Best Online Nursing Programs in Carlsbad, NM (2026)
Carlsbad, New Mexico has a population of about 31,813. The city’s median household income is $78,277 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 20.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 3 accredited nursing programs within 100 miles of Carlsbad, with tuition ranging from $1,176 to $11,794 per year. In New Mexico, the top-earning nursing-related role is Nurse Anesthetist at a median $214,810 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Nursing Schools to Carlsbad
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer nursing programs. Distances are calculated from Carlsbad city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast New Mexico College | Carlsbad, NM | 2.9 mi | $1,176 - $11,794 | – |
| Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus | Roswell, NM | 64.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| New Mexico Junior College | Hobbs, NM | 66.3 mi | $1,440 - $9,150 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all New Mexico schools on the New Mexico nursing page.
Nursing Wages Near Carlsbad
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (New Mexico, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $88,260 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $60,760 |
| Nurse Anesthetist | $214,810 |
| Nurse Midwife | $118,650 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $138,440 |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,030 |
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.
Carlsbad at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 31,813 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $78,277 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 20.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Nursing-related employment in Eddy County | 1,288 workers, 13 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Carlsbad-Area Cities With Nursing Programs
- Hobbs, NM – 66.6 mi away (41,021 pop)
- Roswell, NM – 68.9 mi away (49,540 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited nursing programs are near Carlsbad, NM?
Our directory lists 3 nursing programs within 100 miles of Carlsbad. The closest is Southeast New Mexico College in Carlsbad, NM (2.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is New Mexico Junior College (66.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying nursing roles in New Mexico?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying nursing-related roles in New Mexico are: Nurse Anesthetist ($214,810), Nurse Practitioner ($138,440), Nurse Midwife ($118,650). Wages for Carlsbad workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Hobbs instead of Carlsbad?
Hobbs, NM is 66.6 miles from Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad an affordable place to study nursing?
Carlsbad’s median household income of $78,277 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Carlsbad while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and New Mexico 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.