Best Online Nursing Programs in Newark, NJ (2026)
Newark, New Jersey has a population of about 307,188. The city’s median household income is $48,416 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 17.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Newark. In the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro area, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Practitioner at a median $152,790 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Newark
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Newark city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essex County College | Newark, NJ | 1.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Best Care College | East Orange, NJ | 3.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ | 4.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Healthcare Training Institute | Union, NJ | 5.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Hudson County Community College | Jersey City, NJ | 5.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all New Jersey schools on the New Jersey nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Newark
Newark is part of the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ metro area (BLS area code 35620). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to New Jersey statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $113,490 | New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $100,790 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $72,800 | New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $64,654 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | N/A | NJ statewide | – |
| Nurse Midwife | $138,980 | New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $123,428 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $152,790 | New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $135,693 |
| Nursing Assistant | $47,810 | New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $42,460 |
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.
Newark at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,188 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $48,416 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 17.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 112.6 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Nursing-related employment in Essex County | 21,659 workers, 138 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Newark-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Kearny, NJ – 3.4 mi away (42,126 pop)
- East Orange, NJ – 3.5 mi away (64,789 pop)
- Elizabeth, NJ – 4.2 mi away (128,640 pop)
- Bayonne, NJ – 5.1 mi away (66,238 pop)
- Jersey City, NJ – 5.5 mi away (264,152 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Newark, NJ?
Our directory lists 5 nursing programs within 100 miles of Newark. The closest is Essex County College in Newark, NJ (1.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Hudson County Community College (5.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles near Newark?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles near Newark are: Nurse Practitioner ($152,790), Nurse Midwife ($138,980), Registered Nurse ($113,490). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with New Jersey statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Kearny instead of Newark?
Kearny, NJ is 3.4 miles from Newark 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 Newark an affordable place to study nursing?
Newark’s median household income of $48,416 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Newark while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and New Jersey 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.