missoula, MT | $41,898 |
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.
Missoula at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 75,600 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $65,329 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 51.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 96.4 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other Missoula-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Butte, MT – 92.8 mi away (30,584 pop)
- Kalispell, MT – 94.2 mi away (36,304 pop)
- Helena, MT – 96.1 mi away (49,812 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Missoula, MT?
Our directory lists 4 nursing programs within 100 miles of Missoula. The closest is The University of Montana in Missoula, MT (0.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Highlands College of Montana Tech (96.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Missoula?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Missoula are: Nurse Practitioner ($127,920), Registered Nurse ($79,210), Licensed Practical Nurse ($60,190). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Montana statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Butte instead of Missoula?
Butte, MT is 92.8 miles from Missoula 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 Missoula an affordable place to study nursing?
Missoula’s median household income of $65,329 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Missoula 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.