Best Online Nursing Programs in Lincoln, NE (2026)
Lincoln, Nebraska has a population of about 291,932. The city’s median household income is $69,991 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 41.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Lincoln. In the Lincoln, NE metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $182,110 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Lincoln
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Lincoln city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Community College Area | Lincoln, NE | 2.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| College of Saint Mary | Omaha, NE | 45.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Clarkson College | Omaha, NE | 48.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Creighton University | Omaha, NE | 49.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Metropolitan Community College Area | Omaha, NE | 49.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Nebraska schools on the Nebraska nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Lincoln
Lincoln is part of the Lincoln, NE metro area (BLS area code 30700). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Nebraska statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $84,460 | Lincoln, NE | $92,205 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $59,600 | Lincoln, NE | $65,066 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $182,110 | Lincoln, NE | $198,810 |
| Nurse Midwife | $133,890 | NE statewide | $146,168 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $120,600 | Lincoln, NE | $131,659 |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,750 | Lincoln, NE | $41,212 |
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.
Lincoln at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $69,991 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 41.0% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.6 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Lancaster County | 10,644 workers, 102 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Lincoln-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Fremont, NE – 44.8 mi away (27,598 pop)
- Bellevue, NE – 45.5 mi away (53,505 pop)
- Omaha, NE – 45.6 mi away (792,463 pop)
- Council Bluffs, IA – 52.3 mi away (62,524 pop)
- Columbus, NE – 55.7 mi away (22,846 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Lincoln, NE?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Lincoln. The closest is Southeast Community College Area in Lincoln, NE (2.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Metropolitan Community College Area (49.6 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Lincoln?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Lincoln are: Nurse Anesthetist ($182,110), Nurse Midwife ($133,890), Nurse Practitioner ($120,600). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Nebraska statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Fremont instead of Lincoln?
Fremont, NE is 44.8 miles from Lincoln 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 Lincoln an affordable place to study nursing?
Lincoln’s median household income of $69,991 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Lincoln 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.