Best Online Nursing Programs in Kearney, NE (2026)
Kearney, Nebraska has a population of about 34,024. The city’s median household income is $69,790 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 36.9% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 3 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Kearney. In Nebraska, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $231,020 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Kearney
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Kearney city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Community College | Grand Island, NE | 39.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Mid-Plains Community College | North Platte, NE | 91.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| North Central Kansas Technical College | Beloit, KS | 98.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Nebraska schools on the Nebraska nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Kearney
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Nebraska, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $81,020 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $60,740 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $231,020 |
| Nurse Midwife | $133,890 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $127,930 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,620 |
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.
Kearney at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 34,024 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $69,790 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 36.9% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Nursing-related employment in Buffalo County | 2,368 workers, 27 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Kearney-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Hastings, NE – 37.0 mi away (24,393 pop)
- Grand Island, NE – 40.9 mi away (53,556 pop)
- North Platte, NE – 92.5 mi away (24,578 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Kearney, NE?
Our directory lists 3 nursing programs within 100 miles of Kearney. The closest is Central Community College in Grand Island, NE (39.5 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is North Central Kansas Technical College (98.7 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in Nebraska?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in Nebraska are: Nurse Anesthetist ($231,020), Nurse Midwife ($133,890), Nurse Practitioner ($127,930). Wages for Kearney workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Hastings instead of Kearney?
Hastings, NE is 37.0 miles from Kearney 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 Kearney an affordable place to study nursing?
Kearney’s median household income of $69,790 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Kearney while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Nebraska 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.