Best Online Nursing Programs in Omaha, NE (2026)
Omaha, Nebraska has a population of about 488,197. The city’s median household income is $72,708 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 40.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Omaha, with tuition ranging from $6,780 to $18,102 per year. In the Omaha, NE-IA metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $231,090 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Omaha
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Omaha city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Saint Mary | Omaha, NE | 2.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Clarkson College | Omaha, NE | 3.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Creighton University | Omaha, NE | 5.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Metropolitan Community College Area | Omaha, NE | 5.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs, IA | 13.1 mi | $6,780 - $18,102 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Nebraska schools on the Nebraska nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Omaha
Omaha is part of the Omaha, NE-IA metro area (BLS area code 36540). 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 | $81,020 | Omaha, NE-IA | $88,161 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $61,600 | Omaha, NE-IA | $67,029 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $231,090 | Omaha, NE-IA | $251,458 |
| Nurse Midwife | $133,890 | Omaha, NE-IA | $145,691 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,190 | Omaha, NE-IA | $140,577 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,950 | Omaha, NE-IA | $42,383 |
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.
Omaha at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $72,708 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 40.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.9 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Douglas County | 26,103 workers, 179 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Omaha-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Bellevue, NE – 9.5 mi away (53,505 pop)
- Council Bluffs, IA – 10.2 mi away (62,524 pop)
- Fremont, NE – 26.1 mi away (27,598 pop)
- Lincoln, NE – 45.6 mi away (280,741 pop)
- Columbus, NE – 69.0 mi away (22,846 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Omaha, NE?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Omaha. The closest is College of Saint Mary in Omaha, NE (2.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Iowa Western Community College (13.1 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Omaha?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Omaha are: Nurse Anesthetist ($231,090), Nurse Midwife ($133,890), Nurse Practitioner ($129,190). 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 Bellevue instead of Omaha?
Bellevue, NE is 9.5 miles from Omaha 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 Omaha an affordable place to study nursing?
Omaha’s median household income of $72,708 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Omaha 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.